Traditional+Methods+to+Healing


 * Traditional Approaches to Healing- The Aboriginal Perspective**

**Why are They Important to Addictions and Mental Health?** Aboriginal peoples have held a rich history in traditional healing methods that are unique to their communities and nations (McCormick, 2000). In order to work in addictions and mental health practice, with cultures that differ from our own, it is important to have some degree of cultural knowledge. In having knowledge of a culture, the counselor is able to adapt treatment to the culture and worldview of the client, rather than expecting the client to adapt to the culture of the counselor (Cherubini, Niemcyzk. Hodson, & McGean, 2009). This is especially important when working with Aboriginal service users.

**Traditions of Healing** Aboriginal peoples have a vast history and tradition in healing, as well as a history of cultural dislocation. Reconnection, recognition, and validation of this culture can often be healing in itself. The Aboriginal perspective towards healing takes a holistic point of view, its main goal being a return to “wholeness” of mind, body, and spirit. More westernized methods of healing focus on biological illness and being cured of stated illnesses, whereas Aboriginal approaches to healing focus more on balance, and regaining balance specifically in the realms of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. Where Westernized methods view substance use issues as a disease, the Aboriginal worldview approaches these types of experiences as a problem of balance in the areas of mental health, physical health, spiritual health, and emotional health (McCormick, 2000) Traditional medicine and healing methods within Aboriginal communities are difficult to define and synthesize because Aboriginal peoples come from such diverse backgrounds and geographical locations that posses their own unique cultures and thus traditional medicines and ways of healing (Martin Hill, 2009). Most traditional medicine incorporates use of plant, animal, and mineral based medicines as well as approaches based on culture and spirituality (McCormick, 2000).

**The Medicine Wheel**

The Medicine Wheel has been adopted as a pan-Aboriginal approach to healing used to understand the interconnectedness of all aspects of life, as well as balance and wholeness. (Harrison & Carver, 2003). Balance refers to a state when a person is in harmony with the universe and in tune with nature. One is well when they are in harmony with themselves and their surroundings (Garrett & Carroll, 2000). The Medicine Wheel takes the symbolic shape of a circle to represent power, relation, peace, and unity (Garrett & Carroll, 2000). The Medicine Wheel is viewed as a universal symbol of healing and a holistic foundation of peaceful interaction and personal growth. The Medicine Wheel represents a process for healing, a ceremony, and a teaching in Aboriginal communities (McCabe, 2007). The Medicine Wheel in traditional healing is used to represent the four aspects of human personality, health, and well-being: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. It represents that each person is an integration of mind, body, emotion and spirit (McCabe, 2007). Medicine wheels are used as tools for teaching people about their place in the universe, their communities, their families and their connected relationship to all things created by Creator. In treatment for substance use, the medicine wheel can be used to help a person to understand how substance use effects all aspects of their life, their family, and their community, as well as places in their lives that may be out of balance because of their use (McCabe, 2007).

(The Healing Journey, 2006).

- (Vancouver Coastal Health, 2011)
 * Other Methods of Traditional Healing**
 * Smudging Ceremonies **
 * One of four sacred plants are burned: sage, tobacco, cedar, or sweet grass. The smoke is then embraced and brushed over the body. this is believed to "cleanse" the body, the mind, and the spirit of negative spirits and energy.
 * to handle and use sacred plants a person must be free of drugs and alcohol.
 * Sweat Lodges **
 * Often described as a "rebirthing" process- it is meant for healing, spiritual renewal, and purification. A frame of willows is constructed with a hot rock placed in the centre.
 * Sweat lodge involves sweating out toxins and negative energies and arriving renewed.
 * Healing Circle **
 * For the purpose of bringing about healing in an individual, a group of elders will address issues with the individual or individuals who are thought to be in need of healing. Often led by a spiritual leader.
 * Aboriginial peoples seek support and advice in life through the help of Elders in their communities.