Native American Healing Traditions

The current threat of extinction is posed to the extensive knowledge of plant remedies, ceremonies, and teachings that have been passed down through generations and have made a significant contribution to the promotion and preservation of optimal health. The acquisition of this knowledge was impeded by assimilation policies, such as the Residential School System, and was subsequently suppressed as a consequence of government regulations that prohibited ceremonial practices and deemed them unlawful. At present, urban centers in North America are the homes of approximately 85.5% of Indigenous individuals in Canada and 71% of indigenous individuals in the USA

The Indigenous population of North America has experienced substantial and detrimental consequences as a result of the colonization process. The individuals in question have experienced substantial adversities, such as the gradual erosion of their traditional knowledge and practices related to health and general well-being, the profound displacement from their ancestral lands, and the disconnection from their families and cultural heritage.

The current threat of extinction is posed to the extensive knowledge of plant remedies, ceremonies, and teachings that have been passed down through generations and have made a significant contribution to the promotion and preservation of optimal health. The acquisition of this knowledge was impeded by assimilation policies, such as the Residential School System, and was subsequently suppressed as a consequence of government regulations that prohibited ceremonial practices and deemed them unlawful.

The absence of a platform for land-based teachings presents a significant obstacle for Indigenous individuals residing in urban areas, as it hinders their ability to reclaim and preserve ancestral wisdom regarding medicinal practices and ceremonial traditions. The ancestral traditions of numerous Native American nations have been the source of numerous spiritual ceremonies and healing practices that are employed by metaphysical groups and healing practitioners.It is clear from historical records that each tribe would typically have one or more esteemed individuals who have received specialized training in the field of healing. These individuals would be responsible for the roles of herbalists, healers, and spirit communicators.

The responsibilities and scope of spiritual ceremonies and therapeutic arts that are performed may naturally differ among various tribal communities.The Native American healing arts and practices are rooted in a deep reverence for the natural world, which includes the recognition and honoring of celestial entities such as Father Sky, Mother Earth, Grandfather Sun, and Grandmother Moon. Throughout the ages, traditional indigenous medicine has been implemented to improve the health and overall well-being of the diverse Native populations that have historically inhabited this continent. Native flora have been employed for medicinal purposes, seasonal ceremonies, and the integration of indigenous diets to promote well-being through harmonious coexistence with the environment.In recent years, there has been an increasing trend among newer generations of Native individuals to disengage from these longstanding traditions, which have historically offered valuable opportunities for cultivating a profound connection with the natural environment.

Traditions of the Native Americans:

**Animal Spirits or Totems** The observation of avian and terrestrial creatures, whether in the physical domain or within the realm of dreams, is regarded as a form of communication from totemic entities, providing spiritual guidance.

** Sweat lodges** are a conventional purification ritual that is designed to cleanse and facilitate the healing of the body, mind, and spirit. I had the privilege of expressing my gratitude to the Earth Mother and acknowledging the mothers and ancestors of all the participants during my initial sweat lodge experience.

**Sacred circles**, also known as dream catchers, were originally created as amulets to safeguard children from nightmares and promote healing.

Fetishes , which are commonly referred to as **Sacred objects**, consist of a diverse array of items, such as feathers, bones, seashells, and animal garments. These objects are employed as instruments to facilitate transformative experiences, aid in prayer, and provide protection and healing.

**Prayer Flags*- Prayer ties or prayer flags created from tobacco and fabric are respectfully presented to The Great Spirit as a symbol of devotion, with the expectation of receiving blessings in return.

* The practice of smudging, which involves the use of a smoldering smudge wand for the purpose of purification, is of great cultural importance in a variety of Native American traditions.Sage, sweet-grass, tobacco leaves, and cedar are the most frequently used botanicals for the practice of smudging.

**Ceremonial Peace Pipes*: The Native American pipe is of great significance in ceremonial or ritual practices, as it is used to make offerings to the Great Spirit and invoke the presence of the four elements.

