Native American Medicine Essay Examples

Native American Medicine Essay examples
Native American Medicine
"Native American medicine is based on widely held beliefs about healthy living, the repercussions of disease–producing behavior, and the spiritual
principles that restore balance." –Ken "Bear Hawk" Cohen (Chrisman 1).
The beliefs that Cohen is referring to are shared by all North and South Native American tribes, however, the methods of diagnosis as well as the
treatments vary significantly. This is mainly due to the fact that Native American medicine is based upon a spiritual view of life. A healthy person is
someone who has a sense of purpose and follows the guidance of the Great Spirit who represented the central religious figure for most tribes
(Chrisman 2). It is believed that someone is ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In order to heal a fractured, sprained or dislocated bone, the natives would form a padding of wet clay or rawhide to form a cast around the injury.
This restricted movement, thus allowing the bone to heal properly. In another method, used by the Ojibwas, they washed the fractured arm with
warm water, then greased it, applied a warm poultice of wild ginger and spikenard to ease the pain, covered it with cloth, and bound the arm with
cedar splints (Vogel 215). This procedure resulted in a sling that allowed the broken bone to heal correctly. When someone broke a bone, it was
crucial that the bone be able to heal properly as the injured person was needed to return to work as quickly as possible. Some Native Americans often
used specific drugs to suppress ovulation and control the menstrual cycle (Vogel 5). This drug's success started researchers on the road that led to the
pill, a common form of birth control today. This demonstrates that many of the needs of the people of the past are similar to the needs of the people
today. In 1536, an Indian chief, Domagaia, treated an abundant disease, scurvy, by boiling the leaves and bark of a 'magical tree' and then placing the
dregs upon the legs of the people that had been exposed (Morsette 5).
They experienced success with this remedy due to the large amounts of vitamin C present in the
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Nursing : Communication And Cultural Competence In Nursing
Cultural Competence: American Indian/Native Alaskan Heritage Why is communication and cultural competence so important in the nursing
profession? As nurses, we will be interacting with many individuals of diverse backgrounds and will need to be able to advocate and create common
goals for individuals that we may not have any commonalities with. In order to provide the best care possible, a basic understanding of our patient is
vital in giving the care that is not only appropriate to our standards but to their standards as well. It is obvious that we as nurses cannot know every
culture in depth but we can always educate ourselves on how a particular culture communicates. Living in Washington, there are more than twenty
recognized American Indian tribes and there are more than five–hundred recognized sovereign American Indian/Alaskan Native tribes (Purnell, 2014,
p.48) in the United States. The culture of American Indians/Alaskan Natives is very diverse however, the role of the nurse is consistent when caring
for a patient of this heritage. A few examples of how the nurse should act are: "greeting everyone in the room and establishing relationships, taking cues
from the patient and not asking direct questions" (Purnell, 2014, p.51) are a few things the nurse should know prior to interacting with patients that are
of American Indian/Alaskan Native heritage. Because there are so many tribes, there will be variation in cultural practice however, the nurses' role
remains

The Medicine Wheel
"In Native American Spirituality, the medicine wheel represents harmony and connections and is considered a major symbol of peaceful interactions
among all living beings on earth" ("Medicine Wheel", 2013, p. 1). The medicine wheel has been used for many generations of various American
native tribes and are still used today in the Native American spirituality. In an interview with an aboriginal woman B.C, B.C stated "the wheel has
been passed down from generation from generation and the meaning of the wheel has never been altered and it's very symbolic to the first nation's
people. The following is a picture of the medicine wheel;
The medicine wheel, otherwise known as sacred hope is a symbol of the indigenous North American culture ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The wheel suggests that each aspect of the wheel must be equally developed in a healthy way and balance in each area puts us into balance. If there is
part of the wheel not in balance it may greatly effect health decisions (uOttawa, 2009) First Nations people agree that emphasis needs to be given in
each area of the wheel.
"The medicine wheel symbolizes the interconnection of all life, the various cycles of nature, and how life represents a circular journey. The number
four is sacred to the many Aboriginal peoples of North America and can represent many things: the four seasons, the four parts of a person (physical,
mental, emotional and spiritual); the four kingdoms (animal, mineral, plant and human); the four sacred medicines (sweet grass, tobacco, cedar and
sage). Hence, you may see the medicine wheel presented in several different ways" (uOttawa, 2009, p. 1)
Different tribes examine the medicine wheel differently (Terpning, 2011). They continue to use the wheel as a first nation symbol. The wheel
continues to be sacred to them for various reasons, including teachings, health and healing, many traditional ceremonies, dances and ritual vision quest
(Sutherland, 2013). It is important to First Nations People to continue to use this Medicine wheel and it is important to remember that if the focus is on
one area of the medicine

Native American Medicine and Spiritual Healing Essay
Throughout time, mankind has persistently been seeking ways to maintain their health and to cure those that had not been so fortunate in that task.
Just about everything has been experimented with as a cure for some type of illness; whether physical, spiritual or mental. There has always been
evidence of spiritual healing and it will continue to be an important part of any healing process, large or small. In particular the roots of Native
American Medicine men (often a woman in some cultures) may be traced back to ancient times referred to as Shaman. A special type of healer used
by the Indians is referred to as a medicine man (comes from the French word medecin, meaning doctor). Shaman are known in many cultures, but are...
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Furthermore, In view of that, becoming a medicine man is a sanctified responsibility. Above all there are four key fundamentals for becoming a
medicine man; a mediator between the people and the Great Spirit, comprehend that human life is sacred, a man of integrity that is always truthful,
forbearance with his anger, intelligent in communication and methodical. To enter in to this sacred profession he prepares himself by fasting, prayer
and isolation. Many times this is referred to as a "Vision Quest." Subsequently, by dreaming or hallucinations, he discovers his guardian spirit which
bestows upon him the mystic power to do his might works. North American Indian tribes require him to serve an apprenticeship studying under an
older man. He will (Minor 228–29) For example medicine men interact with nature; they talk with animals and plants. This is accomplished however
by an altered state of consciousness. Talking with plants, they gain knowledge of them and how to develop remedies. It is not essential to have
knowledge of plants, but normally they have a great comprehension of plants. On the other hand Inuit and Yupik angakok (shamans) work with other
things because they of the restricted supply of plants. Which brings us to a very important issue: everything is available in the Dreamtime to the
shaman, all that has been known and can be know. To explain it is

Native American Medicine Essay
Native American Medicine
If you were in the desert or woods and bitten by a snake, where you go for help? A call to the local ambulance and a fast ride to the emergency
room are not available to you. How would you know what potions to use and what would heal your wounds? This was the dilemma of the Native
American People hundreds of years ago. How did they handle it? The medical traditions and customs have remained a mystery to us for hundreds of
years. This paper will try to explore some of these customs and possibly uncover some of the mystery. Our life is an age of previously unimaginable
medical breakthroughs. The technology we know today is one that emulated witchcraft to our great grand parents. Yet, with all that we can... Show
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St. John's Wort, which is considered to be a "natural Prozac" was very common and widely available. It was use by Indians because of the calming
effect it had on the central nervous system. All remedies were carried in a little satchel, called amedicine bag. This bag was filled with roots tied up in
individual bundles with some order as to what items belonged together. The center of the Native American Heath care system was the medicine
man. The medicine men were priests, magicians and healers who handed down their knowledge and customs from one generation to the next.
Medicine men were considered wealthy; receiving many gifts of money and wild life if a sick person they treated became well again. They were
required to be masters at their craft, much like the doctors of today. Knowing every song, every word and ritual in perfect tune and order was
essential for success. Everything had to be perfect and correct in order for it to work. The medicine man ultimately disappeared when "during a forty
year period ending in 1934, the us government forbade the tribal role: anyone attempting to serve as a medicine man was to be imprisoned for no less
than ten days or until such time as he could produce evidence, satisfactory to the court, that he would forever abandon all such practices."
(Dharmananda, 2000, P.3) In delivering modern nursing care while incorporating the beliefs and customs of the Native American, a nurse

