Qayapu in the reconfiguration of Andean healing and the ritual recovery of the child's soul

Bibliographic Data

ID24239385
AuthorsEdgar Gutiérrez-Gómez (0000-0001-9485-1284, National Autonomous University of Huanta), Ana Rocío Saboya-Pineda (National Autonomous University of Huanta), Rubén Darío Alania-Contreras (0000-0003-4303-1037, National University of Central Peru: Huancayo), Daniela Isabel Dayan Ortega-Révolo (0000-0003-2586-5556, Continental University, Huancayo), Wilfredo Bazán-Ramírez (0000-0002-2685-8254, National University of San Marcos), Aldo Bazán-Ramírez (José María Arguedas National University, Andahuaylas)
Year2026
Volume11
Publication date2026-10-20
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Sociology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2297-7775 • E-ISSN: 2297-7775
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fsoc.2026.1870310
OpenAlexW7223037488
LanguageEN
References cited22

The research analyzes Qayapu (calling of the soul) as a current practice in the reconfiguration of Andean healing, associated with the ritual recovery of the child's soul ( mancharisqa ), in tension with biomedical medicine. Its persistence is examined in urban spaces of Ayacucho, where differentiated therapeutic systems coexist. The study adopts a qualitative ethnographic approach, grounded in medical anthropology and hermeneutic interpretation. Participant observation, in-depth and semi-structured interviews in Quechua and Spanish, life histories, and field diary records were employed, using intentional and snowball sampling. Data analysis was conducted through inductive thematic coding and categorization. The findings indicate that susto is interpreted as soul loss, with physical and emotional manifestations that guide the use of Qayapu as treatment. The ritual, of a syncretic nature, is performed in public spaces and demonstrates symbolic efficacy, reflected in patients' relaxation and drowsiness. Distrust toward biomedicine and restricted access to specialists are also identified. It is concluded that Qayapu persists as an active therapeutic system, whose understanding requires intercultural approaches that integrate ancestral knowledge with mental healthcare.

access to specialist care · ancestral knowledge · Ayacucho · healing rituals · intercultural health · Mental Health Services · soul loss · susto · Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights · Indigenous Studies in Latin America · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

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