The tradition of traditional medicine returns to UNM
March 21, 2023 - Savannah Peat
It’s an extraordinary way to heal, that’s been mentioned in history books and headlines for generations. Now, after 500 years, the teaching of curanderismo is continuing to expand across the Southwest and at The University of New Mexico.
“You know, we clean our bodies with shampoo and soap and water. We clean our cars, we clean our homes, but we hardly ever clean our energy or our spirit. What does the Earth offer us to heal ourselves?” Professor and former Vice President of Student Affairs Eliseo “Cheo” Torres said.
Torres is a world-renowned name when it comes to the understanding, teaching and practice of curanderismo. Before diving into why this became such an integral part of his life, it’s critical to understanding what curanderismo is.
Curanderismo directly translates to the practice of curanderos, or curanderas. Curanderos, a Spanish word for healer, do exactly what it sounds like: they heal. You can experience curanderismo in a variety of ways. There’s healing through herbal remedies or surroundings, massage and body therapy, or limpia–a spiritual cleansing with the combining of the elements around us.
Read more at UNM Newsroom.
