It was an honor for me to be able to give a presentation on two occasions during health fairs held at Esperanza High School located in Phoenix, Arizona one focused on general health and and women's health. At these two health fairs I had the opportunity to share information about the foods, herbs, and traditional therapies that exist in our communities which are very beneficial for the health of the entire family. I truly enjoyed the fact that the members of the audience asked many questions about the material being presented. Furthermore I also enjoyed the fact that the members in the audience shared with me information about herbs and other traditional medicines that I had not heard about before and its something that I am always willing to learn.
Ashta Nemana Nuiknew
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Guava (Psidium guajava)
Guava is a fruit native to Mexico and Central America and northern South America. Guava fruits have a rind that is a flavor reminiscent to lemon but more diffuse. Guava pulp has a sweet or flour flavor depending on the type.
Nutritionally speaking guavas are high in vitamin C, folic acid, and various minerals. Guava is also full of antioxidants and polyphenols.
Medicinally guava has been used a traditional medicine for dealing with diarrhea and other gastrointestinal complaints. Traditionally the leaves of the guava tree are boiled and drank as a tea if the leaves cannot be acquired a person can eat the fruit complete with its rind and receive the medicinal benefits. Furthermore eating the fruit can help prevent the dehydration associated with these complaints.
Ashta Nemana Nuiknew!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Presentation at Mesa Community College on April 6th 2011
On April 6th 2011 I was invited by professor Lori Clark to give a presentation on Traditional Mesoamerican Medicine for a second time during her "Culture and Health Class" Of course I jumped at the opportunity and came prepared on that day.
The presentation I gave on that day included a brief powerpoint, dream sharing, making medicine bags and then I did a limpia (cleansing ceremony similar to Native American smudging) towards the end for those who wished to participate. The students were very enthusiastic throughout the whole presentation and I was grateful to have an attentive and participative audience of students.
The light drizzle after the limpia was a great sign from above for me as rain means a blessing from the spirit world.
My gratitudes go to Professor Lori Clark and her students at Mesa Community College in Mesa AZ
I look forward to doing a presentation for them the next semester.
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!
The presentation I gave on that day included a brief powerpoint, dream sharing, making medicine bags and then I did a limpia (cleansing ceremony similar to Native American smudging) towards the end for those who wished to participate. The students were very enthusiastic throughout the whole presentation and I was grateful to have an attentive and participative audience of students.
The light drizzle after the limpia was a great sign from above for me as rain means a blessing from the spirit world.
My gratitudes go to Professor Lori Clark and her students at Mesa Community College in Mesa AZ
I look forward to doing a presentation for them the next semester.
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Vanilla
Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) is a vine like plant native to Mesoamerica whose pods or "beans"are used both as a flavoring and as an herbal medicine. While many people know of vanilla's famous delicate and unique fragrance and taste not many know of its medicinal properties.
Vanilla has been harvested in Mesoamerica since precolumbian times and has been used medicinally to help alleviate a fever and also for those women who suffer from amenorrhea (or lack of menstraution). Additionally vanilla is also used as a mild relaxant for those people who suffer from lots of stress.
Vanilla beans can be made infused and drank as a tea.Given the fact that vanilla beans are the second most expensive flavoring agent it is more cost effective to make an alcohol tincture in order to get the most medicine out of the beans.
Photo acquired from: http://www.ozmadeiracakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/vanilla-beans.jpg
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!
Vanilla has been harvested in Mesoamerica since precolumbian times and has been used medicinally to help alleviate a fever and also for those women who suffer from amenorrhea (or lack of menstraution). Additionally vanilla is also used as a mild relaxant for those people who suffer from lots of stress.
Vanilla beans can be made infused and drank as a tea.Given the fact that vanilla beans are the second most expensive flavoring agent it is more cost effective to make an alcohol tincture in order to get the most medicine out of the beans.
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Temazcal
Temazcal (from the word Temazcalli "hot house" in Nahuatl) is a type of sweat lodge used by the various peoples of mesoamerica. The Temazcal in mesoamerica is constructed of volcanic rock and earth or cement and is a circular dome in shape.To produce the heat hot volcanic stones are placed in a central hearth inside the temazcal and hot water is poured over them to produce steam. The temazcal is used to purify the mind, body and spirit thus oftentimes the burning of sacred herbs such as copal, spearmint, or other herbs takes place for therapeutic purposes. Prayer and singing may accompany some of the ceremonies as well.
A temazcal is not simply a sauna and must be respected given the fact that in mayan and nahuan tradition it is thought that when one goes into a temazcal one is entering the "womb" of mother earth and thus receiving its spiritual and physical cleansing benefits. In recent times the temazcal has regained its importance in Mesoamerica and in places where the use had been forgotten or abandoned it is starting to make a comeback and once more takes its place as a wonderful and powerful therapy.
Photo acquired from: http://www.raftinghuasteca.com/images/fotos/temazcal.jpg
Happy new year Everyone!
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!
A temazcal is not simply a sauna and must be respected given the fact that in mayan and nahuan tradition it is thought that when one goes into a temazcal one is entering the "womb" of mother earth and thus receiving its spiritual and physical cleansing benefits. In recent times the temazcal has regained its importance in Mesoamerica and in places where the use had been forgotten or abandoned it is starting to make a comeback and once more takes its place as a wonderful and powerful therapy.
Happy new year Everyone!
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Short Documentary on Traditional Healers
Hi Everyone, I just wanted to share an episode from a 1970's show that showcases the value and healing abilities of traditional Mesoamerican healers and also Inca healers. The show may be outdated but the information is still extremely relevant!! And I think the statements made in this documentary were ahead of its time.
My only criticism of the show is that it uses the word "Witch Doctor" which I absolutely loathe!
Ashta Nemanha!
My only criticism of the show is that it uses the word "Witch Doctor" which I absolutely loathe!
PLEASE NOTE: Most of the time you cannot photograph or take a video of a ceremony as it is something very private and sacred, in this case I decided to post these videos because the healers were more than likely consulted and they also did not tape the whole ceremony.
Also Note the PHYSICIAN WHO IS ALSO A CURANDERO!!!!
PART 1:
PART 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol4HWCVWN2c&feature=relatedAshta Nemanha!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Copal
Copal is a tree resin that is burned as a ceremonial incense offering in traditional Mesoamerican medicine.
Copal is used in various contexts, a person may simply burn the copal inside their home in order to ward off bad winds or spirits and thus cleanse the "soul" of their home. Additionally copal is burned before dances and during prayers. Furthermore copal can be used during a Limpia by a curandero/a in order to aid in the healing of a person (similar to a North American Native smudging ceremony).
Picture acquired from: http://nebelfront.org/images/incense/copal_blancomexico.jpg
ASHTA NEMANHA NUIKNEW!
Copal is used in various contexts, a person may simply burn the copal inside their home in order to ward off bad winds or spirits and thus cleanse the "soul" of their home. Additionally copal is burned before dances and during prayers. Furthermore copal can be used during a Limpia by a curandero/a in order to aid in the healing of a person (similar to a North American Native smudging ceremony).
ASHTA NEMANHA NUIKNEW!
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