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Recognition and the Creation of Wellbeing

Eeva Sointu

Smith College

Whilst much research into alternative and complementary medicine use indicates that these practices enable experiences of control, agency and empowerment, few theoretically informed answers have been given to why and how consultations with alternative and complementary health practitioners facilitate experiences that are felt to be ‘healing’.This article utilizes theories of recognition in order to reflect on the healing experiences of women seeking health and wellbeing through varied forms of alternative and complementary medicine. I analyse the empowering and agency-giving aspects of alternative and complementary medicines, in particular in relation to wider societal conceptualizations of the self. This article is based on qualitative interviews with both practitioners and clients of varying alternative and complementary medicines.

Key Words: alternative medicines • empowerment • identity • recognition • subjectivity

Sociology, Vol. 40, No. 3, 493-510 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0038038506063671
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