MIASU Research Seminar – 25 February – Uranchimeg Ujeed

Cultural Heritage for Self-healing: Reshaping of Shamanic Practice in Inner Mongolia

Uranchimeg Ujeed (MIASU, University of Cambridge)

While many functions of shamanism have diminished over time, , its healing as a primary function underlies its proliferation, especially self-healing in Horchin Mongolian shamanic case. A key feature of contemporary Horchin shamanism in Inner Mongolia, China, is the self-healing process neophytes undergo through rigorous shamanic training involving dancing, singing, and drumming. Neuroscientific studies suggest that self-induced trance states lead to cognitive brain changes, potentially explaining the mechanisms behind shamanic self-healing.

Despite being situated in a grey area between superstition and culture, beyond the scope of recognized religion in modern China, Horchin shamanic dance has been officially designated as intangible cultural heritage. This recognition not only legitimises shamanism socially but also enhances its efficacy, as shamans adapt their practices in response to this status. Competing for the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage Transmitters, master shamans have advanced shamanic arts, transforming them into elaborate, group-oriented self-healing performances for their disciples.

Using the case of Horchin shamanism, this paper highlights the resilience of shamanism—a practice rooted in prehistory—despite historical religious, political, and modernist suppressions. It underscores shamanism’s enduring relevance, particularly its capacity to address mental health challenges in the contemporary world.