Curanderismo summer program returns under new traditional healing institute

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For more than 20 consecutive summers, Eliseo "Cheo" Torres and Mario Del Angel Guevara, University of New Mexico Chicana/o Studies professors, have hosted "Traditional Medicine without Borders: Curanderismo in the Southwest and Mexico." This two-week course at UNM from June 10 to 21 will take place once again, this time under the new Curanderismo Institute.

This popular summer class is an opportunity for traditional healersfrom a number of Latin American Countries and the U.S. to share their knowledge about "Curanderismo," the art and science of traditional holistic healing through a unique class.

Torres and Del Angel-Guevara use an integrative approach to medicine and class features demonstrations incorporating Curanderismo with various traditional and holistic health techniques. The course uses healers and health practitioners from Latin American Countries, the U.S. and the Albuquerque community as instructors.

"What's unique about this class is that curanderos, practitioners, healers and students come together to share and learn about traditional healing methods," Torres said.

Some of the other demonstrations include energetic cleansings by well-known healer, Laurencio Nuñez from Oaxaca, Mexico; firecupping by Dr. Monica Lucero from Albuquerque, and Rita Navarrete Perez, a curandera from Mexico City, does a very popular demonstration on laugh therapy and how it can be used to heal.

"The healers will provide traditional healing treatments including herbal medications, spiritual energy cleansings and other healing techniques, which have remained a part of this culture for centuries," Torres and Del Angel-Guevara said.

Each summer in conjunction with the class, the UNM Women's Resource Center sponsors a traditional health fair (feria de salud) on campus, which is open to students and the community. This year's fair will be held outdoors on Tuesday, June 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. between the Anthropology and Scholes Hall buildings.

Those interested in taking the summer class can take it either for UNM credit as a UNM registered student or as a non-credit course through UNM Continuing Education. Registration is open through Continuing Education and UNM for the summer 2024 semester.

This year, Torres and Guevara have also integrated five free, if audited online short courses (5 weeks each) through Coursera.

"If you aren't a registered UNM student and don't need the class for credit or can't come to the two-week in-person class, the Coursera courses and July UNM courses are an excellent option," Torres said. The material is taught in a video presentation format that is interesting and easy to understand."

For more information on the class, including registration, class syllabus, the health fair and/or workshops visit the Curanderismo class page. The event is free but donations will be accepted.

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