Curanderismo Reflection

Curanderismo has been a presence in my life since I was very young. Growing up in a small community in Northern New Mexico ensured that I was exposed to traditional medicine and alternative forms of spirituality. This class was not my first exposure to curanderismo, though many of the readings and videos helped clarify and explain many of the elements of curanderismo that had been present in my life, but had not been explained. Curanderismo is just as much of a form of cultural expression as it is a form of traditional healing. Personally, curanderismo is a link to my cultural and family history, helping to continue traditions that my family has had for generations. In addition to learning about traditional forms of medicine and keeping traditions alive, this class helped me connect with my culture and embrace a part of it that is becoming harder and harder to connect with. Like many individuals from small towns in New Mexico, my first experience with curanderismo was a personal one. My grandmother, for the short time that I knew her, would …show more content…
Curanderismo is a rich and vast tradition, that one could very easily spend years dedicating one’s life to. The rituals and knowledge that is present in curanderismo is useful, and should be preserved as much as possible. Thus, I can appreciate this class for its attempt to bring this knowledge to a new generation when a variety of cultural and societal factors have worked in the past to stamp out these traditions and knowledge. Though this class was a very basic introduction, what was taught in the class was quite useful; especially the knowledge of what types of herbs can be used to help heal various ailments. Though I know that this basic knowledge that I have learned in this class only scratches the surface of what curanderismo is, I feel a certain level of comfort knowing some small part of my culture and history has been passed on and kept alive in this