Curandera

A curandero (or curandera for a female) is a traditional folk healer or shaman prevalent in Latin America, and especially in Mexico and in Chicano communities in the southwestern United States. They are often respected members of the community, being highly religious and spiritual. Literally translating as "healer" from Spanish, curanderos often use herbs and other natural remedies to cure illnesses, but their primary method of healing is the supernatural. This is because they believe that the cause of many illnesses is evil spirits, the punishment of God, or a curse. (Taken from Wikipedia) Some folks at work refer to me as a 'curandera', although I do not consider myself to be one. I believe that ancestrally, there are healers from both sides of my blood line. My grandfather (my father's father-who is FIlipino) was considered to have healing powers. He died when I was 4 years old, so I never saw that part of him. My aunt has some incredible stories of his abilities. From my mother's side, there are a few in the nursing profession (I don't know if we have any MD's). And, I think my mom passed along a lot of common sense which seems to come in handy in dealing with everyday ailments. I have evolved into one who practices integrative medicine. Much of what I know is derived from a wide array of reference books and learning from those who have been trained in naturopathy and homeopathy. I can't say that I could ever fully embrace the principles of being a curandera, since I don't think that illness is a form of punishment from God. "The mind is its own place, and in itself can make heaven of hell, or hell of heaven. (John Dorphine)