Anthropological reflection on the popular image of the biofield energy healer in Poland. History, tradition and the present-day

Abstract

In this paper the author analyzes the popular image of the Polish healer. The analysis is based on her own research conducted in the city of Lodz, as well as on the results of other studies carried out in Poland.

In the era of spectacular achievements of academic medicine, the popularity of healers seems worth considering. It may be caused by social, cultural and demographic factors. According to the author, the image of the contemporary healer is a product of centuries-old traditions, as well as the therapists’ ability to adapt their image to patients’ needs and expectations.