On the mental level the healers learn how to channel their mental energy and use it to heal. In this level, illness can be caused, diagnosed and cured by spiritual forces called corrientes espirituales . While curanderismo has been around for centuries, it is still a much stigmatized practice by the modern medical, religious and educational institutions. Curanderos may infact simply be robbing the money of their patients or allowing their patient's health to further deteriorate. The on ething the medical establishment recognizes is that curanderos may provide the people with psychological and emotional counseling.
Curanderos also use culturally appropriate methods for healing.
They are familar, know the same language and have probably gone throughthe same experiences. It is a form of healing that focuses on the individual as a whole and not a disfunctional body part. The Mystic Healers. 100 Flores Que Curan. Gomez Gomez Hnos Editores, 1984.