Alternative Treatments

    Now that you have read about cancer, let's discuss the alternative treatments! What does alternative treatment mean to you as a Native? Do you think of acupuncture, hyperthermia therapy, or biological therapy? Probably not! When Natives think about alternative treatment, it is most likely we think of our traditions. Depending on what tribe we are from, our traditions may vary.
    Those who are not Native usually define tradition as “religion.” The word religion is defined as “man's expression of his acknowledgment of the divine.” Our way of expressing acknowledgment of the divine is our whole way of life. It cannot be separated into categories such as myths or methods, and healing is a major part of our traditions.
Native Americans' cultures recognize the source of healing in nature and spirit. In most tribes we have individuals who perform these healing ceremonies. These healers have many names such as medicine man, traditional healer or shaman. These individuals, whom we call healers, have a lifetime commitment to their people. Their medicine training is long and extremely time consuming. Native healers generally train under one or more mentors, usually a clan or family member. The most essential diagnostic tool among healers is intuition and spiritual awareness.
    Alternative treatments could include prayer, music, ritual purification, herbalism, massage, ceremony, personal innovations of individual healers or any combination of these forms. The goal of traditional healing is to help the suffering individual find balance, harmony, beauty and meaning in his/her life. Traditional healers say when the mind, body and soul work together, healing comes more quickly. However, there are times when traditional healing does not work. Then the healer does not hesitate to send the suffering person to the hospital. They use whatever works to help the individual lessen the pain. Alternative treatment is not just limited to traditional healing. There are other alternative treatments that Natives do not know about. Take a look………………..

	Traditional Healing		Expressive Therapy
	Prayers Sweat Lodge Sun Dance Native American Church		Art Dancing Music Singing

Other Therapies