Shamanic Healing

Shamanic Healing 

The following material is offered to help you understanding Shamanic healing-what it is and what it is not – and just how it works. 

What is Shamanic Healing? 

Shamanic healing is complementary medicine and is not a substitute for conventional medical or psychological services. It is an adjunct Therapy to be used in harmony with these other practices. The Shamanic practitioner believes that for true healing the spirit as well as the body and mind must be freed from injury, pain and trauma. 

In Shamanic perspective true healing – spiritual healing- cannot be done on a physical level. Healing means a return to wholeness, which requires spiritual healing of problems and issues. 

A Shamanic practitioner has studied methods for moving and manipulating the energy of the body and is able to pass wisdom through the spirit realm to assist an individual’s spirit to heal from trauma, illness, tragedy and other intrusions. 

In simple terms, if a person is willing and ready to take responsibility for her/his healing at the spiritual level, the Shamanic practitioner assists and guides toward renewal, rejuvenation and regeneration of the spirit/soul. 

Three Classic Causes of Illness 

1. Disharmony (or Power Loss) 

Disharmony, or power loss, oftentimes occurs when someone has lost an important connection to life, or when life seems to lose its meaning. This can happen either subtly or catastrophically. 

Either way, one experiences a loss of livelihood and meaning, and experience disempowerment in the process. This loss of will, or life power, strongly and directly affects our energetic matrix, and can cause us to become quite vulnerable to illness. 

A common, yet tragic, example of this is when there is an elderly couple who have spent most of their lives together and one of them dies. The survivor oftentimes goes into a life crisis upon the loss and, shortly after, incurs an illness and dies — that’s disharmony. 

Another is where one experiences abuse, either physical or verbal. Perceives anger or hatred project toward them from another or sees violence and tragedy. 

2. Fear 

Responsible for emotions such as anxiety, stress, anger, or jealousy, fear is a common cause of illness. 

Many scientists and researchers agree that when stress – producing hormones are present, they quickly begin to disintegrate the protective mantle of the body’s immune system, as well as its overall energetic matrix. As a result, illness is inevitable. 

3. Soul Loss 

Soul loss is the most extreme — yet, sadly, still common – cause of illness. In fact, it is the most serious diagnosis and a major cause of severe illness and even premature death. 

Soul loss is most often experienced after a traumatic event takes place, such as fighting in a war (an all-too-common trigger of PTSD), a bitter divorce, or intense bullying. In some cases, these experiences can be so shattering that one’s soul can begin to fragment and dissociate. In the most extreme and overwhelming cases, these soul parts get too far lost and fail to return. 

We have heard people say things like, “I have not been the same since the incident,” or “a part of me died that day.” These remarks are red flags for soul loss. 

The following symptoms are also commonly present: 

• Feeling “not all here,” or fragmented 
• Blocked memory 
• Emotional distance, or complete apathy 
• A lack of joy, motivation, or enthusiasm 
• Addiction 
• Suicidal tendencies 
• Chronic depression and negativity 

This all may seem a bit heavy but the point of all this talk about suffering is to enlighten about possible healing methods that do not mask the symptoms, but that nurture and mend the root of the problem: the wounded spirit. 

What to expect in a Shamanic Healing Session 

Setting 

A typical healing session can take place inside or outdoors, depending on the client’s preference. Whatever the venue, the area must be quiet, safe, and relaxing. A “sacred space” is created. This space is dedicated to opening, releasing, and healing. 

Helpful effects such as a candle display, incense or palo santo (holy wood) burning, and a comfortable place to lie down. 

Open Conversation with the Shaman 

The first thing that will happen is an open discussion between the client and the Shaman. For this, the Shaman will hold a respectable, non-judgmental space. They may discuss the client’s history, and/or how the client’s soul is feeling at the present moment. The Shaman will encourage the client to dig deeper into their story and really open up as they hunt for truth and healing potential. . 

These conversations are usually effortless and productive, as the Shaman is trained in fostering and nurturing that safe space, and the client is willing to be transparent in order to heal. 

Energetic Work 

Next, they move into the ceremonial work. At this time, the client can sit or lie on their back, relaxing in loose and comfortable clothing. 

The Shamanic Journey 

The Shaman will then describe to the client what they may experience during the following part of the session: tingling and warming sensations, meditative-like states of consciousness, an emotional release, and/or the energy of the spiritual communion itself. 

The Shaman is then ready to access non-ordinary reality, and proceeds to induce a trance (theta brain-wave state) via rhythmic percussion using a drum and/or rattle. 

The Shaman journeys. 

Within this Shamanic journey, the Shaman connects with his or her spirit, helpers/guides in search of wisdom and healing for the client. Then the Shaman will share what the spirits have communicated regarding the client’s healing needs. 

The client will then lie down with the intention to be open to healing from the spirits. The Shaman may also do either hands-on or hands-off energy work by channeling energy from the spirit world and moving it throughout the client’s body to either remove intrusions, acquire a Power Animal or attain Spirit Retrieval for the client. 

The Return 

Once the Shaman has returned from his/her journey and the healings directed by helping spirits, the Shaman will discuss with the client what was experienced, what wisdom and advice was gifted to them from the spirit realm, and what the client can then begin implementing in their lives in order to heal. 

Integration: An Essential Step 

Following a Shamanic healing session, many deeply rooted energies shift. So, in the days, weeks, and months following the session, clients should take note of how they feel. 

People often feel changes and shifts in their energy; this is all part of the healing process. Toxins that have long been stored in the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual body are being released. 

The Shaman’s most helpful advice is to listen to and accept the energetic changes one may feel following a session. Any discomfort will pass as new, vibrant life energy takes its place. 

The Shaman will offer follow up sessions if needed or desired and is available for continued consultation and guidance.

For more information visit this website: Shamanism.org