My idea of a modern Medicineman
A friend of mine posted "4000 Years of Medicine" on Facebook... Though humorous, it holds a kernel of truth.
4000 Years of Medicine
2000 B.C. - "Here, eat this root."
1000 A.D. - "That root is heathen! Here, say this prayer."
1865 A.D. - "That prayer is superstition! Here, drink this potion."
1900 A.D. - "That potion is snake oil! Here, swallow this pill."
1950 A.D. - "That pill is ineffective! Here, take this antibiotic."
2000 A.D. - "That antibiotic is poison! Here, eat this root."
We have travelled far and long in our quest for healing-- from primitive superstition to cutting edge science. But have we really arrived at the pinacle of medicine and healing? I think most of us would agree that we are just beginning to understand 'real' science and the nature of the Cosmos; to discover the infinite possibilities of our 'Minds' and to investigate the 'spiritual/energetic' dimension of our Universe.
I believe we still have far to go. We will only get there if we take the sum of our knowledge and experiences (our collective history) and approach all the possibilites one by one, with appropriate reverence for their individual efficacy. All personal biases must be put aside, for they only divide, divert and distract all of us from our only real goal as healers-- devising efficient and effective healing modalities for all and every ailment that has and will plague humanity. Let us all cultivate an integrative approach to healing, flexibile and adaptive to anything and everything that works. After all, is it not wellness, well-being and genuine cure we are all after? If this is not your primary goal, then you should question your calling as a Healer. Petty biases and discrimination waste everyone's time, and take their toll on the patients-- the people most desperately in need of healing.
Does anyone already know everything there is to know about medicine (or the nature of the Universe) that he or she can, with certainty, discount everything else outside their current truth as quackery? Little by little, science is beginning to discover the efficacy of ancient healing modalities. Soon enough we will also be able to scientifically prove the effectiveness of psychic/faith healing. So do not dismiss anything offhand, just keep in mind that the idea of an 'atom' or that 'the world was round' was ridiculed just a couple of hundred years ago.
In my opinion, the best way to integrate modalities is for each Healer to pursue the ones they deeply believe in. Discard (but not discriminate) everything you personally do not have faith in. Have an open mind and keep learning, by following your natural inclinations and interests. God will show you where you are needed and what you are capable of. Plus, as I have already mentioned over and over, God uses a variety of Healers. No one healer has a monopoly on healing, so be humble enough to recommend other fellow healers when the ailment requires it.
