Table 4 Definitions of supernatural diseases in the Saraguro community
Disease | Definition | Symptomatology |
|---|---|---|
Susto | A disease that is produced by unpleasant experiences, accidents, violent episodes, or moments of distress that produce an emotional impact on the patient. | Nervousness, lack of appetite, sleep loss. |
Vaho de agua | This disease occurs when the person is exposed to water mist, for example, when crossing a bridge. People who have been beaten or injured or women who have recently given birth are more susceptible to this disease. | Severe pain in the extremities, wounds, or strokes that arise from time to time. |
Mal aire | A disease caused by strong winds experienced while the person walks down a hill, by contact with cold air when the person leaves a sheltered place, or when a person walks through cemeteries or places where there are hidden treasures. | Dizziness, headache, vomiting, stomach pain. The patient suffers body deterioration. |
Mal hecho | This disease is caused by damage that a person intentionally inflicts on another individual. The diseases that are manifested are organic and psychological, emphasizing envy and jealousy. | The patient suffers personal misfortunes, accidents, death of loved ones, and financial losses. This leads to depression. |
Shuka | This disease is the so-called mal de ojo. It is caused by a person directed a forceful gaze toward someone else. In this case, the disease occurs without maliciousness. Otherwise, shuka occurs with bad intention. | Fainting, nervousness, pale face, headache, sadness, behavioral, and personality changes. Children are more prone to this disease. |