Essay On Native American Medicine
During the time prior to 1877 Native American medicine continued to grow. The Native Americans created their own system of healing. They used
their beliefs and knowledge to create magnificent forms of medicine. Native American medicine is a topic that is not broadly researched, when looked
at not much information is found but when you dig deep enough you will uncover information that is extraordinary and all around very interesting of
a topic to explore. This paper is going to look at the different aspects of medicine in Native American Tribes, such as the medicine used, herbs used to
create the medicine, the technology created, the different beliefs they had that aided in the medical field, and how Native American medicine affects
medicine ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In 1820 the Pharmacopoeia was created and in it there are fifty substances used by Native Americans. In 1798 a doctor told people that Native
Americans had important cures that worked. The first real type of help with childbirth was adopted by Americans in the nineteenth century. These
are just few examples but the list goes on. Americans adopted a huge amount of remedies from the Native Americans, of course over time some of
these cures have been dropped or changed to a certain extreme but the root of them are still originating from Native American tribes. Over 220
medicines from different Native American tribes are still listed in the National Formulary. After all the technological advances in time, our
knowledge evolving, and everything else some of the cures still are known and used today by people that are not in tribes. There is even a school
program in Rough Rock, Arizona that holds classes and programs that teach the traditional beliefs and ceremonies to kids. Native American
medicine will always be a big part of the medical field and will always have an underlying effect on it whether people want to think so or not. It may
not be a very well known topic but it will always be a part of medicine

Differences Between Native Americans And Europeans
Native Americans and Europeans Differences The Native Americans and the Europeans had very different views on everything they experienced in
their lives. Because they had two different cultures, they had dissimilar outlooks in most cases. Amongst the differences are the values, beliefs, and
assumptions of Native North Americans and Europeans at the time of first contact during the fifteenth and sixteenth century. The Native Americans
highly value traditional beliefs such as balance, spirituality, and wellness. Balancing their environment was very important to the Native Americans.
The Native American traditional values reflect the importance placed upon sharing, cooperation, being, community. Among the traditional Native

Native American Sweat Lodge Research Paper
Native American sweat lodge ceremonies are more than just sweating. They are purifying rituals used for many purposes depending on the culture
and the occasion. Most sweat lodge ceremonies are used for healing purposes, to give thanks to their spirits or their God, for seeking of wisdom
and to clear their mind, body, and soul. According to "aktalakota.stjo.org," the term sweat lodge means 'to live again' (Raymond A. Bucko, 1989).
Native American sweat ceremonies usually take place in round, circular lodges. Some cultures use teepees, or even pits that are covered with tree
branches. Most lodges or teepees are generally made of wood. Hot rocks are placed in the middle of the lodge by a firekeeper and heated to 102
degrees. Water is occasionally poured over the heated rocks to create a hot and steamy lodge. The lodge is designed to make it a safe and sacred
place. It is where they can go to concentrate on the "spirits" that are invited to the ceremony. Some ceremonies can last up to two hours (K. Cohen,
2006). According to tradition, nothing or no one should come into the sweat lodge that does not have Native American significance and that includes
clothing. Therefore, the ceremonies are performed in... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
A medicine man begins by setting up an altar. This altar, usually has some type of antler to hold the sacred pipe. Then he sets four different sacred
herbs in the middle of the lodge or teepee. There are four sacred herbs in the Native culture that are used for sweats. One is sage, which purifies a
room of all negative energies. The second herb is sweet grass which brings in spirits from the other side to heal you. The third herb is cedar which is
for purification purposes. The fourth herb is tobacco. Tobacco has always been sacred to the Native American culture. The tobacco is used to smoke
in the sacred pipe. This pipe is used to bless the earth (Winona LaDuke

Healthcare Considerations For The Native American Culture
HEALTHCARE CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE 1
Healthcare Considerations for the Native American Culture
Christina Seif
Mid–State Technical College
Abstract
The Native American culture is the original culture of the United States. Members of Native American tribes live throughout the country. "There are
an estimated 4.9 million persons, in 565 federally recognized tribes who are classified as American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AI), alone or in
combination with one or more other designated racial classifications. This demographic group compromises 1.6% of the U.S. population" (Horowitz,
2012). Wisconsin is home to the Ho–Chunk (Winnebago), Ojibwa (Chippewa), and the Potawatomi tribes ("American", 2014). It is important for
nurses within this state, as well as any other state, to understand the Native American belief system in order to provide a quality healthcare experience.
Nurses are the primary point of contact in the healthcare setting. Client advocacy is one of the nurse's major roles. Therefore, the nurse should have the
highest level of diversity understanding for the cultures within the local region.
Healthcare Considerations for the Native American Culture
Family Patterns Native American family dynamics differ from the typical western family. Native

Lulu Ullali Bevay Summary
Lulu Ulali Bevay was 36 years old when her standard Western doctor had prescribed her pharmaceutical medicine. Rather than filling her prescription,
Lulu had turned to her traditional medical beliefs and sought relief through her Cherokee roots. In accordance with her native beliefs, removing all
negative energies will consequently make her healthy. Therefore, she believed natural remedies were the answer to her ailments, leading her to go
through a Cherokee purification ceremony. In comparison to Westernmedicine, natural remedies are a common practice among Native Americans;
though with hundreds of native tribes currently residing in the United States, beliefs, customs, and overall subcultures vary in many ways.
Nevertheless, certain traditions ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Adding to the conversation, academic scholar Daniel Carlock notes, "health disparities between Native Americans and the general population of the
United States are a major health concern" (Carlock, Danielle). Hence, an inherent culturally based issue arises where natives are disregarding modern
medicine and Western medical practices and instead turning to a traditional holistic approach. Alternative to standard science being the leading factor
towards understanding illness and medicine, a cultural barrier divides indigenous peoples perception of the effectiveness of Western science in regards
to traditional beliefs. This creates much difficulty for the U.S. government agency the Indian Health Service providing health care and assistance to
federally recognized tribes and indigenous peoples. Commenting on Native American health discrepancies, professor James E. Cheek finds "the
infectious disease rate in Native Americans populations was significantly higher than that of Whites"(Cheek, James E). This connects Native American
cultural beliefs to an increase in medical disparities in relationship to following standard Western medical practices. With tradition ingrained in Native
American culture, indigenous medical practices fail to focus on pathology and curing the disease, instead restoring balance between one's mind, body,
and spirit is the focus of natives. Consequently, this is leading to standard Western medical practices and medicine being disregarded because Western
culture in terms of medicine has been seen to impede important native spirituality beliefs. "The rates for the top ten underlying causes of death were
significantly higher for Native American persons than those for whites" (Cheek, James E). This study accounts for the disparities in regards to

