The Internet, television and other news media are ringing alarms and announcing new solutions to treat diseases. These diseases include Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetes, MS and Parkinson's disease. In this shouting, it is almost a condemnation of drugs and praise for other methods. The purpose here is not to list these methods or to discuss all of them. One of them needs attention.

There are a large number of shaman therapists and practitioners in the United States. Dozens offer advice, membership, seminars and certification organizations abound. An expansive gold mine illuminates the vision of a possible cure candidate.

At this point, defining shamanism is helpful. There is no need to trace the etymology of the word. Shamanism is not a cult, nor a religion, although there is ample evidence of faith in the divine power that surrounds the universe. Shamanism is an ancient form of treatment. Although some people try to mark them as pastors, the shaman is only a therapist, that is, he knows some remedies for physical problems.

One of the important signs that distinguishes between shamans and doctors is that they recognize that the disease may be more than physical, but emotional. Treating the entire patient is a 40,000-year-old method that is gaining popularity in the 21st century. Another difference between shamans and modern doctors is the division of reality into three areas: the upper, middle and lower levels. This leads to the third difference: the shaman uses a spiritual guide because he or she treats the customer.

Shaman has a broad understanding of herbs; however, modern doctors have a deep understanding of what drugs to use. Shaman is based on nature, and doctors are most likely to be based on artificial chemistry. Having a sound exercise that makes more "drugs" natural is commendable in some ways.

A fundamental problem comes from a clever dress ad or a recommendation to praise the wonders of shaman therapy. Be very cautious whenever a doctor asks for "treatment." If you have pain around you, the shaman may not know that it is appendicitis, indigestion, intestinal obstruction or cancer. Accepting shaman therapy as an alternative to modern medicine is a serious mistake. There are no puns.

The alternative left a bad taste. This means there is a better way, which may not be the case. Supportive and interrogative medical advice treatments as well as current medical practices.

Shamanism – a substitute for modern medicine? was originally published on Spring