Rituals, prayers and festivals

Healing practices can be highly ritualised depending on the degree to which a client subscribes to one (or more) of the systems as a faith tradition. Many clients will receive traditional treatments from a practitioner in much the same way as in biomedical care; others might expect the reading of texts, treatment accompanied by ritualised movements, purification with water and the placement of particular objects in specific locations. Some will use talismans and amulets, or other objects to assist healing.

Amulets should not be removed without patient's consent, and if removed, handled with care. Jade charms are of particular importance.

TCM is used by many East Asians and is often expected to be incorporated into treatment.

Festivals

• New Year in the East Asian cultures is one of the most important festivals. It has its roots in Folk Religion in some cultures, but is generally valued by the citizens of all of the East Asian countries. It is a time for family re-union, visiting and feasting. It is celebrated on different dates across the different countries.
  • The Chinese New Year falls over a two-week period usually around the end of January or sometimes early February.
  • Japanese New Year (Oshogatsu) falls on January 1.
  • Korean New Year (Seollal) is the most important holiday of the year and lasts 3 days. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which is usually the second new moon after the winter solstice. They also celebrate the solar New Year on January 1.
  • Vietnamese New Year is the same as the Chinese New Year.
• Confucius Day celebrates Confucius's birthday and commemorative rituals are performed in temples or halls following a strict 37-step ceremonial sequence. This coincides with National Teacher's Day in China because of his significant contributions to, and emphasis on education.
• For Taoists, New Year is paramount as well as the celebration of Lao Tzu's birthday. This occurs on the 15th of the second lunar month.
• Wesak/Vesak or the Buddha's birthday, death and enlightenment are all celebrated on the same day. It is a very important festival for Buddhists. This falls on the 4th full moon day in May (except in a leap year when the festival is held in June) (Buddhanet).

Clients are likely to want to avoid appointments or treatments where possible during these festive periods. Accommodating this need would be appreciated as these traditional celebrations are very important within the respective cultures, and regarded as essential family time.