Traditional Medicine/CURANDERISMO within the Hispanic/Latino population Traditional Medicine/CURANDERISMO within the Hispanic/Latino population.

Traditional Medicine/CURANDERISMO Traditional Medicine/CURANDERISMO within the Hispanic/Latino population within the Hispanic/Latino population

What’s the point???What’s the point???

When we’re selective about the When we’re selective about the options we consider. This limits our options we consider. This limits our

ability to solve problems. It’s far ability to solve problems. It’s far better to open our minds to better to open our minds to

all possibleall possible solutions/options. solutions/options.

Latino and Asian Latino and Asian Populations in the US and Populations in the US and NC, 2000NC, 2000• The Latino populationThe Latino population• 12.5% of the US population (35.3 million)12.5% of the US population (35.3 million)• 4.7% of the NC population (378,963)4.7% of the NC population (378,963)

• The Asian PopulationThe Asian Population• 3.6% of the US Population (10.2 million)3.6% of the US Population (10.2 million)• 1.4% of the NC population (113,689)1.4% of the NC population (113,689)

• U.S. Census Bureau, 2000U.S. Census Bureau, 2000

Demographic Data - Latinos in Demographic Data - Latinos in USUS

• Majority of Latino immigrants employed Majority of Latino immigrants employed in agriculture, construction, food in agriculture, construction, food services, landscaping, and factoriesservices, landscaping, and factories

• Despite high levels of employment, nearly Despite high levels of employment, nearly 60% of Latinos live in families with incomes 60% of Latinos live in families with incomes below 200% of the poverty level (US)below 200% of the poverty level (US)

Hispanic Myths/Sterotypes

All Hispanics are the same

All Hispanics are on Federal Assistance

“They can speak English, they just act dumb”

All Hispanics are illegal

Hispanics are taking our jobs

All Hispanics come from Mexico

Hispanic Cultural ViewsHispanic Cultural Views

• Respeto/RespectRespeto/Respect

• FamialismoFamialismo

• Non-Verbal Non-Verbal

expressionsexpressions

• Time ConceptTime Concept

• MachismoMachismo

• ChauvinismChauvinism

• Religious ValuesReligious Values

• MarianismoMarianismo

Barriers to CareBarriers to Care

• LanguageLanguage

• Cultural differencesCultural differences

• Lack of insuranceLack of insurance

• Lack of Lack of transportationtransportation

• Knowledge of Knowledge of servicesservices

• No phoneNo phone

• Hours of services Hours of services offeredoffered

• Immigration statusImmigration status

• Residency Residency requirementrequirement

• Public chargePublic charge

Culturally Sensitive interviewCulturally Sensitive interview(Non Verbal Communication (Non Verbal Communication Styles)Styles)• Hispanics tend to touch people with Hispanics tend to touch people with

whom they are speaking.whom they are speaking.• They tend to sit and stand closer than They tend to sit and stand closer than

Anglos.Anglos.• Shake hands or engage in an Shake hands or engage in an

introductory embrace kissing on the introductory embrace kissing on the cheek, hugging.cheek, hugging.

• Interpret prolonged eye contact as Interpret prolonged eye contact as disrespectful.disrespectful.

•Antojos are cravings in a pregant woman. It is thought by many that failure to satisfy the cravings may lead to injury to the baby, including genetic defects.

• Ataque de nervios are episodic, dramatic outbursts of negative emotion - usually in response to a current stressor (but often related to a significant childhood stressor).

• Barrevillos are obsessions.

•Bilis is thought to be bile flowing into the blood stream after a traumatic event, with the end result of nervousness.

•Caida de la mollera is the presence of a sunken fontanelle in an infant.

•Decaiminientos is fatigue and listlessness from a spiritual cause.

•Dercernsos are fainting spells.

Empacho Empacho is intestinal obstruction and is characterized by is intestinal obstruction and is characterized by abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, anorexia, or gas and abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, anorexia, or gas and bloating. Post-partum women and infants and children are most bloating. Post-partum women and infants and children are most susceptible. susceptible.

Mal de OjoMal de Ojo is the "Evil Eye" that may affect infants or women. It is is the "Evil Eye" that may affect infants or women. It is caused by a person with a "strong eye" (especially green or blue) caused by a person with a "strong eye" (especially green or blue) looking with admiration or jealousy at another person. looking with admiration or jealousy at another person. Mal de OjoMal de Ojo is avoided by touching an infant when admiring or complimenting is avoided by touching an infant when admiring or complimenting it.it. NerviosimoNerviosimo is "sickness of the nerves" and is common and may is "sickness of the nerves" and is common and may be treated spiritually and/or medicinally. be treated spiritually and/or medicinally.

