Curanderisma is a form of folk healing practiced in Mexico and this practice blends multiple traditions like Aztec, Mayan, and Spanish Catholics. Curanderas are folk healers who consider that their abilities to heal are more of a spiritual vocation. A wide range of remedies and treatments are used by Curanderas and their knowledge often flows down through generations to families. In modern times, the interest in curanderisma is witnessing a revival not only in Mexico but also in the United States.
Mixed beliefs
The evolution of Curanderisma is traced to a wide range of practices and beliefs like Aztec, Mayan, and Catholic that are in the forefront of the more obvious influences, but there are also other influences like the Cuban Santeria, and Islamic medicine, Greek humeral theory, etc. Within curandera too, there are significant variations as different regions and healers favor practices that they are more comfortable with.
First published book
Martin de la Cruz, the Aztec doctor is credited with producing the first book that details traditional practices in medicine and this publication was only 31 years post the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Nahauti, the Aztec language was used in producing the book labeled The Libellus de Medicinalibus Indorum Herbis and later translated into Latin. The book lists some 251 medicinal herbs that are used commonly by Aztec practitioners.
Curing the mind and the body
In broader terms, curanderisma can be divided into mental and physical variants, though folk healers often emphasize the connection between the spirit or mind and the body. Contemporary curanderisma, however, continues to make extensive use of various herbs for curing physical ailments. In making herbal medicines, plants in their virgin state or mixed together are employed. Onion Garlic and aloe vera find extensive use in their virgin state while snake oil derived from the fat of snake skins and other components derived from animals are also used. Bufo toad medicine containing a powerful psychedelic is also used by some practitioners of curanderisma.
The Temazcal ceremony
The temazcal ceremony is considered a complete and particularly powerful remedy. This is a ritual that uses a stone igloo-shaped structure made of stone into which steam is filled while a shaman pours scented water on the hot volcanic rocks. It is believed that the temazcal ceremony is representative of returning to the womb and serves as a process of cleansing the body of many impurities.