Shamanism

Shamanism is a form of folk medicine which uses spiritual healing and is performed by a shaman, an individual recognized by a people or a tribe who is believed to have special religious and/or magical powers of healing (see Native American Healing).
Some key elements of shamanism, such as the use of imagery, have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.

How is it used?

Shamanism is based on the belief that healing has a spiritual dimension that must be addressed before healing can begin. The goal of shamanism is to help people discover meaning within themselves as well as in society and nature. Proponents claim that shamanism can heal both the body and soul, as well as restore harmony to the community and nature. Shamans claim they communicate with the spirits in order to help heal. Some shamans claim they can heal spiritual, psychic, and physical wounds as well as communities and global conditions. Not all shamans claim the ability to cure every disease. Many shamans are very selective in choosing which people they will treat because if they fail to cure someone, they may be punished by the tribe. For example, shamans who believe that their brand of healing will not influence the course of cancer are not likely to work with a person who has been diagnosed with cancer.

The shaman enters a trance, either self-induced or through the aid of hallucinogens or fasting, and then prays, sings, chants, dances, and/or drums around the patient. Storytelling and other art forms may also be used. During the trance, the shaman's soul is believed to travel in the quest to help the sick individual. The soul is said to leave the body and ascend to the spiritual world. This is where the shaman communicates with the evil spirits thought to be responsible for the illness. Although the shaman is in a state of trance, he is still conscious, which enables him to bargain with the spirits that are responsible for the patient's illness, successful bargaining results in a cure. Today, some shamans also use herbal medicine or even conventional medicine in an effort to heal.

Each shaman must complete rigorous training, especially in the ability to achieve the trance required for communication with the spirits. Shamans work both with individual patients and with groups. It is common practice for Native American shamans to conduct healing sessions at night, most often in places with some religious connection or significance.

What is the history behind it?

Shamanism may be the oldest of all healing practices, dating back as far as 40,000 years. It is believed to have originated in the Altai and Ural Mountains of western China and Russia, probably in the form of a religion. In the Tungusu-Manchurian language, the word shaman means, "to know." Many early cultures had their own forms of shamanism. These included people on the North American and South American continents, Asia, India, Africa, the South Pacific and Australia. Each early culture throughout the world had its own shamans. The shaman was thought to be the only person in the tribe able to communicate with the spirits of ancestors and with the gods and demons.

Today, shamanism is still practiced as folk medicine in some parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. In the United States, many Native American tribes also practice shamanism.

Does it work?

There are many stories about the success of shamans throughout history. Most of these stories are not unlike the reports of religious "miracles" at shrines such as Lourdes. There is no scientific evidence that demons exist, that a shaman can communicate with and influence them, or that illness is caused by spirits.

Those who accept shamanism believe it works in a spiritual dimension of life that must be cleansed of all evil spirits. There is no proof of shamanic ability to cure disease, any results are most likely due to the placebo effect, in which believing that something can or will happen generates a positive result. Pain may subside because the patient believes the shaman made it subside.

Are there any possible problems or complications?
Shamanism is generally considered safe and may be useful as a complementary therapy to help people with diseases deal with their emotions. Relying on this type of treatment alone, and avoiding conventional medical care, may have serious health consequences.

Note: This information is not intended as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor who is familiar with your medical needs.