is diagnosed they can choose to start
preventative measures immediately or wait
until symptoms arise (Maline, and Howard
543-546).
A contaminated person is not
considered responsible for their condition.
Illnesses caused by outside forces like
witchcraft are thought otherwise. There are
many cases where there are multiple causes of
a patient’s suffering. These cases “collapse the
dichotomy between natural and supernatural,
as they include physiological, psychological,
cultural, social, and spiritual factors” (Maline,
and Howard 546). After a diagnosis is made,
the afflicted person will seek help either from
within their community or they might have to
travel to a traditional healer. The patient will
consider a number of healing methods. A
common approach to achieve a healthy status
once more is to conduct a healing ceremony.
A successful ceremony depends on a
proper diagnosis. If the wrong ceremony is
held then the patient will continue to suffer.
The types of ceremonies correspond to the
symptoms present and treat specific illnesses;
this is why it is imperative to initiate the
correct ceremony. Its purpose is to cure,
prevent an illness, or to help solve life
struggles. In Navajo culture ceremonies can
restore “Hózhó,” which translates into beauty
or balance. A ceremony is conducted in a
Hogan or tipi because they are the original
homes of the Native American people that
hold significant meaning (Maline, and Howard
543-570). There are certain sacred areas that
have much significance to each tribe and are
optimal destinations for ceremonies because
healing power can be intensified in sacred
areas where the energy is drawn from the
surrounding environment.
A ceremony is led by a single healer
with a few helpers if necessary. The leader is a
medicine man/woman, shaman, chanter, or
singer. Ceremonies involve the patient, their
family and friends, and any other community
members, as well as the healer. The role of the
community is very important in the
culmination of healing energy. (Farrell, and
Koithan 477). The more people present, the
more healing energy is brought on upon the
patient and a greater chance of a positive
outcome. A ceremony can span from an hour
to a few weeks.
Lindahl, Larry. Exhibits: Smithsonian Traveling
Exhibit. 2009. Photograph. Ringing Rocks
Foundation, Sedona. Web. 2 Dec 2013.
.
Many symbols and ritualistic items are
used during ceremonies. Sand paintings are
often incorporated into them, especially
among the Navajo. Each one is carefully
created and then blessed. The intricate and
symmetrical sand painting is used as a symbol
that represents a portal to the “other side.” It
also acts as a gateway of communication
between the living and the spirits (Maline, and
Howard 543-570). Sacred objects are tools
that help assist an awakening within oneself.
Feathers are a common item used. The
accompaniment of drums, chant, and song in
ceremonies are other methods to help
provoke hózhó.
The use of herbs is another
methodology used to treat the symptoms of
the illness, but not usually the underlying
cause of it. The derivation of the plant is
where the source of healing power comes
from. Using local herbs that are native to the
region someone inhabits is best because they
have the certain healing properties that pertain
to the illnesses of the area. A prayer is said to
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