White Mountain Apache Regional Behavioral Health Authority
White Mountain Apache Tribe
TRIBAL CLANS
WHAT IS NATIVE AMERICAN TRADITIONAL HEALING?
Most Native American tribes have traditions about health and illness. In this fact sheet the term "Native American" is meant to include Native Americans and Alaska Natives. These traditions are not based on western science. Instead, they come from the tribe’s beliefs about how individuals fit in the web of life. This web includes the tribe, all humanity, the earth, and the universe. Many healing traditions focus on harmony. Healing occurs when someone is restored to harmony and connected to universal powers.
Traditional healing is “holistic”. It does not focus on symptoms or diseases. Instead, it deals with the total individual. Different people with HIV disease may get different treatments. Healing focuses on the person and their environment, not only the illness.
Certain people in each tribe are recognized as healers. They receive special teachings. Healing traditions are passed from one generation to the next through visions, stories, and dreams. People usually receive traditional healing through community or family referrals.
Healing does not follow written guidelines. Healers work differently with each person they help. They use their herbs, ceremony and power in the best way for each individual. Healers may be used for certain conditions. They might refer people to other healers, if appropriate.
WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM TRADITIONAL HEALING?
Some traditional healers only work with members of their own tribe, while some healers will work with others. Some people who are not Native American believe that working with a traditional healer has helped them.
Many people use the techniques of traditional healing. However, there is a big difference between traditional healing and using traditional techniques. Participating in a sweat lodge might help someone for a particular health problem but not for another. Also, the experience could be very different depending on who runs the sweat lodge.
Traditional ceremonies usually involve much more than outsiders are aware of. When you attend a ceremony, show respect by asking about guidelines for observing or participating.
Most western physicians do not understand the value or importance of traditional healing to their Native American patients. A few, especially in areas with large Native American populations, are more open to traditional healing.
If you combine western medicine and traditional healing, let your physician know about any treatments you are using. There might be interactions. For example, a traditional healer might use an herbal preparation to help you sleep. In that case, your physician would probably not want you to take sleeping pills. Your healer might want you to use herbs to cleanse your system. These might interact with western medications that you are taking. Your physician might help you avoid negative interactions.
BEAR
EAGLE
BUTTERFLY
ROADRUNNER
Apache Traditional Prayer
May the sun bring you new energy by day.
May the moon softly restore you by night.
May the rain wash away your worries.
May the breeze blow new strength into your being.
May you walk gently through the world and
know its beauty all the days of your life.