Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body from Coursera

As the second of four courses on Curanderismo, the art of Hispanic/Latino traditional medicine, this course focuses specifically on traditional healing of the body. As an educational and cultural platform, this course will share a number of traditional body therapies.

Learners will not become certified traditional healers at the completion of this course but will be able apply basic principles or traditional medicine for health and illnesses. They will become familiar specifically with the traditional treatment of Empacho (intestinal blockage), Manteadas (shawl alignments), Ventosas (fire cupping), Hidroterapia (healing with water), and other topics such as the Huesero (bone setter).

Future Curanderismo courses include:

Traditional Healing of the Mind, Energy and Spirit: Temazcal (sweatlodge), Limpias (energetic/spiritual cleansings), Risaterapia (laugh therapy) and other topics.

Global and Cultural Influences of Traditional Healing: African tradition, Afro Latino from Cuba and Puerto Rico, Native American spiritual cleansings and Mayan acupuncture and other topics.

REQUIRED TEXTS

Curanderismo: The Art of Traditional Medicine without Borders by Eliseo Torres

Curandero: Traditional Healers of Mexico and the Southwest by Eliseo Torres with Imanol Miranda

Where to buy:

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/curanderismo-art-traditional-medicine-without-borders

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/curandero-traditional-healers-mexico-and-southwest

OPTIONAL TEXTS

Curandero: A life in Mexican Folk Healing by Eliseo Torres & Tim Sawyer

Healing with Herbs & Rituals: A Mexican Tradition, Eliseo Torres, edited by Tim Sawyer

Where to buy:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/curandero-torres-eliseo-cheo/1120135382?ean=9780826336415&st=PLA&sid=BNB_1341481610&sourceId=PLAGoNA&dpid=tdtve346c&2sid=Google_c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3_6LmYev3gIViuNkCh3IPgUyEAQYASABEgLYXfD_BwE

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/healing-with-herbs-and-rituals-torres-eliseo-cheo/1120135381?ean=9780826339621&st=PLA&sid=BNB_825204424&sourceId=PLAGoNA&dpid=tdtve346c&2sid=Google_c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrrvswYev3gIVBsRkCh3BXQCHEAQYASABEgLnl_D_BwE

PODCAST:

Blubrry podcast - https://www.blubrry.com/normallol/41068835/normal-lol-63-depersonalization-mental-wellness-curanderismomexican-traditional-healing-with-eliseo-cheo-torres/

Itunes Episode 63 - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/normal-lol-depersonalization-derealization-anxiety/id1065740418?mt=2

What's inside

Syllabus

INTESTINAL BLOCKAGE (EMPACHO) & SHAWL ALIGNMENTS (MANTEADAS)

In this module, students will recognize different types of intestinal blockage empacho as demonstrated by Tana. Rita indicates a number of benefits of the shawl alignment manteada, traditional healing technique.

FIRE CUPPING (VENTOSAS) & BONE SETTER (HUESERO)

This module explains the benefits of fire cupping ventosas. Rita gives a demonstration and description about different methods of ventosas. Agustin, the bonesetter, huesero, shows a traditional body treatment ventosa technique to treat sciatica combined with a brief demonstration of intestinal blockage, empacho and magical fright, espanto (similar to susto).

MAYAN ABDOMINAL MASSAGE & BODY ADJUSTMENT

Alex demonstrates a Mayan massage and the benefits for the body. Roberto shows how the body can adjust through muscle adjustments.

SPINAL ALIGNMENT & HYDROTHERAPY

Felipa demonstrates a body treatment to improve spinal and body mobility. Rita shows how we can use hydrotherapy, water and its therapeutic benefits.

TRADITIONAL HEALING OF INFANTS & TRADITIONAL HEALING FOR THE AGING COMMUNITY

Rita and Tonita show traditional healing techniques and their benefits for a special population such as infants and the aging community. Professor Torres concludes the course by summarizing the modules.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for those with a foundational knowledge of curanderismo or Hispanic/Latino traditional medicine

Relevant to practitioners of traditional healing

Provides an overview of various body therapies in Hispanic/Latino traditional medicine

Taught by instructors with experience in traditional Hispanic/Latino medicine

Offers a cultural perspective on traditional healing practices

Involves readings from books by the course instructors

Reviews summary

Highly recommended curanderismo course

Learners say this Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body course is excellent, informative, and engaging. It offers an overview of traditional Mexican healing with demonstrations and expert instruction. Reviewers particularly appreciate the knowledge and wisdom shared by the instructors and find the lessons to be applicable to their own lives and healing practices.

