Abstract

CAMPOS NAVARRO, Roberto. History of "Empacho" in Bolivia (1612-2007). Rev. bol. ped. [online]. 2009, vol.48, n.2, pp.77-84. ISSN 1024-0675.

Introduction: "Empacho" is a popular nosological category recognized throughout Latin America. It is an illness related to the digestive system, caused by overeating and digestive irregularities. Material and method: this study was conducted from 2004 until 2008 using documents from the principal libraries in La Paz, Sucre, Cochabamba and Potosí, Bolivia. Other sources include documentation centers in hospitals and non-governmental organizations. A revision of electronic media from the Internet was also completed. Results: thirty-two primary sources were found in which the topic of "empacho" appears. The majority of these sources date from the past century, the second most come fromthe current century, followed by the 18 th century, the 19th century, and one other from the 17 century. The information comes from indigenous and academic doctors, priests, lawyers, naturists and home-makers. The concept for "empacho" as a gastrointestinal disorder is expressed in Spanish, Aymara, Quechua and Guaraní. Overeating, hot-cold disequilibrium, and the ingestion of undercooked foods and non-edible substances cause "empacho". It appears with more frequency in infant populations. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, colic pain, flatulence, loss of appetite, fever and others. Treatment includes medicinal plants, massage, religious cures, special practices and other curative forms. Prevention requires avoiding excessive eating. Conclusions: the entire population, indigenous and non-indigenous, of Bolivia, recognizes "empacho". The conceptual, etiological, epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic information is similar to that found in the rest of Latin America. However, in Bolivia there is more frequent mention of medicinal herbs and a relative ignorance of special treatments performed in neighboring countries.

Keywords : Bolivian traditional medicine; popular illness; "empacho".

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