Before they came.

Before scientific understanding of diseases, many believed that emotions and mental states could directly cause physical illness. Healing, therefore, often involved addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of the patient. Healing was often a communal affair. The care of the sick or injured was shared within communities, with elders and healers playing key roles, storytelling, and shared activities, which fostered a sense of belonging and security. Social harmony was considered crucial to the health of individuals, as a person’s illness was sometimes viewed as a reflection of disharmony within the community.