The chapter analyses the practice of traditional medicine in contemporary Malawi. The study finds that social media is transforming not only the social perception of traditional medicine but also its practice. First, in a largely religious/Christian country where traditional medicine is commonly frowned upon, social media has increased not only access to traditional medicine but also raised the profile of traditional medicine.
It is now possible for individuals who could not easily access traditional medicine, on social or religious grounds, to do so without fear of religious or social ostracism. However, the online presence of traditional medicine has affected its practice. It has significantly undercut the threefold structure of traditional medicine: divination, spiritualisation and herbalism. It has led to the emphasis on herbalism at the expense of divination and spiritualisation. This trend demonstrates the impact of hypermediated religious spaces and their implications on social relationships and ritual practice. Through this analysis, the chapter contributes to the literature on the continuing relevance of indigenous religions in the 21st Century.