Medicine Men Go Wild – 4oD – Channel 4
In the fourth programme, Chris and Xand live with the Ashaninka, the indigenous people of the rainforests of Peru. They investigate if the tribal Shaman can help them unlock the medical secrets of one of the most botanically diverse places on earth.
The Ashaninka have been a people under siege since the days of the Spanish conquistadors, and current threats include those from oil companies, drug traffickers, colonists, illegal lumberers and illegal road builders. Even ‘benevolent’ individuals and organisations such as missionaries and conservation groups are having a negative impact on this beleagured nation.
During their time in the rainforest, the van Tullekens learn about the ways of Ashaninka healing and Shamanistic beliefs, and investigate the effects of a powerful local hallucinogenic, ayahuasca.
SERIES SYNOPSISTwo young British doctors – who also happen to be identical twins – immerse themselves in radically different cultures in four of the most extreme places on earth. Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the world of tribal medicine and experiment with body mutilation, hallucinogenic plants, toxic potions and the superstitions of Shamen to discover whether traditional forms of healing have anything to teach modern medicine about curing illness.
The rest of the series is really good as well.
