In its 20th consecutive year, the "Traditional Medicine without Borders: Curanderismo in the Southwest and Mexico" summer program led by Eliseo “Cheo” Torres and Mario Del Angel Guevara, University of New Mexico Chicana/o Studies professors, is set to return. This time, the two-week course will be held under the new Curanderismo Institute.
The program serves as a platform for traditional healers from various Latin American countries and the U.S. to gather and exchange knowledge on "Curanderismo", the traditional holistic healing practice. Torres highlighted the unique aspect of the class, stating, "What’s unique about this class is that curanderos, practitioners, healers and students come together to share and learn about traditional healing methods."
Featuring demonstrations that integrate Curanderismo with traditional and holistic health techniques, the course will include renowned healers and health practitioners from Latin American countries, the U.S., and the Albuquerque community as instructors. According to Torres and Del Angel-Guevara, "The healers will provide traditional healing treatments including herbal medications, spiritual energy cleansings and other healing techniques, which have remained a part of this culture for centuries."
The program will also incorporate a traditional health fair sponsored by the UNM Women’s Resource Center, open to students and the community. The fair, scheduled for June 18, will offer insights into traditional healing practices and techniques.
For those interested in participating, the summer class is available for UNM credit as a registered student or as a non-credit course through UNM Continuing Education. Additionally, Torres and Guevara have introduced five free online short courses through Coursera as part of the program. Torres emphasized the accessibility of these online courses, stating, “If you aren’t a registered UNM student and don’t need the class for credit, or can’t come to the two-week in-person class, the Coursera courses and July UNM courses are an excellent option.”
Registration for the summer 2024 semester is currently open through UNM Continuing Education and UNM. More information on the class, registration, syllabus, health fair, and workshops can be found on the Curanderismo class page. The program is free to attend, with donations being accepted.