The Internet, television, and other news sources are sounding the alarm by announcing new protocols for treating disease. These diseases range from Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, MS to Parkinson’s. Within this cry is close condemnation of pharmaceuticals and praise for other approaches. The intention here is not to list these approaches or specifically discuss all of them. One of the many requires attention.

There is a proliferation of healers and shamanic practitioners within the United States. Dozens of organizations abound offering counseling, membership, seminars, and certification. A bulging gold mine lights up the horizon of potential healing candidates.

At this point, it is helpful to define shamanism. It is not necessary to trace the etymological history of the word. Shamanism is neither a cult nor a religion even though there is a great deal of evidence suggesting belief in a divine power that circumnavigates the universe. Shamanism is an ancient form of healing. A shaman, despite some attempts to label them as priests, is simply a healer, that is, someone who knows remedies for certain physical problems.

One of the important markers that distinguish a shaman from a physician is the recognition that illness may not be just physical, but based on emotions. Treating the whole patient is a 40,000-year-old approach that is catching on in the 21st century. Another difference between a shaman and a modern doctor is the division of reality into three realms: upper, middle and lower. And that leads to a third difference: a shaman uses spirit guides when treating a client.

The shaman has extensive knowledge of herbs; whereas, the modern physician has a deep understanding of which drugs to use. The shaman is based on nature and the doctor most likely has a man-made chemical basis. There is a strong movement to make more naturally-based “drugs” that from some quarters is commendable.

A pivotal theme emerges from a cleverly dressed advertisement or testimonials praising the wonderful wonder of shamanic healing. Whenever a practitioner proposes a “cure,” be very careful. If you have a pain in your side, a shaman may not know that it is appendicitis, indigestion, intestinal obstruction, or cancer. Accepting shamanic healing as an alternative to modern medicine is a serious mistake. And no pun intended.

Alternative leaves a bad taste in the mouth. It implies that there is a better way and that may not be the case. Supportive and questioning medicine suggests treatment in conjunction with current medical practices.