the ritual ‘sacred word of power’ contains all the knowledge required to cure
as well as to cause illness. This includes how to make a diagnosis, look for
possible cures, combat and allay spiritual illness, and extract ‘bad energies’
implanted by ‘spells’ and revenge, as well those of physical illnesses.^1
The traditional healers
The true traditional healers (which include the sabedor, shaman and payé)
must be rigorous in their objectives and follow the regimens required – such
as evaluations, diets and sexual abstinence – in order to acquire the ability to
heal and allay ‘bad’ or negative energies produced by different illnesses.^6 For
this he or she must have great fortitude and energy. To be recognised as a
healer capable of managing and applying numerous techniques in the treat-
ment of illnesses, the sabedormust demonstrate his powers of healing to his
community and beyond.^1
The sabedores
Abuelo-sabedores(as) or sabedores(as)are indigenous wise men or wise
women who have gained expert knowledge of plants, traditions such as
medicines, and managing the environment by following particular occupa-
tions (e.g. dance, medicine, basket making). These occupations are
profound and can last as long as 45 years.
Traditional medicine used in the Colombian Amazon forest | 67Figure 4.1 Map of Colombia, South America, showing approximate location of Amazonia and
the locations referred to in text.
EcuadorPacific
OceanLeticiaAmazonasAtacuariTrapecio
amazónicoColombiaVenezuelaPeruBrazilEquator
AraracuaraCaquetá
medioBogotáAmazoniaRiver AmazonasEcuadorPacific
OceanLeticiaAmazonasAtacuariTrapecio
amazónicoColombiaVenezuelaPeruBrazilEquator
AraracuaraCaquetá
medioBogotáAmazoniaRiver AmazonasAmazon tropical rainforest