Spiritual Medicine: Native American Healing Practices
Native American medicine is an umbrella term that encompasses the healing beliefs and practices of all the indigenous people of North America. Its'
therapeutic approach combines spirituality, herbalism, and magic in treating a wide range of physical and emotional ailments from the common cold to
depression.
Native American medicine is a holistic approach that emphasizes the treatment of body, mind, and spirit. Because Native Americans believe that the
health of an individual is inextricably linked to the people and objects surrounding that person, their healing practices promote harmony among
everyone in a community––and with the physical environment and the spiritual world as well.
Although there are variations in the specific healing methods

How Did The Native American Removal Compared To The Holocaust
The Native Americans removal can be compared to the Holocaust,but it also can't not be compared to the Holocaust. I'll start with how the removal
can be compared to the Holocaust,we remove the Native Americans from their land because gold was found and moved the Native Americans,these
can be compared to how the Germans took Jews to the camps. Another way to show these two events similar is when Jews had to wear a yellow
star on their clothing to show they are a Jew,it's like the Renaming Program for the Native American to have a christian name or a white man name.
Also was the battle of Little Bighorn, the Native American tribe was attacked by the troops of US soldiers attacked without warning or even a reason,
just like how the German choose Jews to go to the forced labor camps to work everyday without a reason why they were doing it. Another way to
show the two are similar,is the Native Americans didn't control the reservation land it was the Us Government that ultimately controlled it, just like the
Holocaust the Jew did have a choice of what happen in the forced labor camps. On the Other side the Native American removal can't be compared with
the Holocaust. The death count, the most I believe Native American death would be around forty thousand,the Holocaust death was more than two
hundred thousand deaths. Another reason that these two can't be compared is the Native American got clothing unlike the Holocaust Jews bearly got
any clothing. Native American were able to hunt for food in a fenced off area it was completly different then the Holocaust Jews not recieving any food
at all. I believe the American government didn't make an attempt to help the Native Americans into the American culture. The medicine for the Indians
that were ill was cod liver oil;no hospitals;no decent medicine;and doctors to help ill or injured Native Americans. What made me believe that the US
Government of these was the reservation the Native America were placed on, Standing Rock. The Standing Rock reservation could only support only
one generation, and it could barely do that much. What made these clear was the distribution of clothing and blanks, just like how Sitting Bull was
seeing the other Indians getting clothing. Also

Magical Thinking In North America
Though, it may sound like an oxymoron, there is much science behind magic, and how the human brain interprets and interacts with magic and
magical thought. Research has been conducted extensively on why humans may resort to magical thinking. A study that was conducted by Giora
Keinan, a professor at Tel Aviv University, demonstrates when and why people use magical thinking. To test for magical think Keinan "sent
questionnaires to 174 Israelis after the Iraqi Scud missile attacks of the 1991 gulf war" (Carey, Benedict 1) and what he found was " those who
reported the highest level of stress were also the most likely to endorse magical beliefs." (Carey, Benedict 1) In the context of Russia this makes sense
as well as often the less developed ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
At first, these cultures may seem extremely isolated from one another, so magical thinking would thought to be very different, but this is not true.
Much Native Russian people and native American people have quite similar DNA. This is due to the migration of Russians across the Bering Strait
into what is today the United States and Canada. In doing so, many Native Russian beliefs and ways of life were brought over and manifested in
similar but different forms among tribes that are based in North America. Scientist have found conclusive DNA evidence to prove the close relation
between Native Russians of the Siberian region and Native Americans. To do this, scientist examined 25,000 samples of DNA from Russian Natives
and the nationalities of peoples' in neighboring countries. After this they searched for specific DNA markers such as the Y chromosome and the
Mitochondrial DNA, along with other chromosomes, in doing so the scientists concluded that many people of Siberian descent and many individuals of
Native American descent shared many common ancestors. (Ter–Ghazaryan, Aram, 1) The history of how people of Siberian descent migrated to North
America is also well known. Approximately 30,000 years ago, during the ice age, what today is the Bering Strait, was then a land bridge, bridging the
continents of Asia and North America together, through a giant mass of ice. During this period, many people migrated across the land bridge from
Siberia into modern day Alaska. (Ter–Ghazaryan, Aram,1) Eventually, overtime the people of Siberia settled in North America and spread throughout
the continent. Here Native American culture and tradition formed, and while different in many aspects to that of their Siberian ancestors, some
practices carried on and manifested in different forms among

Pocahontas and the Mythical Indian Woman Essay
Pocahontas and the Mythical Indian Woman
Pocahontas. Americans know her as the beautiful, Indian woman who fell in love with the white settler John Smith and then threw her body upon the
poor white captive to protect him from being brutally executed by her own savage tribe. The magical world of Walt Disney came out with their own
movie version several years ago portraying Pocahontas as a tan, sexy Barbie doll figure and John Smith as a blond–haired, blue–eyed muscular Ken
doll. Although Disney attempts to instill racial tolerance, inter–racial friendship, and nonviolent resolutions in Pocahontas, they contribute to the
inaccurate Indian woman stereotype that has evolved from such stories. While it can be argued that Disney has ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net
...
Barnett explains, "a number of unlucky Pocahontas figures populate the frontier romance, saving white beloveds only at the cost of their own lives"
(93). Fortunately, Pocahontas's life was spared despite her willingness to sacrifice, although her later affiliations with a white man and Europe led to her
death from disease. The notion of females rescuing white men and assimilating with their culture have traditionally been connected, which resulted in
greater Indian deaths due to their exposure to a foreign culture from which they had not yet learned to protect themselves.
On the other hand, these new Native women are not always the primary characters of the fiction, but their presence is necessary for the text to evolve.
Although similarities exist between the mythical Indian woman and the characters developed in modern fiction, the new portrait being painted of
Native women shows them as strong, spiritual, and powerful, even if they choose to use their power in a destructive manner. Keeping with tradition,
Indian women are still caretakers and healers but while they keep their positions as saviors of men, Indian women are illustrated saving Indian men
rather than white males. Whereas the Indian women previously saved white men from the savages of their own tribe, they are now saving their own
race from the destruction of the white world. Native women healing sick Indian

Native American Religion : Medicine And Spiritual Healing
Erika Lenis–Abril
REL–337
5/10/2015
Native American Religion: Medicine and Spiritual Healing
Native American traditional medicine and spiritual healing rituals go back for thousands of years, these traditions often focus on different variations of
alternative medicine. This knowledge is passed on throughout generations, many of the tribes learn that by mixing natural plants such as herbs and
roots they can make remedies with healing properties. It is believed that being healthy is when people reach a state of harmony not only spiritually,
mentally but physically. To be able to overcome the forces that causeillness people must "operate in the context of relationship to four constructs
–namely, spirituality (Creator, Mother Earth, Great Father); community (family, clan, tribe/nation); environment (daily life, nature, balance); and self
(inner passions and peace, thoughts, and values)" (Portman & Garret, 2006, p.453). In this research paper I am going to show evidence of the
tremendous influence that Native American medicine and spiritual healing have over modern medicine in the course of healing Native American
culture refers to the term medicine as "the essence of life or an inner power" (Portman & Garret, 2006, p.454). It is believed that each person has
their own essence that is locked in a physical form "our body" and this way they can learn in body, mind and spirit. To be able to understand the roots
of Native American traditional medicine, it is important to

