Natural healing course

Two Week Cultural Learning Experience

Healing and maintaining health take many forms in Belize, from the traditional to the "western." This program introduces you to the wisdom and practices of traditional, indigenous healers who combine the environment's natural resources with their own inner guidance. Some of their methods have been handed down through generations; others are blended with their own artful innovations. While home base for the program is San Ignacio, a thriving town (10 miles from Guatemala and 80 miles west of the Caribbean Sea), excursions allow participants to experience the majestic, mysterious Central American rainforest.

Program Objectives

• Learn about the healing resources of the rain forest
• Meet traditional healing practitioners of western Belize
• Learn about the role played by natural healing in Belizean culture
• Help natural healers of Belize maintain a high professional standing in their community

Some participants come strictly for the experience. Others receive school credit. School affiliation is not necessary, and all participants receive a Certificate of Achievement. Nine hours of Spanish language instruction are included in the program. If you would prefer not to attend Spanish language classes, please let us know when you submit your application.

Essentials

Be like a Belizean, that is, prepared to go with the flow. Plans may be different from reality. The program outline below suggests the flow of activities, but should not be considered as a guaranteed timetable. Details depend on how many participants are in the program and on the initiative you bring to the experience.

Program Elements

• Orientation to Cornerstone Foundation, your housing facility, the town and its resources.
• Introduction to program goals
• Basic properties of local, tropical rainforest plants.
• Plant harvesting for specific uses and certain conditions.
• Traditional herbal home and kitchen remedies.
• Using herbal preparations such as baths, incense, oils, etc.
• Differences in healing techniques of Belize's varying cultures
• General forest "know-how," including first aid properties of natural resources, making stretchers and splints, treating snake bites, making quick shelters, marking trails, etc.
• Practice in the art of respectful observation and reflection

Excursions

• Canoe the Macal River to visit the Natural History and Blue Morpho Butterfly Center
• Hike a Medicine Trail
• Hike the Rainforest to the ancient Maya sites of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech
• Overnight Jungle Survival camp with an expert bush guide
• Meet with healers in their homes for a glimpse of their lives & ways
• Travel with traditional healers to the bush to observe some of their methods and techniques

Curriculum Conclusion

• Write a 4 - 5 page, typed, double-spaced paper identifying methods used by traditional healing practitioners of western Belize. Indicate how they mesh on the physical, mental, and spiritual levels.
• Write a 4 - 5 page, typed, double-spaced paper assessing the role natural healing plays within the culture here and comparing it to the role it plays in the student’s culture. Identify with the idea of respecting and preserving both natural resources and the wisdom of those who have spent a lifetime learning their healing properties.
• The above assignments are optional for non-students, however everyone should keep a journal of their daily experiences and feelings and are asked to write a paper about what they experienced during the three weeks, or a critique of the program, or to tell a story about a specific experience.
• Assess experiences with Cornerstone Foundation, identify with re-entry challenges, and receive Certificate of Achievement.

Requirements

• The elders hold a lifetime of wisdom gathered through personal experience, passed down through oral tradition and integrated as part of their natural daily lives. There are no short cuts to the amount of time it takes to gain this wisdom. Participants are required to respect not only the healers but their choice of knowledge to share, and their intellectual property rights. The transference of knowledge comes from observing more than knowing, being silent more than speaking, and allowing it to flow rather than making demands upon or creating challenges for the natural healers.
• No health problems that limit exercise and lengthy hiking (severe asthma or allergies, etc.).
• Must enjoy the outdoors (including tolerance for a wide range of bug species).

Cost is $899 US per person and includes

• Transportation from Belize International Airport to Cornerstone Foundation (90 miles)
• Two week Natural Healing program
• Excursions
• Bunk room accommodations
• Lunch meals five days a week

Apply