Yoruba is similar to European herbalism in its oldest roots. It is founded on the theory that the body becomes inhabited by worms or bugs that develop into dangerously large colonies and then cause disease or disharmony. Yoruba states that the female mensuration is the result of these bugs overflowing and as a result the female bleeds to release the necessary toxins. Plants and songs are often used for treatment along with offering to gods and ancestors. Although the ancestors are not worshiped in the same way that many traditional Chinese religions worship ancestors, they are respected. It is believed that our relatives are individuals with which we have strong spiritual ties and that although death separates us in form the ties still remain and the ancestors in the other world have increased spiritual strength. Foods that are rich in flavor are seen to contribute to imbalances and can be counteracted with bitters and specific herbs. This notion that dietary imbalances cause physical imbalances is aligned with herbalism and the use of bitters is seen in many traditional practices. Many traditional therapies include the use of song in healing, yoruba is no different. Although the use of song separates Yoruba from western medicine and herbalism is is aligned with the beliefs of many therapies. The Yoruba practitioner, much like a western doctor spend a lifetime learning the healing practices and the various plants and herbs. Unlike western medicine but somewhat reminiscent of herbalism plants must be harvested at certain times and be given certain prayers and songs during harvesting to assure and fortify their magical and healing abilities. Herbalism, while officially talking little of plants magical abilities, speaks to the need to harvest intelligently and to be aware of the plants energy and surrounding energy of the location from which it is harvested and the energy of the practitioner. In herbalism, although specific songs are not taught for specific plants, the need for gratitude and the recognition of such gratitude is stressed. Although this is a weak interpretation of giving offering, it is non-the less a similarity. Similar to acupuncture Yoruba believes that the individual who is suffering is often in pain due to an imbalance with their own relationship spiritually to the earth or another person. Although there is no formal talk of an individuals Qi there is talk of imbalances caused by past actions or the actions of others. Malicious or acts committed without caring can have clear negative effects on ourselves and others. The notion that actions can cause future spiritual imbalances is similar to the Buddhist belief of Karma, simply stated that all life is a series of cause and effect. Yoruba beliefs that these imbalances can be doctored by a shaman or priest who is capable of communing with the spirit world and readjusting imbalances, through song and sacred plants. I was amazed in my readings to find how specific the similarities of Yoruba were to the shamanistic practices of Brazil. In Brazil, plants and herbs are used, harvested sacredly, at specific times and sung sacred songs, depending on the plant being harvested. The shaman sings songs to ignite the power of the plant spirit and initiate the healing process, while also evoking the power and strength of the gods for the healing. Also similar is the notion that disease is the result of an imbalance which can be adjusted by a shaman. These similarities leave me feeling both bewildered and at home. Although I am amazed at the continuity I am also comforted by the human family that feels all that much closer by such commonalities. I am however left feeling curios about the origins of South American shamanism and wondering if there has been any cross cultural integration or inspiration throughout the ages. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "CulturalandTraditionalHealthandHealing" group. To post to this group, send email to culturalandtraditionalhealthandhealing@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to culturalandtraditionalhealthandhealing+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.ca/group/culturalandtraditionalhealthandhealing?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