Pasmo Pasmo is paralysis or paresis of extremities or face and is treated is paralysis or paresis of extremities or face and is treated with massage. with massage.

SustoSusto is fright resulting in "soul loss." is fright resulting in "soul loss." SustoSusto may be acute or may be acute or chronic and includes a variety of vague complaints. Women are chronic and includes a variety of vague complaints. Women are are affected more than men. are affected more than men.

COMMON HOME REMEDYCOMMON HOME REMEDY

Tea from Herbs, Spices or FruitsTea from Herbs, Spices or Fruits

Not unusual for Sick Person to use:Not unusual for Sick Person to use:

PrayerPrayer

Folk/Herbal MedicineFolk/Herbal Medicine All at the sameAll at the same timetimePrescription Drugs from FriendsPrescription Drugs from Friends

Prescription Drugs from PhysiciansPrescription Drugs from Physicians

Folk Remedies Everyone Should Know (+ indicates yes, with + being least and +++ being most; - indicates no, with - being least and - - - most, i.e., - - - in the safety column indicates the treatment is significantly dangerous. ? ? ? indicates the information is not known to the author.)

Spanish Name

English Name Uses Efficacy Safety

Ajo Garlic Hypertension, antibiotic, cough syrup, tripaida + +++

Azarcón/ Greta

Lead/mercury oxides Empacho, teething - - - - -

Damiana Damiana Aphrodisiac, frio en la matriz, chickenpox 0 +

Estafiate Wormwood Worms, colic, diarrhea, cramps, bilis, empacho + purge - -

EucaliptoEucalyptus (Vicks Vapor Rub) Coryza, asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis + respiratory Sx; 0

TB +

Gobernadora

Chaparral Arthritis (poultice); tea for cancer, venereal disease, tuberculosis, cramps, pasmo, analgesic

+ as a poultice0 as a tea

- - - (internal)

Gordolobo

Mullein Cough suppressant, asthma, coryza, tuberculosis + Cough; 0 asthma, TB, coryza

+ + (if right species)

Manzanilla Chamomile Nausea, flatus, colic, anxiety; eyewash+ except eyewash = 0

+ + (if no allergy)

Orégano Oregano Coryza, expectorant, menstrual difficulties, worms0/ + except worms = 0

+

Pasionara Passion flower Anxiety, hypertension + + + sedative+ + (if right species)

Rodigiosa Bricklebush Adult onset diabetes, gallbladder disease ? ? ? ? ? ?

Ruda RueAntispasmodic, abortifacient, empacho, insect repellent

? ? ?- - - (internal, external)

Saliva Sage Prevent hair loss, coryza, diabetes ? ? ? - - (chronic use)

Tilia Linden flower Sedative, hypertension, diaphoretic+ sedative, other = ? ? ?

- - (chronic use)

Tronadora Trumpet flowerAdult onset diabetes, gastric symptoms, chickenpox

? ? ? ? ? ?

Yerba buena Peppermint Dyspepsia, flatus, colic, susto + + +

Zábila Aloe veraExternal - cuts, burnsInternal - purgative, immune stimulant

External + + +Internal +/? ? ?

External + +Internal - - -

Zapote blanco Sapodilla Insomnia, hypertension, malaria ? ? ? ? ? ?

CURANDERISMOCURANDERISMO• There is a widespread belief in Mexico that when There is a widespread belief in Mexico that when

a rich person is ill, it is time to go to a doctor. a rich person is ill, it is time to go to a doctor. When the rich person is desperately ill, it is time When the rich person is desperately ill, it is time to seek the help of a curandero (healer). When to seek the help of a curandero (healer). When the poor person is ill, the first alternative is to find the poor person is ill, the first alternative is to find a curandero. It is only when the poor person is a curandero. It is only when the poor person is desperately sick that it is time to go to a doctor.desperately sick that it is time to go to a doctor.

• Most Mexicans, especially those who live in the Most Mexicans, especially those who live in the less developed areas, use herbal remedies and less developed areas, use herbal remedies and other folk treatment, such as healing massage, other folk treatment, such as healing massage, with such confidence as a U.S. citizen might in with such confidence as a U.S. citizen might in taking an aspirin.taking an aspirin.