Love Medicine Summary
A Message of Hope in Love Medicine
Love Medicine, by Louis Eldridge attempts to confront the popular stereotypes of American Indians. The novel generally follows the history of a
family of Chippewa Indians who live on and off a reservation.
In a thoroughly humanist approach, Ms. Eldrige narrates each chapter in a different voice, and through extremely varied characters effectively shows
the diversity of the Indians. This is an important aspect of the novel, as it demonstrates that there is no single stereotypical "Indian". The book begins
with two scenes from a modern perspective, showing a turbulent family with fairly disturbing problems. Then the author flashes back to the lives of the
Chippewa's family two generations ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Maybe this image came in several varieties but all images of the Indian had one common point: "Indians" were another historical fact coupled with the
romanticized images portrayed by the media. Our outlook on Native Americans as a society is one which attaches every individual American Indian
with a cultural past which has absolutely nothing to do with the present day. Expecting an American Indian to retain cultural beliefs and societal
practices reflective of his heritage is like expecting an urbanized American–Swede to carry out a traditional 1500's Swedish lifestyle in the 1990's.
It is this issue which Love Medicine adresses so skillfully. The Chippewa family in the story is very large. From the very beginning we see scenes of
infidelity, drunken rampages, strained marriages, hate, and poverty. These scenes offer a look into the lifestyle of the modernNative American which is
strikingly different from the comfortable images that we all harbor; images of a noble people living off the land, in harmony with nature. So much for
the romantic view of the "noble savage". This leaves the reader in the uncomfortable situation reconciling the two extremes images. The compromise is
found in the stories of the book. The individual narratives which show the world through the eyes of the Chippewa's. A close examination of the stories
reveals a subtle difference between everyday American thought, and Chippewa thought. American's live in a

Essay on Alcohol Abuse and Native Americans
The impact of various kinds of substances to cultural groups has historically been precipitated by the significance of particular substances on different
cultural groups (Moore, 2010).This is mainly because the long term usage of these substances leads to the integration of the consumption of the
substance into the cultural patterns of the given group. One such group that has been affected by the extensive usage of a particular substance is the
Native American community. According to the Associated Press (2014, August 28), as noted on the MSNBC website, out of ten deaths among the
Native American population, one is Alcohol related. Additionally, the prevalence of Alcohol consumption among the Native American population
relates to ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
However, in order to understand the culture of the Native Americans, it is important to study each group distinctly from the other. While the history of
the Native Americans is beyond the scope of this paper, it suffices to note that the enduring cultural practices of the Native Americans have had an
impact on the abuse of substances such as Alcohol (Moore Gay, 2010). The prevalence of alcohol among this cultural group has been influenced in two
ways: by a misperception, social rules, norms and customs, and traditions that have normalized drinking among certain tribes.
The contextual cultural experiences of most Native Americans has led to the normalization of drinking especially among age groups and related
events such as among peers and when preaching. Nevertheless, the stereotype of the "drunken Indian" has also had an impact on the consumption
levels in this cultural group (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2011). A study of the Navajo Indians led to the conclusion that stereotype can lead
members of the group to consider excessive drinking as a normal part of the cultural practices of a particular cultural group. Indeed, the Native
American population has been influenced by such stereotypes which traverse the history of the Indians, for example, in as far as consumption of
alcohol is concerned (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2011).
According to statistics held by the U.S. National Library of

Love Medicine By Louise Erdrich Summary
Tracks and Love Medicine, both by Louise Erdrich, are only fragments of a much larger collection of Erdrich's Native American works. Both pieces of
literature are set in the early to mid–twentieth century and revolve around difficulties the Native American people go through in their struggle of
preserving their culture and ways of life. Native American literature invokes a taste of modern influence alongside traditional Indian mythology to truly
thicken a plot. Ancestral values are evident throughout this specific type of literature as well as the idea of balance within the world to create a true
native atmosphere. Furthermore, there are major themes within this type of literature including Christian influence, family, and reservations. These all
tie into the life of a Native American. Each major work explores the world of Native Americans through its narration, characters, and the overall plot.
To begin, the narration of the novels is one of many... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The main difference between the two is the setting and the mythology brought up. Tracks is set in 1912 to 1924 in North Dakota while Love
Medicine jumps from 1934 and 1948 to the 1980s. Each setting though ties into the overall structure of the novels. The jumping around gives depth
and history that adds to the reader's experience. Mythology is then another differing factor. Mythology and lore are used all throughout Tracks. The
main plot and characters focus around Lake Matchimanito that is said to hold a deadly monster. It was told simply to scare children but after men turn
up dead, it's taken too seriously within the Native American community. Love Medicine doesn't include that big of a legend within its pages. It
revolves around one little potion that is known as Love Medicine. It's a small piece of mythology but unlike the Monster of Lake Matchimanito, it
doesn't take up an entire

How Native Americans Handle Symptoms of Illness
Everyone gets sick and throughout generations they find ways to handle the symptoms. The ways that people define and decide to treat their illnesses
depend on their culture. The Native Americans have developed their own ways to handle their illnesses. Their techniques should be incorporated more
into modern medicine; this would improve the way modern medicine is practiced. The Native American's believe that they are spiritually and
physically connected to nature (Schwing, 2008). This is the way that Lori was raised on the reservation. She had attended ceremonies with her
father as she was growing up (Alvord, 2000). Everyone should try to understand the Native American view, and try to adopt at least part of it.
Weather someone wants to look at it from a spiritual way or a biological way the earth is interconnected with the people and the animals living on it.
We are seeing more species of animals and plants being extinct, and it seems that most people do not care or just done realize that this is happening.
Not only are we losing out on specific species themselves but also by how it will disrupt the balance of nature. Native Americans believe that people
can get ill from an imbalanced life or diseases (Schwing, 2008). Lori had seen this many times with her patients in the hospital. When the people in the
operating room were not balance with themselves and each other Lori noticed that the patients had rougher recoveries. Once she started to notice this
she

Cherokee Cultural Barriers
Traditional Cherokee medicine primarily focuses on the purity and wellbeing of the soul and assesses the physiological condition of the body as a
secondary practice (Frazier, Goad, & Wolyniak, 2013). The Cherokee highly value the importance of man being in a harmonious balance with nature.
An imbalance in nature is the theory behind the causation of disease. Cherokee perform various rituals and sacred prayers to maintain a balance its
nature and to protect themselves from harm and disease caused by evil spirits. Most Native American theories are learned by means of prayer, visions,
dreams or divination (Putsch , 1990). After the United States federal government broke solemn promises to protect Native Americans's rights in the
past, Native Americans... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Biomedical physicians and traditional Native American healers are collaborating together to decipher how Native American treatments should proceed
in the modern world and how to effectively introduce non–Natives to Native American healing practices. Hospitals and educational institutions
including Harvard University, developed their own institution of alternative medicine. Doctor Lewis E. Mehl– Madrona's 7 to 28 day intensive
treatment program inspired by Native American healing traditions proved to have lasting effects on health improvement among those with chronic
illness even 5 years after the start of the program. Improvements were also shown by patients who only received conventional treatment with the
exception of diabetic patients. The most notable improvements of the diabetic patients were reinforced with the results from the spiritually oriented
complementary therapy (Mehl–Madrona,