Well-structured with detailed explanations.

"It has been very informative."

"The therapeutic movements of the massage are demonstrated really wonderful and it's very acceptably clearly explained how to do it correctly and what tools to use."

"Over all I really enjoyed learning with videos"

Taught by experienced healers with deep knowledge.

"Excellent traditional Mexican theraphy. "

"Learned a lot, all the lessons are well explained by experts in traditional healing."

"I was fascinated and impressed by the people who shared their knowledge."

Practical techniques and insights for personal healing.

"Very useful and amazing technique for me."

"I look forward to being able to apply some of these practices when I become a physician."

"During the course I gained a lot of clear, useful and specific knowledge."

Occasional typos or translation errors.

"Lots of spelling mistakes throughout the course."

"The translations were weird and transcripts were not uniform."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body with these activities:

Read Curanderismo: The Art of Traditional Medicine Without Borders

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Provide a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of Hispanic/Latino traditional medicine, which will serve as a foundation for the course.

View Curanderismo: The Art of Traditional Medicine... on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1: Introduction to Curanderismo
Read Chapter 2: The Curandero: A Healer with a Mission

Explore the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) website

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Provide access to reputable and evidence-based resources on traditional healing practices, complementing the course materials with a broader perspective.

Browse courses on Traditional Healing

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Visit the NCCIH website at nccih.nih.gov
Explore the section on Traditional Medicine
Read articles on traditional healing modalities, such as acupuncture, naturopathy, and herbal medicine

Compile a Glossary of Traditional Healing Terms

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Facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the terminology used in traditional healing, enhancing vocabulary and aiding in the interpretation of course materials.

Browse courses on Traditional Healing

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Create a spreadsheet or document to record terms
Review course materials, readings, and other resources
Define each term briefly and accurately

Eight other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 11 activities

Participate in Peer-Led Study Groups

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Foster collaboration and peer support, enabling students to engage with course content, clarify concepts, and learn from diverse perspectives.

Browse courses on Traditional Healing

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Form a study group with classmates
Meet regularly to discuss course materials
Take turns presenting on different topics

Guided Healing Session

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Connect with a fellow student to practice guided healing techniques, such as fire cupping or Mayan abdominal massage.

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Find a partner
Decide on a healing technique
Take turns practicing the technique on each other
Discuss your experiences and provide feedback

Create a Journal of Traditional Healing Practices

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Encourage students to record and reflect on their personal experiences with traditional healing practices, fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural significance and practical applications of these traditions.

Browse courses on Traditional Healing

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Interview a traditional healer or practitioner
Attend a traditional healing ceremony
Read articles and research papers on traditional healing
Document your observations, thoughts, and feelings in a journal

Contribute to the Open Traditional Medicine Database

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Encourage students to participate in the advancement of traditional medicine knowledge by contributing to a comprehensive database.

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Visit the Open Traditional Medicine Database website
Create an account and login
Contribute data on traditional healing practices, remedies, and practitioners
Participate in discussions and interact with other contributors

DIY Cupping

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Create your own DIY cupping kit by following this tutorial. Experience first-hand the benefits of fire cupping, just like in the course.

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Gather materials: glass jars, a lighter, a small piece of cotton, and rubbing alcohol
Sterilize the jars and cotton
Create the fire: light the cotton and place it in the jar
Quickly place the jar on the desired area of the body and let it suction

Volunteer at a Traditional Healing Center

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Provide an opportunity for students to gain practical experience, deepen their understanding, and give back to the community.

Browse courses on Traditional Healing

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Research traditional healing centers in your area
Contact the center and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend training sessions and learn about the center's practices
Assist with patient care, workshops, or other activities

Assist at a Traditional Healing Clinic

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Gain practical experience by volunteering at a clinic that offers traditional healing services. Observe and assist with various treatments covered in the course.