CURANDERISMOCURANDERISMO

• Curanderismo is the art of folk Curanderismo is the art of folk healing by a curandero.healing by a curandero.

• Healers can be either male or female Healers can be either male or female and may even specialize in their and may even specialize in their practice.practice.

Origins of CuranderismoOrigins of Curanderismo

• Curanderismo in Mexico is based on Curanderismo in Mexico is based on Aztec, Mayan, and Spanish Aztec, Mayan, and Spanish influences. influences.

• The ancient natives believed that the The ancient natives believed that the delicate balance existed between delicate balance existed between health, nature, and religion. health, nature, and religion.

• Illness occurred when one of these Illness occurred when one of these areas were out of balanceareas were out of balance

Three most common Three most common types of Curanderostypes of Curanderos• Yerbero (herbalist)Yerbero (herbalist)

• Partera (midwife)Partera (midwife)

• Sobador (masseur)Sobador (masseur)• The Curandero has the skill to treat a wide variety The Curandero has the skill to treat a wide variety

of illnesses, he is the only healer in the culture who of illnesses, he is the only healer in the culture who can treat mal puesto, illnesses caused by witchcraftcan treat mal puesto, illnesses caused by witchcraft

Curandero’s TreatmentsCurandero’s Treatments

• Curandero’s treatments may consist ofCurandero’s treatments may consist of

• ceremoniesceremonies

• ritualsrituals

• herbal remediesherbal remedies

• potionspotions

• countermagiccountermagic

CURANDERCURANDEROSOS

• Curandero’s work on three levelsCurandero’s work on three levels

• the materialthe material

• the spiritualthe spiritual

• the mentalthe mental• He may prescribe a herbal remedy or conduct a He may prescribe a herbal remedy or conduct a

religious ritual. Quite often a curandero is called religious ritual. Quite often a curandero is called upon to treat the physical symptoms that patients upon to treat the physical symptoms that patients believe come from supernatural causesbelieve come from supernatural causes

CURANDERISMOCURANDERISMO

• The practice of Curanderismo teaches The practice of Curanderismo teaches that it is not enough to simply diagnose that it is not enough to simply diagnose a physical problem but the Curandero a physical problem but the Curandero needs to look at the heart and the soul needs to look at the heart and the soul of the person to understand the true of the person to understand the true illness.illness.

• Only medicine that deals with the Only medicine that deals with the “whole being” can effectively create a “whole being” can effectively create a “whole cure”“whole cure”

CURANDERISMOCURANDERISMO

• True healing can only be effective if it has True healing can only be effective if it has some spiritual basis.some spiritual basis.

• The patient will need to call upon that The patient will need to call upon that divine energy to help guide them in their divine energy to help guide them in their healing.healing.

• The belief with modern medicine is that The belief with modern medicine is that the body goes to the doctor, the mind to the body goes to the doctor, the mind to the psychiatrist, and the soul and spirit go the psychiatrist, and the soul and spirit go to the church.to the church.

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Concepts of “Hot” and “ColdConcepts of “Hot” and “Cold

Cold conditions treated with Hot RemediesCold conditions treated with Hot Remedies

Hot conditions treated with Cold RemediesHot conditions treated with Cold Remedies

CURANDERISMOCURANDERISMO

• The Curandero treats the person on The Curandero treats the person on three levelsthree levels

• The PláticaThe Plática

• The LimpiaThe Limpia

• The Soul RetrievalThe Soul Retrieval

CURANDERISMOCURANDERISMO

• THE PLATICA is the portion of the THE PLATICA is the portion of the healing process in which the Curandero healing process in which the Curandero learns about the patient through learns about the patient through stories and also is an important part in stories and also is an important part in educating the patient and beginning educating the patient and beginning the healing session.the healing session.

• Items used : candles, incense, pictures Items used : candles, incense, pictures of saints and lot of flowers presentof saints and lot of flowers present

CURANDERISMOCURANDERISMO

• THE LIMPIA is the portion of the THE LIMPIA is the portion of the healing process that starts the healing healing process that starts the healing of the soul, the mind, and the body.of the soul, the mind, and the body.

• Objects used: whole raw egg. glass of Objects used: whole raw egg. glass of water, Copal, hot charcoal, herbs water, Copal, hot charcoal, herbs (rosemary), variety of candles, (rosemary), variety of candles, feathers(Eagle) and prayer and/or feathers(Eagle) and prayer and/or chants.chants.

