In This Chapter
■The history and philosophy of Native
American Healing
■Theories of illness and health in Native
American Healing
■Diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in
Native American Healing
■Learning about and trying Native
American Healing5 Native American Healing
5 Native American Healing.
The population of today’s Native American tribes is only a fraction of
what it was before Europeans invaded this continent. Forty-five percent
of all Native Americans living on reservations live below the poverty
level, Native Americans have the highest infant mortality rate of any
group in the United States, and life expectancy among Native
Americans on reservations is under 50 years of age. Many customs have
been lost forever. Despite these impediments, many of the traditions
and ceremonies practiced by Native Americans for centuries are still in
evidence today. Although each Native American Indian-based healing
system is unique, they share a number of characteristics. This chapter
presents the commonalities found among tribes.