The Border Healer
My Life as a Curandero
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“The Border Healer My Life as a Curandero” provides a macrocosmic view of history, culture, politics, religion and medicine and does it all with great description, narrative and flavor. The book is the best of both worlds. It is big history and is a personal biography. For a true understanding of one of the most interesting, complex corners of the spiritual world, this work will stand the test of time. Because it is straight from the source and straight from the soul of such a richly important tradition, this is an acutely important work, one that should be required reading for anyone who wants to know about the magical aspects of planet Earth. The Border Healer: My Life as a Curandero shows us that curanderismo fills a huge void created by traditional medicine. It involves a lot of hands-on, personal contact, pláticas (heart to heart talks), and personal involvement on the part of the healer that so distinguishes it from the sterile, impersonal world of the medical provider's office. While medical doctors must adhere to a strict, sometimes inflexible, set of standards, curanderismo uses whatever works and is readily available: herbs, water, pláticas, teas, limpias (spiritual cleansings), mud, eggs, lemon, fruit, and sometimes a referral to a medical doctor. Curanderismo does not exclude the soul and spirit from the body but makes sure that both are included in the treatment process with the belief that their inclusion plays a major role in complete healing. Most importantly, this book demonstrates that, in sometimes direct contrast to modern medicine, curanderismo welcomes, warms, shelters and embraces us. Enjoy this truly unique work!
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About the Book
The Border Healer My Life as a Curandero is one of the most significant contributions of its kind. Alberto Salinas, Jr. a curandero tells his story in the native voice. He tells us about his life and how he became a healer. He explains the spiritual world of El Nino Fidencio, the spiritual realm in which he practices and he shares with us many of his experiences as a working exorcist. He recounts his life growing up as a migrant farm worker in south Texas, marrying, raising children and working as a deputy sheriff before he recognized his calling to spiritual service as a curandero.
About the Author
Alberto Salinas, Jr. is a Mexican American, native-healer called a curandero living and working on the U.S.-Mexico border. He has served his community for more than 40 years as a highly respected native healer. Today, Alberto is considered one of the most important curanderos on the border and in the United States.