**The Sacred Hoop*, also known as the Medicine Wheel, integrates a variety of animal spirit guides, color associations, and teachings into each of its orientations.

**The Talking Stick** is a practice that entails the respectful and courteous interchange of opinions and the facilitation of communication by passing a designated object from one speaker to another.This method is particularly beneficial in preventing the escalation of disputes.

Amulets or talismans are objects that consist of a variety of items, such as shells, crystals, gemstones, rattles, feathers, animal skin and bones, and Zuni fetishes.

**The Shaking Tent Ceremony** is a ceremonial practice that is designed to assist individuals in overcoming specific obstacles, including the recovery of lost items and the treatment of physical and spiritual afflictions.These circumstances were frequently cited as the primary motivating factor for the organization of the Shaking Tent Ceremony, according to reports.

**The ceremonial performance known as the Jingle Dress** is of great spiritual significance to Indigenous communities, as it is intricately linked to traditional healing practices. The Ojibwe community's cultural framework broadly recognizes that spiritual energy is transmitted through the medium of air, while sounds are held in high regard due to their inherent depth and meaning.The therapeutic healing effects of a heightened vibrational resonance can be achieved by the synchronized movement of a large group of women swaying in unison.In the context of traditional practices, individuals form a circular formation, actively observe, and express their thoughts and emotions with sincerity.

**The Talking Circle** commences with a prayer led by the Traditional Practitioner who is facilitating the ceremony. Participants may participate in purification or smudging ceremonies that employ the smoke produced by sacred botanicals. A feather or talking stick is passed clockwise around the circle, allowing each person to have a turn. The act of holding the feather is intended to both invite and encourage individuals to convey themselves honestly and authentically.The Talking Circle provides a platform for individuals to engage in trauma-informed healing and the expression of their genuine thoughts and emotions without fear of criticism, judgment, or interruptions.

**The Red Path*, also referred to as the Red Road, is an alternative term used to define the process of achieving a state of complete well-being and alignment with the natural world.The values that are encapsulated include the promotion of a sense of inclusion, the cultivation of a sense of competence, the appreciation of individual autonomy, and the encouragement of acts of selflessness and generosity. The Red Road is the trajectory from the North to the South, as delineated in the Medicine Wheel, and it signifies the path of righteousness. The Black Road is the pathway that extends from the West to the East within the framework of the Medicine Wheel, representing the route of conflict and devastation.

**The Medicine Wheel** is employed to offer guidance in accordance with the cardinal directions and to navigate the diverse aspects of life that are associated with each direction.The cross, which functions as the four spokes of the wheel, is encapsulated by the circular shape. Each spoke is oriented in a unique orientation. The specific associations attributed to each direction may vary among tribes.The Eastern direction is symbolically associated with the ascending sun in a common medicine wheel configuration, which is characterized by the color crimson and represents spiritual aspects. The Southern region is frequently linked to the color yellow, natural environs, and an abundance of daylight. The West is associated with the physical aspects of existence and the color black, and it is the direction of the setting sun. The cold winter winds, which transport snowfall, originate from the cardinal direction of the North. It is associated with the cognitive aspects of existence and the color white. The Medicine Wheel functions as a profound reminder of the importance of preserving equilibrium and harmony in all aspects of life. Neglecting essential aspects of life can result in an imbalance and heightened obstacles.

Native Americans have traditionally observed plants

and have acquired knowledge about the healing properties of various plant elements in their environments. Native Americans' health outcomes were advantageous during the European era due to their adherence to traditional dietary practices and the use of herbal medicine.In contrast to Western medicine, the prevailing belief is that the positive effects of herbal medicines are not solely attributed to their chemical composition. Rather, the spiritual connection between the healer and the plants is of significant significance.Herbs were considered by healers to be a means of reestablishing equilibrium in an individual's intellectual, spiritual, physical, and emotional aspects.