Native Americans And Western Medicine
Understanding Native Americans and Western Medicine
Essential Knowledge for Providing Culturally Competent Care to Native Americans
Brittany Schelitzche
Writing for Healthcare
Hennepin Technical College Native Americans and Western Medicine:
Essential Knowledge for Providing Culturally Competent Care to Native Americans
Many Alaskan Natives and Native Indians, also known as American Indians, share the same or similar views on health and medicine. Their definition
of "traditional medicine" incorporates medicine and religion, various chants and rituals, and being one with Earth (Broome, B., Broome, R., 2007). "In
the United States we are challenged to think about health care from our tradition as a cultural melting pot. Therefore, we must address the large range of
individual health care needs from populations living the inner–city and suburbia to those in rural environments." (O 'Brien, Anslow, Begay, Pereira, &
Sullivan, 2002). It is important for healthcare workers to understand the views of American Indians in order to integrate their traditional medicine as
well as western medicine. Examining areas such as common health conditions, treatments, and attitudes towards health, natural and alternative health
will lead to a better capability of providing culturally competent care.
Introduction and Background Native Americans, such as Navajo and Cherokee, have been in the United States for the past 12,000 years (Horowitz,
2012). Although those are the two most

The Native American Medicine Man
The Native American Medicine Man| From the Past to the Present| | | | The Native American medicine man, also known as a shaman (modern
term), priest, healer, and even a "Star Being" were known to be the spiritual leaders of Native American cultures. Each medicine man was unique in
his own way simply because each Native American tribe had their own origin of spirituality and religious beliefs. Each medicine man had their own
theory on how to rid people of their troubles and ease their pain when they were ill or in some sort of distress. In this research paper I will be
examining different medicine man practices and beliefs from the Native American tribes of the Cheyenne, Iroquois, and the Sioux Indians. I will be
discussing... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Both men and women were healers. Treatment of sickness was designed to restore the patient not only biologically but spiritually as well."8 Iroquois
Indians The Iroquois Indians consisted of six tribes which were under one confederation: The Mohawk Indians, the Seneca, the Oneida, the Cayuga,
the Onondaga, and the Tuscarora. The Iroquois tribes were spread throughout much of what we now call New York. The Iroquois Indians also believed
in spirit–beings. They believed that plagues and diseases were caused by evil spirits; they attempted to cure the sick by holding a religious festival
to ask for the aid of their great spirit to rid their people of the bad spirits. They also believe that disease can infect a person simply from not
fulfilling their dreams or their desires. They believe that sometimes a person's dreams can reveal what caused the disease, information which they
used to cure the patient. To touch more on the basis of the Iroquois people's belief in dreams (as this was a large part of their healing practices), they
viewed dreams as "experiences of the soul in which we may travel outside the body, across time and space, and into other dimensions––or receive
visitations from ancestors or spiritual guides". They also believed that dreams revealed the wishes of one's soul, which would dig deeper, beyond our
own personal goals and those of others

A Comparison Between The Way to Rainy Mountain and Love...
In the novels Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich and The Way to Rainy Mountain by N. Scott Momaday, the reader gains views of Native American
culture, both past and present, through two disparate means of delivery. Both authors provide immensely rich portrayals through varying literary
devices in efforts to bring about a better understanding of problems contemporary Native Americans face, especially regarding their own self–identity.
The story of Love Medicine revolves around a central character, June Kashpaw, and the many threads of relationships surrounding her, both near the
time of her death, and in what has gone on before. The novel is an exploration of a family web that June was a key component of. Her character is a
pivot point ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Complications of plot are sparse, but are evident in an episodic fashion, as each small episode has its own complexion and related complication that
normally resolved within itself. In this regard of episodic plots, the technique is similar to Love Medicine.
Erdrich appears to have a series of plots, or "plots within plots" in Love Medicine, At times, it is difficult to anticipate where a plot exists until it
becomes apparent in its crisis resolution. Again, much like Momaday's work, the plots are episodic––the different stories are interconnected and feed
into one another, but are capable of standing alone withy their own plots. Erdrich makes heavy use of the characters themselves to advance the plot for
each episode, and in inter–relation between each episode., whereas Momaday relies more on past story as a guide to present context.
Characterization is the strength of Love Medicine. The humorous, but tragic, exploits of eccentric characters are extremely vivid in her story, and
force a constant chnage of viewpoint for the reader as more aspects of characters are revealed. The characters in this novel are a woven pattern of
intricacy possibly far surpassing the reader's ability, and especially surpassing the characters themselves. This may be by design, as those things
unresolved and disjointed by the end of the story can promote an incomplete and unsettled set of emotions

Analysis: The Native American Medicine Wheel
The Native American Medicine Wheel represents many components linking us to each other, to the outside world, and ourselves as the center of
influence. Its symbolism isn't just limited to one idea, but rather it covers all aspects of life such as, The Four Seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and
Winter, The Four Stages of Life: Birth, Youth, Adult and Death, and the Four Needs of Life: Physical, Mental, Emotional and the Spiritual. When
looking at the medicine wheel, in comparison to guidance of wellness, the messages that are delivered are very simple, similar yet very complex.
They ask us to balance and find wholeness in each aspect of our lives, and to centre ourselves in accordance to our needs and wellbeing. In the now
times this seems almost ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
During the hours of 8 am to 8pm I am running around and so focused on other things, that I ignore what I might possibly need. After 8 pm I allow
myself an hour to regather myself and ask, what do I need to do to get done before tomorrow? That whole hour allows me to re–centre and balance
myself, however I am not sure how effective it in is such a short amount of time. By 9pm I am so physically exhausted, but somehow very mentally
aware and I find myself the most productive at this time. Maybe it's because I'm to tired to move that it allows me to focus and do my homework,
or just watch a show, but it is a direct reflection of my mental and physical needs. By 11 pm I turn off my home, check on my kids and head to bed
where I do personal self reflection, which is a really bad habit of mine. With the guidelines of wellness and the medicine wheel brought to my
attention, I am able to effetely redirect myself in a more positive outcome. Both the wellness guidelines and medicine wheel are directed to guide us to
a better self understanding and positive reinforced tool box of

