Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/curanderismo-traditional-healing-body

Introduction

### Course Review: Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body **Overview** The course "Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body," available on Coursera, is an immersive experience into the world of Hispanic/Latino traditional medicine. As the second installment in a four-course series, it focuses on body therapies rooted in cultural practices, allowing learners to explore diverse healing methods. While participants won't receive certification as traditional healers, the course imparts valuable knowledge about applying basic principles of traditional medicine to address health and wellness. **Course Content and Structure** The syllabus is thoughtfully divided into several modules, each offering a unique insight into traditional healing methods: 1. **Intestinal Blockage (Empacho) & Shawl Alignments (Manteadas)** In this module, students learn to recognize and understand empacho, a condition related to intestinal blockage. Tana guides learners through the symptoms and treatment options while Rita introduces manteadas, a traditional shawl alignment technique, emphasizing its therapeutic benefits. 2. **Fire Cupping (Ventosas) & Bone Setter (Huesero)** The focus shifts to the age-old practice of fire cupping, or ventosas, where students discover various techniques and their benefits. Agustin, a bonesetter, demonstrates a combination of ventosas and treatments for sciatica, along with insights on empacho and magical fright (espanto/susto). 3. **Mayan Abdominal Massage & Body Adjustment** Led by Alex, this module unveils the intricacies of Mayan abdominal massage, showcasing its impact on bodily health. Roberto introduces muscle adjustment techniques, culminating in a well-rounded understanding of these healing practices. 4. **Spinal Alignment & Hydrotherapy** Felipa takes the lead in teaching spinal alignment, a crucial aspect of mobility and overall health. Additionally, Rita's presentation on hydrotherapy highlights how water can serve as a therapeutic medium, merging traditional practices with modern wellness concepts. 5. **Traditional Healing of Infants & Traditional Healing for the Aging Community** The course concludes with a focus on specific populations. Rita and Tonita illustrate traditional techniques tailored for infants and the elderly, with Professor Torres summarizing key findings and lessons learned. **Learning Experience** The course presentation is engaging and informative, combining theoretical knowledge with practical demonstrations. The inclusion of diverse healing practices highlights the cultural richness of Curanderismo and affirms its relevance in contemporary health discussions. Interaction with practitioners and exposure to hands-on techniques create a holistic learning environment, fostering both understanding and appreciation for these traditional methods. **Who Should Take This Course?** "Curanderismo: Traditional Healing of the Body" is an excellent fit for individuals interested in alternative medicine, cultural studies, or holistic health. Health professionals seeking to expand their understanding of traditional healing methods will find it particularly beneficial, as will anyone curious about the intersection of culture and wellness. **Recommendation** I highly recommend this course for its rich content, engaging delivery, and cultural insights. By the end of the course, learners will not only have gained knowledge of traditional healing techniques but will also appreciate the cultural significance that these practices hold within Hispanic/Latino communities. It’s an enriching experience that broadens one's perspective on health and wellness. Embark on this unique journey into the healing arts of Curanderismo and deepen your understanding of traditional medicine!

Syllabus

INTESTINAL BLOCKAGE (EMPACHO) & SHAWL ALIGNMENTS (MANTEADAS)

In this module, students will recognize different types of intestinal blockage empacho as demonstrated by Tana. Rita indicates a number of benefits of the shawl alignment manteada, traditional healing technique.

This module explains the benefits of fire cupping ventosas. Rita gives a demonstration and description about different methods of ventosas. Agustin, the bonesetter, huesero, shows a traditional body treatment ventosa technique to treat sciatica combined with a brief demonstration of intestinal blockage, empacho and magical fright, espanto (similar to susto).

Alex demonstrates a Mayan massage and the benefits for the body. Roberto shows how the body can adjust through muscle adjustments.

Felipa demonstrates a body treatment to improve spinal and body mobility. Rita shows how we can use hydrotherapy, water and its therapeutic benefits.

Rita and Tonita show traditional healing techniques and their benefits for a special population such as infants and the aging community. Professor Torres concludes the course by summarizing the modules.