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Find a clinic that offers traditional healing services
Inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend training or orientation provided by the clinic
Assist with tasks such as greeting clients, preparing treatment rooms, or observing treatments

Submit a Case Study on Traditional Healing in a Specific Cultural Context

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Challenge students to apply their knowledge in a practical setting, promoting critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to present complex information.

Browse courses on Traditional Healing

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Choose a specific cultural context to focus on
Research traditional healing practices in that context
Select a case study that demonstrates the application of those practices
Write a detailed report on the case study, including the context, methods, results, and discussion

Career center

Learners who complete Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Curandero

Curanderos are traditional healers who use a variety of techniques, such as herbal medicine, massage, and spiritual healing, to treat a variety of illnesses and health conditions. The course, Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body, provides a comprehensive overview of traditional healing practices, which is essential for individuals who wish to become curanderos.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curandero

Traditional Healer

Traditional healers use traditional healing practices to treat a variety of illnesses and health conditions. The course, Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body, provides hands-on training in traditional healing techniques, which is essential for individuals who wish to become traditional healers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Traditional Healer

Historian

Historians study the past and how it has shaped the present. The course, Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body, provides insights into the history of traditional healing practices, which may be valuable for historians who wish to specialize in medical history.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human societies and cultures. The course, Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body, provides insights into the traditional healing practices of different cultures, which may be valuable for anthropologists who wish to specialize in medical anthropology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Medical Doctor

Medical doctors diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. The course, Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body, provides insights into traditional healing practices, which may be beneficial for medical doctors who wish to expand their understanding of holistic care and provide culturally competent care to diverse patient populations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Doctor

Naturopathic Doctor

Naturopathic doctors use natural therapies, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and nutrition, to treat and prevent illness. The course, Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body, provides a foundation in traditional healing practices, which may be beneficial for naturopathic doctors who wish to enhance their understanding of holistic care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Naturopathic Doctor

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists help people with communication and swallowing disorders. The course, Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body, provides insights into traditional healing practices, including speech-language pathology techniques, which may be beneficial for speech-language pathologists who wish to expand their knowledge and offer a more holistic approach to patient care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists help patients restore function and mobility after injury or illness. The course, Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body, provides a foundation in traditional healing practices, including physical therapy techniques, which may be beneficial for physical therapists who wish to enhance their skills and provide a more comprehensive approach to patient care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist

Acupuncturist

Acupuncturists use acupuncture to treat various health conditions by inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. The course, Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body, provides an overview of traditional healing practices, including acupuncture, which may be beneficial for acupuncturists who wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Acupuncturist

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists help people regain or improve their ability to perform everyday activities after injury or illness. The course, Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body, provides an overview of traditional healing practices, including occupational therapy techniques, which may be useful for occupational therapists who wish to expand their knowledge and offer a more holistic approach to patient care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist

Chiropractor

Chiropractors use spinal adjustments and other manual therapies to treat musculoskeletal conditions. The course, Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body, provides insights into traditional healing practices, including chiropractic techniques, which may be useful for chiropractors who wish to expand their knowledge and offer a more holistic approach to patient care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chiropractor

Healthcare Aide

Healthcare aides provide basic care to patients under the supervision of a nurse or other healthcare professional. The course, Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body, provides a foundation in traditional healing practices, which may be beneficial for healthcare aides who wish to enhance their skills and provide a more holistic approach to patient care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Aide

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists use massage techniques to promote relaxation, relieve pain, and improve overall well-being. The course, Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body, provides hands-on training in traditional massage techniques, which may be valuable for massage therapists who wish to enhance their skills and offer a wider range of services to their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Massage Therapist

Nursing Assistant

Nursing assistants provide basic care to patients under the supervision of a nurse or other healthcare professional. The course, Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body, provides a foundation in traditional healing practices, which may be beneficial for nursing assistants who wish to enhance their skills and provide a more holistic approach to patient care.

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Nurse

Nurses provide direct patient care and work collaboratively with the healthcare team to develop and implement patient care plans. The course, Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body, provides a foundation in traditional healing practices and techniques, which may be beneficial for nurses who wish to expand their understanding of holistic care and provide culturally competent care to diverse patient populations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse