Perception regarding the Liwa from the Miskitu women in the community of Wasla, Waspam, Rio Coco

Abstract

In this research, we have determined the perception that the Miskitu indigenous women from the community of Wasla has about the Liwa or spirit of the waters. It is a qualitative study based on an ethnographic design, in which we applied interviews to 30 miskitu women from the community of Wasla, Waspam. Among the most important findings, we can highlight that these women believe in the existence of Liwa and this belief affects the people’s health, especially in pregnant women and children. Also the most frequent discomforts and pains that the women present are: pain in the lower abdomen, transvaginal bleeding, itching and vaginal flow, spots on the skin and early miscarriage. The conclusion indicates that is necessary the recognition of traditional medicine and its articulation with western medicine in order to improve the health care quality in the municipality.