Curanderismo: Practice Of Traditional Or Folk Medicine In Latin American Culture

Curanderismo is the practice of traditional or “folk” medicine in Latin American culture. A curandero is a person who practices the use of curanderismo. They are usually a spiritual guide/leader within a community. This person is usually the person sought when someone is sick or experiencing unusual circumstances. The traditional healers believe that their ability to heal others is a spiritual calling and is usually passed down through generations of families. They practice a variety of treatments, such as using herbs and spiritual cleansings, to heal both “folk” illnesses and spiritual ailments common in Mexican culture. Curanderismo is still used by many people today throughout Latin America, even in the United States among Mexican Americans.