Native American's Definition of "Medicine"

Offering thanks, and sending a prayer to Great Spirit


Although Native Americans accept the western view of the word medicine, their understanding is much broader and encompasses a context on which their tradition is based. This can include the presence and power embodied in, or demonstrated by a person, a place, an event, an object, or natural phenomenon. It can mean the power, potency, energy, or spirit of whatever event or object is being experienced. A common phrase being "that's good medicine." Seeing a hawk fly overhead while doing a ritual or prayer can be good medicine. Other things might fall into the "Bad medicine" category. It really depends on the spirit involved. A medicine object can be beneficial to a healing process. Things such as a feather, a crystal, etc. The terms medicine man or woman can be confusing or ambiguous. Their are many kinds of healers. Some use herbs, while others may use words, or spiritual powers. I prefer the lakota term "Wicasa Wakan" meaning holy or sacred man. This indicates someone who is a spiritual or a holy person, and pursues and serves the sacred and divine. The divine being great spirit, and all that is associated with the creator of all. Birds, flowers, herbs, and nature in general embodies the spirit of the creator. The term medicine man would more properly fit a grade B western movie. The healers in the native American community are much more diverse and accomplished then some would believe. The western world of so called modern medicine is starting to come to terms with other healing modalities based in different cultures, but not fast enough.
-thunderhands