CURANDERISMOCURANDERISMO

• THE SOUL RETRIEVAL is the process THE SOUL RETRIEVAL is the process in which the Curandero attempts to in which the Curandero attempts to find where the soul was lost.find where the soul was lost.

• Items used: Drums, chants, rattles Items used: Drums, chants, rattles and on some occasions musicand on some occasions music

Other objects used in Other objects used in their healing sessionstheir healing sessions

• Herbs and spices Herbs and spices

• eggs and lemonseggs and lemons

• flowers and fruitsflowers and fruits

• holy water and pictures of saintsholy water and pictures of saints

• crucifixes and candles crucifixes and candles

• incense and oilsincense and oils

*Each object has a specific purpose.*Each object has a specific purpose.

Symptom Profiles for Symptom Profiles for Common Curandero Common Curandero SyndromesSyndromes• Mal de Ojo (evil eye)Mal de Ojo (evil eye) • One may interpret this One may interpret this

behavior of the (Evil behavior of the (Evil Eye) look, glance, or Eye) look, glance, or state of someone who is state of someone who is an enemy or a stranger an enemy or a stranger as an attempt to as an attempt to inoculate someone with inoculate someone with this illness. Headaches, this illness. Headaches, crying, irritability, and crying, irritability, and restlessness are restlessness are common symptoms, common symptoms, accompanied by accompanied by stomach ailmentsstomach ailments

• Susto (extreme fright/fear)Susto (extreme fright/fear) • Susto is typically the result Susto is typically the result of a traumatic experience. of a traumatic experience. In particular the symptoms In particular the symptoms of this disorder mimic of this disorder mimic those of Post Traumatic those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These Stress Disorder. These symptoms include feeling symptoms include feeling keyed up or on edge, keyed up or on edge, fatigue, restlessness, a fatigue, restlessness, a significant change in significant change in appetite, bodily appetite, bodily complaints, withdrawal complaints, withdrawal and other symptoms of and other symptoms of depression.depression.

• Mal puesto Mal puesto (hexing)(hexing)

• Hexes may be placed by Hexes may be placed by someone who is familiar someone who is familiar with witchcraft. with witchcraft. Symptoms may include Symptoms may include a host of somatic a host of somatic complaints and complaints and gastrointestinal gastrointestinal problems. Paranoia and problems. Paranoia and anxiety may also be anxiety may also be symptoms.symptoms.

• Empacho Empacho • A condition in which food A condition in which food becomes stuck in the becomes stuck in the intestines causing a intestines causing a blockage. It is caused by blockage. It is caused by eating the wrong kinds of eating the wrong kinds of foods, or mixing infant foods, or mixing infant formula with milk. formula with milk. Symptoms include nausea, Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and a lump in the abdomen. and a lump in the abdomen. It is treated with herbal It is treated with herbal teas, abdominal massage, teas, abdominal massage, and a restricted diet at and a restricted diet at home or in combination home or in combination with a folk healer’s care.with a folk healer’s care.

ENVIDIA (ENVY)ENVIDIA (ENVY)

• ENVIDIA is when someone envies you.ENVIDIA is when someone envies you.• Symptoms may include feeling sick on Symptoms may include feeling sick on

the stomach, having a sense of dread, the stomach, having a sense of dread, feeling sad but not knowing why. It can feeling sad but not knowing why. It can lead to a person having “bad luck”.lead to a person having “bad luck”.

• It is believed that if a pregnant woman It is believed that if a pregnant woman has envidia the baby can be born with has envidia the baby can be born with birth defects or be born very sick.birth defects or be born very sick.

Benefits of CuranderismoBenefits of Curanderismo

• Curanderismo is used to treat Curanderismo is used to treat ailments arising from physical, ailments arising from physical, psychological, spiritual, or social psychological, spiritual, or social conditions.conditions.

• Illness is said to be caused by either Illness is said to be caused by either natural or supernatural forces.natural or supernatural forces.

Training & certificationTraining & certification

• Curandero’s are generally trained Curandero’s are generally trained informally. The information is passed informally. The information is passed from generation to generation.from generation to generation.

• Often a curandero starts out as an Often a curandero starts out as an apprentice to a more experienced apprentice to a more experienced curandero.curandero.

