Hailey Tran
Shamanism is a traditional healing practice that is often passed down through oral history and is still used today. Shamanic views of mental illness differ from Western medicine in that shamans believe that mental illness signals the birth of a healer and that those experiencing mental illness are sensitive people who have been chosen as a medium for a message from the spirit realm. Shamanic practices have been used in hospitals in the United States to help bridge the gap between Western medicine and the cultural beliefs of patients from different backgrounds. For example, in Merced, California, a hospital implemented a shaman program to strengthen trust between doctors and the Hmong community, whose beliefs and traditions had previously led to misunderstandings with the medical establishment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shamanic view of mental illness | Signals the birth of a healer |
| Shamanic view of mental disorders | Spiritual emergencies, spiritual crises |
| Western view of mental illness | Illnesses, disabilities, and diseases |
| Eastern view of mental illness | Pathways to enlightenment |
| Shaman's role | Determine what's happening when spirits try to contact the living |
| Shamanic view of medication | Can't thwart the birth of the healer |
| Shamanic view of schizophrenia | Lack of control over images and beings received by the mind |
| Shamanic practice | Conduct specific rituals to bring about alignment of energies |
| Shamanic perspective on mental illness in the West | Characterized by disconnection from the past and the natural world |
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What You'll Learn
Shamanic view of mental illness
Shamanism offers an alternative perspective on mental illness, viewing it as a "spiritual emergency" or a "spiritual crisis". According to shamanic beliefs, mental disorders signal the birth of a healer or a conduit of good news from the spirit world. This idea is exemplified by the work of Dr. Malidoma Patrice Somé, a shaman of the Dagara people, who sees mental illness as an opportunity for spiritual growth and connection with the spirit realm.
In the shamanic worldview, mental disorders are understood as the result of incompatible energies merging into the same field. This can occur when a person is unable to distinguish between natural and foreign energies, leading to an overflow of information and a sense of panic. Shamans play a crucial role in helping individuals experiencing such crises by performing rituals to bring about a merger or alignment of energies, thus restoring balance.
Dr. Somé's experiences in Western mental health institutions further highlight the shamanic perspective. He observed "beings" or "entities" causing distress in patients, attempting to merge with them and remove the effects of medication. The shamanic interpretation of these entities is that they are spirits attempting to convey messages or seeking a connection with individuals who are sensitive and open to receiving spiritual insights.
The shamanic approach to mental illness stands in contrast to the Western medical model, which often views mental disorders as illnesses or disabilities. Shamanism emphasizes the spiritual and transformative nature of these experiences, seeing them as pathways to enlightenment and personal growth. This alternative perspective invites a re-evaluation of how we understand and respond to mental health challenges, incorporating spiritual and cultural dimensions into the healing process.
The shamanic view of mental illness also aligns with the concept of "brilliant madness" mentioned by Socrates and Plato, who recognized the potential gifts and blessings that can arise from states of madness or insanity. This ancient wisdom resonates with the shamanic understanding, suggesting that mental disorders can be transformative and hold the potential for profound insights and connections with the spirit realm.
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Shamanic practice to clear foreign energies
Shamanic practices are believed to offer an alternative perspective on mental illnesses. In the shamanic view, mental disorders are seen as spiritual emergencies or crises, signalling "the birth of a healer". This belief is exemplified by Dr. Malidoma Patrice Some, a shaman of the Dagara people, who suggests that mental illness is a pathway to becoming a healer or a conduit of good news from the spirit world.
Shamans are often called upon to differentiate between natural and foreign energies, and to cleanse the aura of any negative energies that may be causing an overflow of information. This practice involves conducting specific rituals to bring about a merger or alignment of energies between the person and the spirit. For example, in the case of schizophrenia, shamans aim to help individuals control the influx of images and beings, preventing panic and fits.
In Western culture, mental disorders are often viewed as illnesses, disabilities, or diseases that require medical treatment. However, some shamans believe that these disorders arise from an overload of the culture, characterized by a frenetic pace, bombardment of the senses, and violent energy. This perspective highlights the importance of discernment in shamanic practices, ensuring that negative energies are not inadvertently causing an increase in sickness.
Dr. Some's work with an American patient named Alex exemplifies the shamanic approach to clearing foreign energies. Alex, who had struggled with mental illness since the age of 14, exhibited suicidal tendencies, hallucinations, and posed a danger to others. Dr. Some transported Alex to his village in Africa, where they worked on reconciling the energies of both the spirit world and the community. After eight months, Alex showed significant improvement, suggesting that shamanic practices can effectively clear foreign energies and facilitate healing.
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Shamanic healing ceremonies in hospitals
Shamanic healing ceremonies offer an alternative perspective on mental health and illness. In Western culture, mental disorders are often viewed as illnesses, disabilities, and diseases that require medication to manage symptoms. Shamanic practices, on the other hand, see mental disorders as spiritual emergencies or crises that signal "the birth of a healer." This belief is exemplified by Dr. Malidoma Patrice Somé, a shaman of the Dagara people, who suggests that mental illness is a pathway to becoming a healer or conduit of messages from the spirit world.
In a hospital setting, shamans like Dr. Somé may perceive entities or "beings" that are invisible to most but are causing distress in patients. These entities are believed to be spirits attempting to communicate or merge with the individual, resulting in an overload of incompatible energies. Shamanic healing aims to address this imbalance by conducting rituals to align and merge the person's energy with that of the spirit. This process is believed to help the individual become a bridge between the spiritual and physical worlds, facilitating healing for themselves and others.
