Volume 9, Issue 3, May–June 2013, Pages 150–158
Original research
Religious Features of Curanderismo Training and Practice
- Available online 3 May 2013
The purpose of this study is to investigate religious features of curanderismo, specifically the role of ostensibly Roman Catholic beliefs and practices in the training and work of curandero/as. The integration of religious beliefs and practices within the rituals of curanderismo
and how this potential clash of worldviews negatively and positively
impacts clients and practitioners are examined. Interviews were
conducted with practicing curandero/as and clients who had
sought their services. Factors observed to have potential to facilitate
healing include psychological reassurance gained through incorporating
familiar religious beliefs and paraphernalia and the therapeutic healing
property of features of curanderismo practice, such as herbs
used in many remedies. Negative effects may result from feelings of
distrust, fear, and embarrassment engendered by seeking care from a curandero/a. Future research targeting the complexities of the relationship between Roman Catholicism and curanderismo might focus specifically on how negotiating this conflict of worldviews may affect health.
Key words
- Curanderismo;
- Roman Catholicism;
- integrative medicine;
- Mexican Americans
- Corresponding Author. Address: Institute for Studies of Religion, Baylor University, One Bear Place # 97236, Waco, TX 76798
