Storytelling

This chapter presents the art and science of storytelling as a mechanism that can be used in complementary therapy. It defines its historical roots in orality (also known as oralism) and explicates through examples from primary oral cultures. These are cultures that do not have a written language system. In direct contrast, taking the art form into the future, the chapter explores digital storytelling. In another unexpected development, orality, oral instruction, and knowledge keepers as trusted messengers proved not only of interest but also a necessity for indigenous health during a global pandemic in the 21st century for Indigenous health. In this case, innovation is actually stepping back to in-person delivery of necessary information from orator to receiver. Additionally, the chapter connects storytelling as an instructive complementary therapy that can affect the path of one's health in terms of education, prevention, and intervention.