"""1/30/2005 -- Irrakkakandi, Sri Lanka -- Traditional healer and mentally disturbed man -- AA Fawsor, 29, was caught in the December 26 tsunami while out fishing and struggled against drowning for an hour. His family and neighbors said that he'd been acting """"funny"""" since - he was moody and would lash out - but four days ago, he had a breakdown. His family and the other villagers had to tie him up in a room to keep him from hurting himself, his young wife and four children. The village leaders decided to bring in a traditional healer, Latif, who demanded items for his ceremony such as a variety of flowers in specific numbers, special kinds of roots and earth, spices, perfumed oils, and various kinds of curry and meats. The next morning, Latif took Fawsor away from the village to protect him from """"unclean,"""" or menstruating, women, who, he says, were to blame for his mental illness. Project on Tsunami recovery by Dina Rudick and John Donnelly. Globe Staff Photo, Dina Rudick."""
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