Neighbour of mine, I see your pain is growing. I think to cook today would be too much for you. Come sister, share mbebe and nshima with me.

The weight of time has overwhelmed you: the calendars of annual pressure. I know you will get better – I am living proof of that. So come, sit if you wish. For even though you may not want to talk, it's good to have someone around. We are Tumbuka and we heal together.

After you have eaten, I shall offer my arm and we shall walk to Tempiri, the house of healing. The rendezvous of herbs and knowledge, confluence of rest and diagnosis. The Nchima knows our story. Many years ago, it was her story too. She will dance for you, as she did for me.

I will be there at the dance, that blessed prescription. I shall be amongst the other women and children, gathered around you. I will be there at your 'time of dancing', at your Vimbuza, when the community assembles to help a sister, expel her unwanted visitor. To help her dance her pain away. We are Tumbuka and we heal together.

Christianity still fights against Vimbuza, for it is something they have not ordained. Psychiatry fights Vimbuza too, because we do not utilise their methods. But we do not need their approval, for something we know to be successful. So come, neighbour of mine. Mbebe is drying, nshima is bubbling. We are Tumbuka and we heal together.

* Natty Mark Samuels © 2010
* Please send comments to [email protected] or comment online at Pambazuka News.

Mbebe – Wild mice. Which feed on nuts, roots and berries. A Malawian delicacy and form of protein. Rats are taboo.

Nshima – Malawian staple. Consisting of cornmeal and water.

N'ganga – Traditional healer

Vimbuza – Healing dance