Where hyenas are used to treat mental illness

[muriel_volestrangler]

Truly bizarre and disturbing.

The scenario is familiar in Somalia. A man has become possessed by spirits and the only option for his family is to restrain him and call the sheikh. But as the young man protests, a voice that challenges Somali tradition booms out.

"Stop with the chains!" the voiceover orders. "Take him to Dr Hab's hospital! If he's having mental problems, take him to Dr Hab. He won't chain him, he'll help him."
...
"There is a belief in my country that hyenas can see everything including the evil spirits people think cause mental illness," says Hab. "So in Mogadishu, you will find hyenas that have been brought from the bush and families will pay £350 ($560) to have their loved one locked in the room overnight with the animal."

The expensive treatment - more than the average annual wage - is as brutal as it sounds. By clawing and biting at the patient, the hyena is thought to force the evil spirit out. Patients, including young children, have been known to die during the process.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24539989

[hobbit709]

1. Can we do that to the teabaggers?

[LiberalEsto]

4. No. The hyenas will give them professional courtesy

as fellow scavengers.

[enough]

2. Actually quite an inspiring story about this man's work to bring change. (nt)

[Orsino]

3. Hush. Boehner will hear.

And make hyena treatment the cornerstone of the GOP health care plan.