Indigenous communities and other cultures worldwide have long used ancestral practices like sound baths, reiki, limpias, meditation, and ceremonial practices to improve well-being and health. For some Latinos, participating in a sound bath or grounding ceremony to process grief may be a better or more accessible alternative to going to therapy. Immigrant communities in Chicago are increasingly rediscovering those lost health practices due to colonization and the adoption of Western medicine.
The Papalotzin Healing Collective in Pilsen fills a gap in mental, emotional, and physical care through communal practices rooted in Indigenous and ancestral cultures. It builds stronger relationships in the community and other neighborhoods.
Francia Garcia Hernandez, host of !PRESENTE¡, spoke with Cristina Puzio and Kat Belmares, who have experienced first-hand the benefits of feeling less anxious, releasing tension from their bodies, improving their breathing, and feeling mentally, physically, and emotionally better after participating in ceremonial health practices.
Can practices dating hundreds of years ago, some of which were first adopted by American Indigenous groups, China, and Japan, among other ancestral cultures, be part of modern health care?
A 2020 review of research studies showed there is some evidence that sound baths using singing bowls improve anxiety, depression, fatigue, tension, anger, confusion and vigor. There are signs they could also improve blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rates. Yet, more research is needed.
Hernandez spoke with Dr. Geraldine Luna, Medical Director for the Chicago Department of Public Health on !PRESENTE¡ To watch the interview with Dr. Luna and the complete show, click HERE.
SUGGESTION: Research Supporting Indigenous and Alternative Health Practices
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