“Voodoo medicine” is a common healing practice in the country of Haiti and is performed by a voodoo practitioner. Some people consult other traditional healers. These include people such as a “docte fey” (leaf doctor), a “fam saj” (secular midwife), a “docte zo” (bone setter) or a “pikitrist” ( injectionist). (Purnell and Paulanka, 2003) Many people use voodoo practitioners and leaf doctors for many reasons. Some reasons are more personal and they want to receive healing from one of these healers because it is primarily through faith. However, some choose to go to traditional healers for convenience. Modern medicine is very rare in Haiti – the doctor-to-patient ratio is 1:8,000. Even so, the majority of health facilities in Haiti are understaffed and underfunded. (retrieved 11/14/13 from http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Haiti.html) Another reason why this type of medical treatment is preferred is because voodoo is part of their religion. If they submit to their religion for medical help, they rely on their faith. Relying on faith comes in part from Christianity which has been incorporated into their religious practices. (retrieved 11/14/13 from http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Haiti.html) Haitian Vodou practices are beneficial not only for a person's health, but also for other aspects of his life. Participating in voodoo practices confirms a relationship between you and your ancestors, gives you the opportunity to reconnect with your personal history and the relationships you have among your peers. (retrieved 11/14/13 from http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/07/0707_040707_tvtaboovoodoo_2.html) Slaves introduced voodoo practices to Haiti several centuries ago, when they been brought from a West African country, Dah...... middle of paper...... LD, & Paulanka, BJ (2008). Transcultural health care: A culturally competent approach (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: FA Davis. Religion in Haiti. (nd). Help in Haiti Everything for Him RSS. Accessed November 14, 2013 from http://www.aidforhaiti.org/learn-more/about-haiti/religion-in-haitiRosenberg, D. (nd). A close look at Haitian voodoo rituals. Slate Magazine. Retrieved November 12, 2013, from http://www.slate.com/blogs/behold/2013/11/06/anthony_karen_a_photographer_s_look_inside_a_haitian_voodoo_ritual_photos.htmlThomas, M. (May 17, 2008). A Brief History of Voodoo in Haiti. by Matt Thomas. Retrieved November 14, 2013 from http://www.lifepaths360.com/index.php/a-brief-history-of-voodoo-in-haiti-4-14884/Voodoo Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). (nd). Voodoo FAQ. Retrieved November 14, 2013 from http://www.realvoodoos.com/voodoo-faq.html#BelieveInGod