Hinduism
Strong beliefs in astrology. The movement of the planets has a major influence on human life. Illness may be attributed to supernatural causes.[10, 11]
Pain and suffering may be seen as the result of sinful acts/deeds in this or previous lives. This belief may impact the individual’s self-report of pain levels. Meditation may be used as an intervention to manage pain instead of pain medications.[8]
Males have a responsibility to look after females. Males may not leave females in the presence of an unfamiliar male. Provide same-sex caregivers. Gown patient in a manner that protects modesty.[9]
Family members – especially elders – have a strong influence on decisions. Determine who will make treatment decisions.
Protective jewelry or sacred strings may be worn. Provide careful explanation to patient and/or family if absolutely necessary to remove these objects. Give to relatives for safekeeping.[10]
The concept of purity is important to Hindu life, leading many Hindus to be meticulous about personal cleanliness. Showers are preferred to baths. Bodily discharges may be considered impure. Females are considered temporarily impure or polluted when menstruating and following childbirth.[9, 10]
Will have specific times for prayer and meditation, generally after bathing in the early morning and in the early evening. May have a desire to keep religious statues or pictures close by. Prayer for recovery from illness is generally unacceptable. Use flexibility in planning care to accommodate prayer and meditation; provide privacy.
Fasting is common. It may be practiced on specific days of the week, on some holidays, and in conjunction with special prayers. Food intake on fasting days may vary from complete abstinence to one meal per day. Consider this when providing education about disease processes that may be affected by fasting, such as diabetes.[10]
There are three body humors—wind (vata), bile (pitta), and phlegm (kapha). Hot and cold theory applies to foods and equilibrium within the body. Imbalances are believed to cause illness.[10]
Many Hindus are strict vegetarians and connect this dietary choice to spirituality.[10]
Eating beef is prohibited. Cows are considered sacred; they are thought to symbolize fertility, represent life and the sustenance of life. It is considered to possess qualities that Hindus can strive to gain because the cow takes little for itself, existing on grass and grain. However, it is the most generous animal, giving back to man such things as milk, bones for soup, leather for shoes, etc. Other meat is not eaten because it involves harming a living creature, or in the case of pork, the pig is seen as a scavenger and, therefore, the meat is considered unclean. Chicken and fish may be acceptable to some Hindus. However, food prepared in a medical facility may not be accepted because it may have come in contact with a forbidden food. The hospitalized individual may desire food to be brought from home.[10]
May refuse medication by capsule. Cows and pigs are a source for the manufacture of some capsules.
Shoes are often removed prior to entering the Hindu home to avoid bringing dirt into the home. For home health visits, inquire about the necessity of removing shoes prior to entering the home.[10]
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