Spirit Healing Native American Magic And Medicine Summary
In the book "Spirit Healing Native American Magic & Medicine" by Mary Dean Atwood she claims how ritual helps all the negativity get blocked
out. "Ritual quiets the mind, making it accessible for spiritual acts, and a quiet mind blocks out negativity and wasted energy. Spiritual songs and
prayers give power to the person performing them" (Pg. 114). Helping people overpower their negative thought to live a natural healthy live and a live
with no stress.to be in harmony with themselves and be incapable to feel happy of themselves. Instead of buying stress reliving pills that have
multitude effects. Jessica talks about how stress is a key factor. "Stress in an important cause of many health problems and it considerably weakens the
immune system. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Giving precise step–to–step on how to do everything after another step is completed. "Smudge yourself and place an object so that it faces one of the
four directions. Turn and face each of the four directions, both standing and bowing. Shake your rattle above your head and below your waist in
each direction. Blow tobacco smoke (or offer tobacco) above your head and below your waist to each direction. Say a prayer to each direction,
above and below. Sing your song to each direction, above and below. Dance your power animal in each direction, above and below. Burn smudge
towards each direction, above and below. Offer cornmeal to each direction, above and below." For this ritual it explains detail by detail what they
do and how they do it in order to get more energy for further use. They use a rattle to shake going up to the head and down towards the leg while
they blow a smoke which is tobacco. They start to chant a prayer while singing and dancing. Kathy Weiser explains why the Native American does
rituals. "Symbolic healing rituals and ceremonies were often held to bring participants into harmony with themselves, their tribe, and their environment.
Ceremonies were used to help groups of people return to harmony." It may last for days but it helped the people. It helps the person feel in harmony
and feel cleansed.
The practices are not known for because of the ban. Kathy Weiser says

The Scalpel And The Silver Bear Summary
In the novel The Scalpel and The Silver Bear, Alvord is Native American and specifically has roots from the Navajo tribe. At the beginning of the
novel she is conflicted by coming from a biracial family where her mother is white and her father is Navajo. This conflict follows her all of the way
to college in choosing an Ivy League school. She later decides on a school known as Dartmouth because of the fact that they had substantial amount of
Native Americans than any other Ivy League school. Alvord graduated from Dartmouth with a psychology and sociology degree but still had
aspirations to become a doctor. She returns to school at Stanford to study medicine, after fulfilling her degree she made her way back to New Mexico
near Gallup.
Alvord Practiced at Gallup Indian Medical Center where she stood out from her peers. She realized that all of her peers are Anglos and she was the
only Native American. Although she is Native American she is not seen as such from her Native American Patients because of her modern medical
practices. Alvord felt conflicted for her Native American background by practicing western medicine. She realizes that trust is the most difficult aspect
when having Native American patients. Since the doctors are mostly Anglos it is difficult to communicate to the Navajo patients. Alvord realized this
conflict and bridged the patient–physician gap by speaking Navajo and touching the patients. Since Navajo's believe in touching, singing and feeling as
a major

The World We Used to Live In by Vine Deloria Essay
Vine Deloria, author of The World We Used to Live In, not only introduces his readers to indigenous Native American spirituality and traditional
practices including ceremonies but also brings several important ideas of native spirituality to the forefront. He discusses the importance of having and
maintaining a relationship with mother earth and all living beings; an interconnectedness with nature in all forms that is crucial to the understanding
and practice of Native American spirituality. Dreams and visions were discussed as an important form of communication in indigenous spirituality. The
important relationships with animal and plant spirits are discussed. The concept of power and what is considered power in Native Spirituality.... Show
more content on Helpwriting.net ...
They are at peace with themselves and their surroundings. Dreams and visions are another way to communicate with nature and maintain balance and
harmony. Through dreams and visions, Deloria explains how people can receive guidance from ancestor spirits about how to survive on the land and
also about how to live a good and moral life. "Observations however were not enough. People had dreams in which aspects of the living universe came
forward to urge them to take certain well–defined paths of behavior." While all Native Americans are capable of having dreams and visions, there are
some who are in tuned to a higher level of communication with nature. These people are called medicine men and women. Medicine men and
women are special individuals chosen by animal and ancestor spirits who are thought to be living good and moral lives. They are given certain
powers which allow them to heal people. In his book, Deloria gives us many emic encounters and stories told by Native Americans as well as etic
encounters by outsiders perspectives. Through these encounters such as "Thunder Cloud Receives Healing Powers" (Deloria 44) and "Red Bird's
Yuwipi" (Deloria 86) we can see the special and unique connection medicine men and women have with nature and spirits through their healing and
ceremonies. The Yuwipi ceremony is of great importance and a demonstration of the powers of the medicine men that

Enslaved African Americans
Consuming natural remedies to recover from ailments appeared to be a very significant and common practice amongst enslaved African Americans
and Native Americans. In the article Indians, Europeans and the New World Disease, Calloway thoroughly describes how the native American people
were accustomed to plant life, therefore used nature and wildlife to their advantage to create healing remedies. African American slaves also used
plants to make tea. These means were extremely excellent precautions for preventing illnesses or for fighting one.Despite all of this the Native
American people still got sick due to the lack of respiratory hygiene. The Europeans brought a number of germs and diseases with them, that surely
turned into great outbreaks. Many Indians contracted these diseases and died, ironically enough the Indian individuals who acquired the disease have
not yet met a European. The ailment was passed on inland by distant neighbors. Native Americans took very good care of each... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
The enslaved African American healers took exceedingly good care of the sick. In the nineteenth century many of the medicine were not prepackaged,
therefore the house healers often had to mix and cook the medicine before administering it. Washing the pungent and horrid smelling bed sheets,
feeding the patients bland food for better treatment and bathing the sick. The task at hand was quite indistinguishable to Women's work. The Native
Americans aided the Europeans with their diseases by providing cures. Many settlers used the Native American remedies due to the fact that they were
very effective. The Europeans were astonished, and curious as to how the Indians prepared their medicine. However, the Native Americans did not
have a cure for the stronger ailments carried by the Europeans, namely the black death. The black death was by far one of the most widespread
pandemics, killing 33 percent of

Essay on Alcoholism
Alcoholism Alcohol consumption was initiated on reservations when traders in the nineteenth century started to offer it to oppressed and depressed
Native Americans. Natives represent, in fact, the ethnic group with the highest degree of alcohol consumption in the United States. Confinement on
reservations after displacement brought for Native Americans identity conflicts and assimilation problems. This situation promoted the abuse of liquor
to mitigate the psychological pain inflicted by the dispossession of the land and enclosure in a limited and controlled space. Both the stereotype of the "
Noble Savage" and the "drunken Indian" are recurrent figures in mainstream literature of the US.
Native American Literature of the 70s ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
For instance: Tayo, Abel (House Made of Dawn), Gordie Kashpaw (Love Medicine) and the characters of Winter in the Blood (mostly all characters of
Welsh's fiction) present similar characteristics as assimilated and alienated Indians: they have lost their "Indianess" as a result of their mixed–blood
inheritance. Abel's alcoholism makes him react violently to tribal ways and, thus it takes him to prison, charged with murder: "For him (Abel) alcohol
is no tranquilizer, but a fire that feeds his sullen, speechless rage until he explodes in a violence that results in his near–fatal beating by the culebra
policeman Martinez" (Allen, 139–140). He will die understanding tribal ways but unable to deal with the role they play in his mixed blood life. Tayo
suffers post–traumatic stress disorder as a consequence of the death of his cousin and the horrors of war and finds consolation in drinking. But
Tayo's problems with alcohol started long before upon discovering his legacy and feeling tribal rejection in a pattern started by his mother, a Laguna
woman who, in mating with a white man, lost her soul and life. Death found her alone, drunk and without shelter. Abel must get reconciled with his
past unless he wants to be found dead alone in an alley or frozen in a blizzard like June Morrisey in Love Medicine or the father of the protagonist of
Winter in the Blood. June became

