•Curanderismo is a term referring tothe Spanish word curar, meaning ‘to heal’, and is used to describe the practice of traditional healing in Latin American (Hispanic) cultures (Trotter and Chavira, 1997). Remedies, healers and rituals generally found in the health and healing practices of many Mexican and Mexican Americans are presented to help occupational therapists to understand curanderismo and to develop increased cultural sensitivity.
•The Mexican Indians had many gods; they believed that their gods punished sins with illness. Therefore, disease or illness was supernatural in nature. As a balance, some mortals, who were spiritually chosen, were given the power to heal the wounded spirit and cure the supernatural illness. This is the role of the curanderos and curanderas. They generally use prayer, massage, herbs, and reassurance to treat their patients. This is some what similar to medicine in the U.S because how many spas use treatment similar to this they provide herbs and give massages. Doctors also do this too, they give the patient reassurance and advise them to take natural herbs to begin the healing process.