HERBAL TEASHERBAL TEASTE RUDA CON TE RUDA CON CHOCOLATECHOCOLATE

USED TO HELP SPEED UP USED TO HELP SPEED UP CHILD BIRTH CHILD BIRTH

HERBAL TEASHERBAL TEAS

TE ESTAFIATETE ESTAFIATE

•USED FOR STOMACH PROBLEMS/ USED FOR STOMACH PROBLEMS/ GASTRITIS, ETC.GASTRITIS, ETC.

HERBAL TEASHERBAL TEAS

TE MANZANILLATE MANZANILLA (CHAMOMILE)(CHAMOMILE)

USED FOR BABIES WITH COLIC, CALM USED FOR BABIES WITH COLIC, CALM MINOR STOMACH PROBLEMSMINOR STOMACH PROBLEMS

HERBALHERBAL TEASTEAS

TE ROMEROTE ROMERO (ROSEMARY)(ROSEMARY)

(BATH)(BATH)

USED TO CALM CHILLS, CAUSED USED TO CALM CHILLS, CAUSED BY INFECTIONSBY INFECTIONS

HERBAL TEASHERBAL TEAS

BATHBATH (LIMON, CEBOLLA, SAVILA Y ALCHOOL)(LIMON, CEBOLLA, SAVILA Y ALCHOOL)

USED TO LOWER BODYUSED TO LOWER BODY TEMPERATURE /FEVERTEMPERATURE /FEVER

HERBAL TEASHERBAL TEAS

TE EPAZOTETE EPAZOTE

USED TO CLEAN THE STOMACH USED TO CLEAN THE STOMACH OUT AFTER CHILD BIRTHOUT AFTER CHILD BIRTH

HERBAL TEASHERBAL TEAS

TE ARTRIZANTE ARTRIZAN(ALSO APPLY TO INFLAMED AREA OF THE BODY)(ALSO APPLY TO INFLAMED AREA OF THE BODY)

USED TO TREAT ARTHRITIS, USED TO TREAT ARTHRITIS,

HELPS WITH INFLAMATIONHELPS WITH INFLAMATION

HERBAL TEASHERBAL TEAS

TE DAMIANATE DAMIANA

USED TO HELP MAKE MENSTRUAL USED TO HELP MAKE MENSTRUAL CYCLE MORE REGULAR (STORY)CYCLE MORE REGULAR (STORY)

HERBAL TEASHERBAL TEAS

TE NEGROTE NEGRO

USED TO HELP GET PREGNANTUSED TO HELP GET PREGNANT (FOR LA MATRIZ FRIA)(FOR LA MATRIZ FRIA)

HERBAL TEASHERBAL TEAS

TE TRES MILAGROSTE TRES MILAGROS (MANZANILLA, YERBA BUENA, ANIS ESTRELLA)(MANZANILLA, YERBA BUENA, ANIS ESTRELLA)

USED TO CALM THE NERVES, RELAX, USED TO CALM THE NERVES, RELAX, USED WITH CHILDREN WHO HAVE A USED WITH CHILDREN WHO HAVE A HARD TIME SITTING STILLHARD TIME SITTING STILL

WHAT CAN WE DO?WHAT CAN WE DO?

• ASK PROPER QUESTIONS WHEN ASK PROPER QUESTIONS WHEN GETTING PATIENT HISTORY!GETTING PATIENT HISTORY!

• ENCOURAGE PATIENTS TO TALK ENCOURAGE PATIENTS TO TALK ABOUT REMEDIES USED IN MEXICO!ABOUT REMEDIES USED IN MEXICO!

• DON’T THEARTEN TO TAKE MEDS DON’T THEARTEN TO TAKE MEDS AWAY IF THEY BRING IN TO SHOW AWAY IF THEY BRING IN TO SHOW YOU WHAT THEY ARE!YOU WHAT THEY ARE!

Health Problems

What do you think caused your problem? Do you have an explanation for why it started and when it did? What does your sickness do to you; how does it work? How severe is your sickness? How long do you expect it to last? What problems has your sickness caused you? What do you fear about your sickness? What kind of treatment do you think you should receive? What are the most important results you hope to receive from this treatment?

¿Questions?¿Questions? STEVE DAVIS STEVE DAVIS

252-560-3168252-560-3168 DIRECTOR, OUTREACH SERVICEDIRECTOR, OUTREACH SERVICE

GREENE COUNTY HEALTH CAREGREENE COUNTY HEALTH CARE

[email protected]