Some Of Common Misconceptions In Lullaby By Leslie Marrman...
1.)What are some of the common misconceptions about indigenous writers? In what ways do the writers we've read play on those stereotypes?
Some of the common misconceptions is that indigenous writers are that they could not speak English, uneducated, all lived in teepees, and their
medicine was primitive. The writers that we have read about dealt with these stereotypes was by including hints and lines that these stereotypes
are false. "Lullaby" by Leslie Marmon Silko has a line about where the Indians stayed showing that they did not live in teepees. In this story they
lived in a "boxcar shack where the rancher let the Indians live" (pg 1545). "Pawn Shop" by Sherman Alexie is a very short work that demonstrates
that Indians are civilized. The man in the story goes into a bar looking for all of his friends but can not find them so he leaves after the bartender
gives him a free drink for all of his troubles. "I leave, searching the streets, searching storefronts, until I walk into a pawn shop, find a single heart
beating under glass, and I know who it used to belong to, I know all of them" (pg 1647). This works demonstrates that Indians are just like normal
people who go to shops, bars, and lose people along the way that they miss dearly. 2.) Select one writer and write an extended reader response to his
/her work. Why did you like/dislike the work? Why? "Lullaby" by Leslie Marmon Silko is a work that is depressing. There is real truth within it
but it is saddening. The beginning of the story a woman is remembering happier times and her family members. Jimmie, which I was not able to
identify the relationship between the women and Jimmie was being remembered and thought upon by the women. She realizes that she should not
dwell on him since he is not dead. Yet, "one day a dark blue sedan with white writing on its doors pulled up in front of the boxcar shack where the
rancher let the Indians live. A man in a khaki uniform trimmed in gold gave then a yellow piece of paper and told them that Jimmie was dead" (pg.
1545). The fact this woman found of that Jimmie was dead and she was just telling herself that he was still alive to give herself hope is heartbreaking.
I did not like the work, the themes of death and

Essay On Native American Healing
Native American views on medicine and healing are largely based on the idea that all living things are interconnected and that the mind, body, and
spirit of humans are not to be treated separately. In essence, spirituality is at the core of the human and must be treated along with any physical
ailments that may arise. Traditional views are based on cultural practices, rituals, and myths from their own beliefs and customs within the culture. In
contrast, Western medicine is highly mechanistic, focusing on the scientific model to heal and cure diseases in the physical body. These highly
differing views on healing can result in humiliation, disrespect, and embarrassment to Native American people while in a healthcare environment.
Therefore, it is important for medical professionals that work with the Native American community to ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Despite the fact that spirituality has been a long–time key component of healing throughout history, modern medicine refrains from it– instead choosing
to embrace a more mechanistic view of the body– whereas, in contrast, Native American healing practices embrace spirituality. In fact indigenous
practices consider the spirit an inseparable element of healing, placing importance on the spirit of the patient, healer, patient's family, community,
environment, and even the medicine itself. More specifically, the healing must take in account the dynamics between all of these spiritual forces as a
part of the universal spirit. In contrast to Western medical view's that focus on fixing unique body parts in distinct individuals that are separate from
each other and their environment, Native Americans believe that we are all part of a whole that is greater than the sum of parts, and therefore, healing
must be considered within this context (Johnston 131). This sense of connection can be observed by the concluding phrase of healing prayers with the
words mitakuyo oyasin, or "all my

Native American Healing And Native Americans
The United States is home to five hundred and seventy–eight federally recognized indigenous tribes and twenty–one of those tribes reside in Arizona.
In fact, Arizona State Tempe campus is located on the ancestral homelands of the Akimel O'odham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) people. Native
American healing is a unique system that varies from tribe to tribe but most share similar characteristics of treatment. Native American healing goes
back thousands of years before the European settlers migrated to North America. The indigenous people at the time were familiar with plants, herbs,
smoke, prayers, and chants to treat illnesses. It is believed that the indigenous population may have known more about the plants and herbs than today
which kept illness and disease away. Native Americans believe in being in harmony with oneself, mother earth, and father sky. Native American healing
takes a holistic approach which focuses on the body, mind, emotion and spirit during treatment. According to National Institutes of Health/National
Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), "Native American (NA) traditional healing is identified as a whole medical system
that encompasses a range of holistic treatments used by indigenous healers for a multitude of acute and chronic conditions or to promote health and
wellbeing."2 When the Europeans migrated to North America they brought new diseases such as smallpox which devastated the indigenous population.
Millions of the indigenous

Native American Healing Traditions Could Supplement Modern...
Many traditional Native medicines and healing practices were discouraged with the advent of Western medicine, but now there is a movement to
return to traditional ways (Zubek, 1994, p. 1924). Modern Western medicine treats the symptoms to cure a diseased state when the body is out of
homeostasis. Native American healing traditions do this as well with herbs and plants suited to the purpose. These Native healing traditions also
include sacred rituals, chants, and purification rites to help bring the spirit and mind of the afflicted back into balance. In effect, treating the whole
person, not only the disease. A blending of these two healing practices could bring about better prognoses for today's patients. The purpose of this
paper is... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The findings of this survey showed that 73.6% agreed with the use of traditional medicines for health maintenance, 79.2% agreed for benign illness,
such as colds or sprained ankles, and 90.3% agreed for palliative care (Zubek, 1994, p. 1926). Where they disagreed the most was with the use of
traditional healing in the intensive care units, only 16.9% agreed with the use of this treatment for serious illness, such as cardiac or respiratory
compromise, whether in the hospital (21.2% agreed) or as outpatients (26.4% agreed). Nearly half (48.6%) agreed with using traditional medicines for
chronic illnesses, such as non–insulin dependent diabetes or Parkinson's disease (Zubek, 1994, p. 1926). One instance where physicians were unwilling
to allow their patients to use Native medicine was while the patient is in the hospital, because the physician could be held legally responsible for any
treatment administered while admitted under their care. There is also the problem of differentiating between legitimate Native healing practitioners
and those who would take advantage of anyone not aware of the proper rituals and techniques that need to be performed (Zubek, 1994, p. 1929). This
could be overcome by having a formalized licensing organization such as is used by Western practitioners (i.e. American Society of Clinical Pathology
[ASCP]). That poses another problem though, as to whether traditionalists would be willing to have such an organization.
The

Herbal Medicine In Native American Medicine
Advanced medicine has it's advantages, but the medicine today mimics the characteristics of plants used to help people way before man–made
treatments. Herbal remedies don't have many of the side effects drugs have today. Looking into the roots of herbal medicine can make modern
medicine more effective, safer, and healthier for generations to come. Native Americans before they were exposed to modernmedicine and technology,
only relied on plant based medicine. The Sumac tree was used often in Native American culture for both food and health remedies. The Sumac is
native to temperate and subtropical zones and it was grown in North America. It was seen as a sacred plant that helped improve the lives of the Native
Americans. The parts that were usually used were the root bark, leaves, and berries ("Herbal Medicine"). Sumac was very versatile in that it helped
with many health issues the Native Americans often faced. The active properties the plant contained were Calcium malate, Dehydro Fisetin, Fisetin,
Iodine, Gallic–acid–methyl ester, tannic and gallic acids, Selenium, and Tartaric–acid (Jackson, Deb, and Karen Bergeron. "Sumac (Rhus Glabra)" ).
Usually the infusion of the bark and roots held most of these helpful qualities. The mixture itself acted as an astringent, antiseptic, alterative, and a tonic
("Sumac") . The berries on the other hand are used mainly for bowel complaints.
Regular health issues Native Americans faced included diarrhea, sore throat, rashes, and

