Interactions between a traditional Native American healer and Navajo patients with cardiovascular disease

Abstract

The population of this study is Navajo patients admitted with cardiac disease to a Southwestern hospital. Participant observations provided insight into the healing behaviors of a Traditional Healer working with the Navajo patients. This Traditional Healer used healing energy and read colors or auras to identify areas of unwellness. She attempted to restore balance in a holistic manner with consideration for traditional health care beliefs and practices held by this indigenous population. This study provided a rich descriptive picture of the work of one Traditional Native Healer and how this information can be applied to health care workers in a hospital setting to benefit patients. Culturally sensitive care by nurses has strong healing proponents and findings from the study clearly demonstrate the importance and benefits of culturally congruent care.