The Folk Healer

Book excerpt: The book explains for the general reader the history and present practice of curanderismo--Mexican American folk healing practices--and gives biographical sketches of three famous nineteenth century folk healers--Don Pedrito Jaramillo, Nino Fidencio, and Teresita Urrea. Characteristics and training of curanderos, or healers, are discussed and the specialties within curanderismo are explained. Eleven common ailments and symptoms treated by curanderos, rituals used, and folk beliefs dealing with everyday occurrences are described. Sketches of the three folk healers illustrate biographical chapters which recount legends and current practices of their followers as well as biographical information. Modern curanderos are described and their place in the Mexican American community explored. An annotated bibliography listing 10 books about curanderos is included. (LFL)