Love Medicine By Louise Erdrich: A Cultural Analysis
Pocahontas was the most important Disney film. Not only does it have beautiful songs, and colorful animation, it speaks to Western Cultures'
relationships to the indigenous people of North America. Chief Powhatan, Pocahontas' father, says, "these white men are dangerous." He was right,
Western Culture eventually dominated all the land from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans, this is also known as "Manifest Destiny". This is western
cultures' excuse for the genocide of millions of indigenous people. In Louise Erdrich's novel, Love Medicine, Erdrich exposes how western cultures,
specifically Christianity, have white–washed Native American culture by personifying her own upbringing through her characters' battles between
religion and society.... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In Love Medicine the character of Marie Lazarre shares a similar Catholic–Chippewa upbringing to Erdrich's. The character of Marie Lazarre. Although
raised in a convent, she confesses: I don't pray, but sometimes I do touch the beads. It has become a secret. I never look at them, just let my fingers
roam to them when no one is in the house. It's a rare time when I do this. I touch them, and every time I do I think of small stones. At the bottom of
the lake, rolled aimless by the waves, I think of them polished. To many people it would be a kindness. But I see no kindness in how the waves are
grinding them smaller and smaller until they finally disappear. (Erdrich 141) This is a very similar sentiment to Louise Erdrich's in her interview: that
"you never change once you've been raised catholic." Just as Erdrich's holds onto catholic symbols, seen in the chapter titles, Marie holds onto the
rosary beads. Nevertheless, Erdrich acknowledges the abuse of Catholic missionaries in Marie's description of the beads breaking down under the
water, just as Native American tradition has been crushed under the waters of Western

Essay about Europeans and Native Americans In The New World
Europeans and Native Americans in the New World Disease and Medicine along with war and religion were three ways American history has changed.
When the colonists came over from Europe they unknowingly changed the world forever in ways they couldn't have imagined. These effects were
present to both Native Americans and Europeans. Some of these changes made life easier for both Native Americans and Europeans but some made
relations worse too. And some effects wouldn't show up until it was too late. One of these significant changes was the introduction to new disease to
the new world. When the Europeans came over and started to interact with the Native Americans they brought with them new diseases that Native
Americans weren't... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
At first Europeans were skeptical of the medicine that the Native Americans used. Medicine men and women used new medical techniques that the
Europeans never have seen before, they prayed to spirits and had ceremonies to heal some patients. Native American healers highly believed in
spiritual healing that Europeans were not accustom to and did not believe in. However Europeans went crazy over the way Native Americans could
use plants and herbs in healing. Native Americans doctors would go into the forest often not far from their homes and find plants, berries, barks, and
roots that would be used in healing, although they have been known to go on trips for several days to collect materials too. Many herbs that Native
Americans used in early colonial America are still used today like ginseng and bayberry. With the Native Americans knowledge of herbs and natural
remedies many colonists were beginning to think that Native American medicine men and women were better doctors than their own educated
European doctors. Natives Americans came along way from being savages. War was common during the colonial period. Most of these were short little
scuffles with not many people getting injured or killed, there were not many significant battles. Most of the fighting was over land and the
miscommunication between the Native Americans and Europeans. The fighting wasn't just between Native Americans and Europeans, there was a lot
of fighting between Native American tribes

Essay On Enslav African Americans
Enslaved African Americans and Native Americans approached health and healing encompassed both physical and spiritual in curing for the body.
Healing involved the entire community, the elder's knowledge of herbal medicine, spiritual vision from ancestors who had passed on, and powers
stemmed from natural forces. The colonization of North America by Europeans annihilated the Indian population as they made contact with European
explorers. Native American's knowledge of herbal medicine was no match for a number of imported germs and viruses the Europeans brought with
them along with their barbarism. Enslaved African–American developed their own health techniques and practices to cure for themselves as well as
protecting their communities from white medical scientific experiments. Native Americans who occupied the land before the arrival of the Europeans
possessed a vast knowledge of botanical medicines that intrigued the newcomers. The natives mixed roots, herbs, and plants to cure various medical
maladies. Healing for the natives were not just herbal remedies,... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
These practices were similar to that of the Native Americans. As the black men and women were subjugated and confined into harsh labor on the
Plantation in North America, they continue to practice domestic medicine, rituals and ceremonies which involved calling on supernatural forces to cure
and heal the sick. African–Americans approached to health and healing was in the context of communal health. In curing for the sick,
African–American healers drew healing powers from the understanding of spiritual vision from which the power of the ancestors played a central role.
They incorporated ritual practices and ceremonies to gain knowledge, power, energy, and strength that enabled herb doctors to secure herb
combinations to cure an ailing

Essay about Health Promotions Among Diverse Populations
Running Header: Health Promotion Among Diverse Populations
1
Health Promotions among Diverse Populations
Sheila S Erickson RN
Grand Canyon University: NRS–429V–OL191
June 20, 2015
Health Promotions Among Diverse Populations
2
Marginalization of the Native American population is a result of colonialism; they were considered to be ignorant and hostiles by the "White" settlers,
forced to live on reservations, lost their culture and values through assimilation and stripped of their rights in society. Segregation,
Social Darwinism, and other discriminatory practices have led to the marginalization of Native
Americans, resulting in the lowest standard of living in the United States, high rates of alcoholism, and a significant loss of ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
(Furlov, B. Paskus, L.) Mental Health is of the highest concern along with the following:
п‚·
Cancer, Heart Disease, and Diabetes are the top three galling afflictions.
п‚·
Unintentional injuries, Chronic Liver disease, chronic lower respiratory disease follow close. п‚·

Stroke, Suicide, Nephrosis and chronic Nephrotic Syndrome are in the top ten.
п‚·
Unfortunately, Influenza and Pneumonia have to be figured into the mix as well.
Perhaps since the time the Europeans first traded alcohol with the Native Americans, it began the downward spiral effect that they are feeling today. It
has been said that alcoholism is an epidemic among the Native America. Alcohol is no longer sold on any Reservation due to the issue. The American
Indian and Alaska Native people have long experienced lower health status when compared with other Americans. Lower life expectancy and the
disproportionate disease burden exist perhaps because of inadequate education, disproportionate poverty, discrimination in the delivery of health
services, and cultural differences.
Health Promotions Among Diverse Populations
5
Native traditional Health remedies and Health defined by Indigenous America
They combine herbal medicine, spirituality, and rituals. In addition, there are many similarities in today societies and the Native American culture.
Sage is held sacred by many
Native American Indians, because of the effective purifying energies. They

Spirituality: Aspects Of Native American Religion And...
Native American Spirituality is a guide developed by the Manataka American Indian Council to support and provide information to public and private
establishments in education, health care, or any other sector about Native Americans religion and practice. This guide introduces aspects of Native
American religion and how each sector should expect, appropriately respond to, and provide support. The right to practice religion, including Native
American religion, is protected under the U.S. Constitution, and other legislation. The guide specifically references this legislation, which includes the
American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990. Native American
Spirituality established

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