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The legacy of Idhrees: Preserving the declining art of traditional healing

Rabeeha Amir
12 April 2023, MVT 21:57
Idrees Aboobakuru, an expert in 'Dhivehi Beys', or traditional medicine, at his home in March 2023. PHOTO: MIHAARU.
Rabeeha Amir
12 April 2023, MVT 21:57

Idhrees Aboobakuru is without a doubt a well-known name in 'Dhivehi Beys', or traditional medicine. His approaches are fully trusted by anyone who seeks his assistance, and he has always been someone "who only hopes for success."

Idhrees, who has earned the trust of many Maldivians across the country, said, "I have no problems going to any length to provide assistance to anyone with any injury."

Idhrees, who hails from Faafu atoll Feeali, is a beloved person in the atoll and on his native island. He has dedicated his life to his practise, which also includes helping women give birth and performing circumcisions.

'Dhivehi Beys' is not new to Idhrees, as his father was also a traditional healer. "My father is a well-seasoned healer in traditional medicine. I asked him to teach me the ropes, from how to assist in birthing, to circumcisions. I wanted to carry forward my father’s legacy," the father of five said.

"I used to go with my father on his rounds. I learned a lot from him, and he taught me a lot. But when he passed away, I had not yet been certified."

Idhrees had to go through a few procedures to obtain the certification since a practitioner was required to be certified. "I spent four months working with Dr. Mohamed Maniku to get additional expertise in the field. Following that, I received the 'Dhivehi Beys' certification from the government team."

About 40 years ago, Idhrees was among the individuals with the necessary credentials to practise traditional medicine. Idhrees and other healthcare professionals were in great demand because a lot of Maldivians still did not have easy access to healthcare. They travelled between atolls and provided their services; Idhrees was particularly sought after by those looking for a treatment for paralysis.

"I treat a variety of illnesses, including paralysis, urologic diseases, gastritis, internal medical conditions, bone diseases, hip discomfort, and brain diseases."

"I have no problem providing treatment for paralysis. If I meet the person at the time of the paralysis attack, I can reverse it back to normal within two weeks. I have cured eight people from different islands. Any loss of muscle function, whether it is partial or complete, I have been able to cure with the will of Allah."

His second area of expertise is gastroenterology. For the treatment of gastritis, Idhrees created his own medication. Gastric problems are the main factor linking most disorders, claims Idhrees, and can be cured in thirteen days.

Idrees Aboobakuru showing his credentials in 'Dhivehi Beys' and other related practises, at his home in March 2023. PHOTO: MIHAARU.

Traditional medicine and modern medicine are significantly dissimilar to one another. There are some ailments that conventional medicine cannot treat, and there are other diseases that require it, according to Idhrees. He continued by citing a few instances, including the time he travelled to Kaafu atoll Kaashidhoo, to treat a paralysed individual.

"In the same house as the patient I went to see, a sturdy man was in a wheelchair. But he could not walk, even with a stick. While I was giving treatment to the patient, he asked me if I could treat him too. He talked about how he has had back pain for seven years. He talked about how he had seen several doctors both abroad and in the Maldives without any success. I told him to fetch me the ingredients needed to make his treatment."

"I wrapped the remedy around his body and kept it on for two nights. Then I asked him to have an ocean rinse; next, I gave him an oil treatment and asked him to get out of bed. He was afraid to stand, thinking he would fall. But he managed to walk quite easily. People from other houses came out to see him walking!"

He also reminisced about the time something similar happened in Malé. He was in the city to treat people when a friend phoned and asked him to come to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

"When I went, a woman was lying comatose; all hope had been given up for her. I checked her pulse and told the doctors to quickly take her to her island. I cured her too."

Idhrees believes that 'Dhivehi Beys' can seem "magical" at times, but he wistfully pointed out how it is slowly ceasing to exist.

He emphasised its importance, saying, "We have to keep this alive, for the sake of humanity."

"I've always maintained that healers need land to grow the herbs required for the treatments in order to restore the practise. I've also asked the council for property on which I can build a facility and cultivate the medical supplies I require."

However, he supposes that neither the councils nor the government are making an effort to preserve the tradition and make it accessible to the coming generations. He also noted that today's youth show little interest in finding out how to revive this practise.

"I worry that we won't see this practise again. Nobody is approaching me and asking me to educate them, however much I talk about this. I cannot forcefully teach anyone if they do not have the interest, and if the youth are not up for it, the practise will not exist anymore."

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