During these ceremonies, shamans may employ a variety of techniques to facilitate healing. This can include energy work, such as aura cleansing, to help patients distinguish between natural and foreign energies. Rituals may also be performed to integrate the energies of the spirit world with those of the individual, fostering a sense of harmony and balance. Additionally, shamanic ceremonies can provide an opportunity for patients to connect with their ancestral spirits and gain insight into their spiritual purpose.
By incorporating shamanic healing ceremonies into hospitals, a more holistic approach to mental health can be offered. This integrative model recognizes the spiritual aspects of mental disorders and respects the cultural perspectives of indigenous communities. While Western medicine focuses on symptom management, shamanic practices aim to address the root cause of the spiritual crisis, empowering individuals to embrace their sensitivity and find meaning in their experiences.
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Shamanic view of schizophrenia
Shamanism and schizophrenia have long been compared, with some anthropologists and psychiatrists noting several connections between the two. In the shamanic view, mental illnesses like schizophrenia signal "the birth of a healer" or a conduit of good news from the spirit world. Shamans believe that those experiencing schizophrenia are chosen as a medium for a message from the spirit realm that needs to be communicated to the community.
In the shamanic worldview, mental disorders are spiritual emergencies or crises that require spiritual treatment. When a person affected by schizophrenia is overwhelmed by a rush of images and beings, a shaman must step in to separate natural energies from foreign energies and cleanse the aura, allowing the spirit to merge peacefully with the human spirit. This is in stark contrast to Western medicine, which typically treats schizophrenia as an illness or disability and relies on medication to manage symptoms.
The shamanic view of schizophrenia is evident in the work of Dr. Malidoma Patrice Somé, a shaman of the Dagara people. Dr. Somé believes that mental illness is a pathway to becoming a healer and that it can be a gift or a divine blessing. To test his theory, he took an American mental patient named Alex, who was suffering from hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, and severe depression, back to his village in Africa. After eight months of shamanic treatment, Alex's mental health improved significantly.
The comparison between shamanism and schizophrenia has been explored by various authors and psychiatrists, including Joseph Polimeni, who wrote a book called "Shamans Among Us." In his book, Polimeni notes several similarities between shamans and schizophrenic people, including the belief in magical abilities, hearing voices, and having out-of-body experiences. Both shamans and schizophrenic people also typically emerge in their late teens to early 20s, and the prevalence of shamans in early human communities is similar to the global prevalence of schizophrenia today.
However, critics argue that shamans appear to have control over their shamanic states, while schizophrenic people often lack control over their visions. Additionally, the idea that schizophrenia is a form of shamanism is not widely accepted and has faced opposition from some anthropologists and psychiatrists. Despite this, the shamanic view of schizophrenia offers a different perspective on mental illness and highlights the cultural differences in understanding and treating mental disorders.
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Shamanic training in Western medicine
Shamanic healing is a traditional practice that has been used for centuries in various cultures worldwide. In the Western world, shamanic healing is often considered an alternative or complementary modality to conventional Western medicine. Shamanic practitioners believe that mental illness is a pathway to becoming a healer or a spiritual crisis that requires assistance in merging with the energy from the spirit realm. This perspective contrasts with the Western view of mental illness as a disease or disability.
Shamanic healing workshops and training programs, such as those offered by the Inca Medicine School, provide knowledge and techniques for shamanic practices. These programs teach participants how to heal themselves and others using energy medicine from nature and the Universal light. The school's maestros from the Apaza family lineage share their ancestral wisdom, strength, and shamanic healing practices directly, without modern adaptations. The Inca Paqo Pampamesayoq Path is a three-part training series that leads to becoming a healer, Andean Priest, or Shamanic Practitioner.
In Western medicine, there is a growing recognition of the importance of incorporating spiritual and cultural beliefs into treatment plans. This integrative approach considers the patient's lifestyle, belief system, mind, body, and spirit, leading to better patient acceptance and increased chances of recovery. Shamanic healing has been introduced in hospitals and hospice care settings, with reports of improved patient outcomes and reduced medication needs.
To bridge the gap between Western medicine and shamanic practices, some organizations have initiated shamanic training programs in Western medicine. For example, the Partners in Healing program teaches Hmong shamans the basics of Western medicine, including understanding diseases, medical procedures, and emergency care. This two-way cultural exchange enhances trust and understanding between shamans, the Hmong community, and Western medical professionals.
Shamanic healing is a complementary approach that can work alongside Western medicine to address physical and mental health concerns. By integrating shamanic practices into their toolkit, healthcare providers can offer patients a more holistic and culturally sensitive treatment experience, respecting their beliefs and values. This integration of shamanic training in Western medicine creates a more inclusive and effective healthcare system that honors the wisdom of diverse healing traditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Shamans and psychics can see "beings" or "entities" that are invisible to most people. These beings are believed to cause crises in patients by increasing their pain and trying to get medications out of their bodies.
Shamans view mental illness as a signal of "the birth of a healer" or spiritual emergency. They believe that the person experiencing the crisis has been chosen as a medium for a message from the spirit realm.
Dr. Somé observes that Western culture's frenetic pace, bombardment of the senses, and violent energy can overwhelm sensitive individuals, leading to mental disorders.
Shamans use practices such as "sweeps" to separate a person's energy from foreign energies and clear their aura. They also employ rituals and ceremonies, sometimes involving animals, to negotiate with spirits and facilitate healing.
Hospitals are increasingly embracing cultural beliefs. For example, the Mercy Hospital Shaman Program in Merced aims to strengthen trust between doctors and the Hmong community by incorporating shamanic elements, such as allowing short ceremonies and spiritual accelerators like gongs during treatment.
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