Indigenous healing movements in China and the Philippines: Possibilities and challenges for decolonial and liberation psychologies

Abstract

In response to enduring historical colonialism and contemporary neocolonial influences, Indigenous Psychology movements in Asia have emerged as a counterforce to Western-centric hegemonic psychology. These movements strive for holistic healing that is deeply rooted in diverse local practices and wisdom. This introductory article positions Indigenous Psychology movements within the broader discourse on decolonial and liberation psychologies, highlighting their significance in the Chinese and Filipino cultural contexts. We briefly describe the history of these movements and explore various Indigenous healing approaches, from "indigenizing from without" to "indigenizing from within," a conceptual framework developed by Filipino psychologist Virgilio Enriquez in 1994. While recognizing the decolonial and liberatory potential of these movements, we also confront their challenges and limitations, such as the limited scope of representation of indigeneity and insufficient focus on historical trauma and colonial mentality. We advocate for a developmental approach to understand the evolution of Indigenous Psychology movements, culminating in a stage of "reclamation." The article concludes by delineating practical implications for incorporating these Indigenous perspectives into broader psychological practices. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).