number two: medicine

"Medicine," in the western sense, does not necessarily apply to Native American medicine.  It is such an integrated part of life, that the word "medicine" doesn't exist outside of everyday life, like medicine does when we use it--as a prescription, a doctor's visit, or something clinical.

While conventional medicine focuses on curing the person, Native American medicine focuses on recovering the person's wholeness.  Relationships are very important, and relationships with oneself, others, plants and the animals, and the earth are all considered important to maintaining wellness.  When one of these relationships are interrupted, the person becomes out of balance.  This is called illness, and the person will be ill until the balance is restored.

This is done by a healer, who also might be called a medicine man or woman, shaman, or herbalist.  The relationship between the healer and the patient is very important, as the patient completely accepts the healers medicine.  The medicine could include natural medicine--herbs and other remedies, various ceremonies for healing, and suggestions for different ways of thinking or meditation.

The medicine wheel is a symbol that represents the medical view of wellness for many different Native American tribes.  The shape is a circle, representing the wholeness needed for a healthy, balanced life.  The circle encloses a cross with four spokes, each spoke pointing in a different direction.  The east is associated with the rising sun and represents spirituality.  The west is associated with the setting sun and represents the physical aspects of life.  The south is connected with full daylight and the natural aspects of life.  The north is associated with cold winter winds and snow, and represents the intellectual aspects of life.

Because Native American medicine is so intertwined with life and culture, it is difficult to even compare it to a western medical system.  However, the holistic and relationship-driven values found in Native American medicine can be understood and appreciated.

number one

Welcome to my blog--BAMedicine!

My name is Blake, and I am a student of Biology and English Writing.  I was, for a long time, a pre-med student as well.  However, I was always frustrated with the conventional medicine.  I had doctors who didn't respect me, doctors who spent less than ten minutes with me before giving me a prescription, and have had family members with serious medical problems go unnoticed until it was too late.  With insurance pressures and limited resources, doctors spend less time time with patients.  There is less of a focus on overall wellness and prevention, and more of a focus on curing diseases.  Too often, doctors don't see a person--they see an isolated disease, an ailment, a problem.

I had issues like this with the medical system, and when I was introduced to naturopathic medicine, I learned that it dealt with these same issues as well.  I talked to a naturopathic doctor, and was amazed when he echoed many of the same problems I had.  I learned that naturopathic medicine values prevention, time with patients, and a holistic approach at wellness...but there will be more on that later.

The purpose of this blog is to explore alternative forms of medicine, beginning with Native American medicine.  You can journey with me as I delve into different medicines with respect and curiosity, and hopefully dispel some common misconceptions on the way.  In will post any articles that I think will be beneficial in this journey.

Happy exploring!