Honoring the Medicine: The Essential Guide to Native American Healing

by Ken Cohen

For thousands of years, Native medicine was the only medicine on the North American continent. It is America’s original holistic medicine, a powerful means of healing the body, balancing the emotions, and renewing the spirit. Medicine men and women prescribe prayers, dances, songs, herbal mixtures, counseling, and many other remedies that help not only the individual but the family and the community as well. The goal of healing is both wellness and wisdom.

Written by a master of alternative healing practices, Honoring the Medicine gathers together an unparalleled abundance of information about every aspect of Native American medicine and a healing philosophy that connects each of us with the whole web of life—people, plants, animals, the earth. Inside you will discover

• The power of the Four Winds—the psychological and spiritual qualities that contribute to harmony and health
• Native American Values—including wisdom from the Wolf and the inportance of commitment and cooperation
• The Vision Quest—searching for the Great Spirit’s guidance and life’s true purpose
• Moontime rituals—traditional practices that may be observed by women during menstruation
• Massage techniques, energy therapies, and the need for touch
• The benefits of ancient purification ceremonies, such as the Sweat Lodge
• Tips on finding and gathering healing plants—the wonders of herbs
• The purpose of smudging, fasting, and chanting—and how science confirms their effectiveness

Complete with true stories of miraculous healing, this unique book will benefit everyone who is committed to improving his or her quality of life. “If you have the courage to look within and without,” Kenneth Cohen tells us, “you may find that you also have an indigenous soul.”

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Spirituality, History, Reference, Religion

448 pages, Hardcover

First published June 3, 2003

Reviews

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ken Cohen's perspective of Native American culture is refreshing. Because Cohen has so many resources of truth from varying tribes he gives Native America a united voice - which isn't to say he's speaking for anyone - he's simply relaying what he's been taught. Its obvious that this book is the product of long years and multiple people speaking through Cohen's hand in the form of the written word. I find myself reading and re-reading passages and acquiring a different perspective with each repeat. This book will never get old. It might be a while before I see the last page!

[Cyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was more of an introduction to the topic than I expected. I was expecting more information or how-to’s, just more insight in general. Although, I did still learn a lot about indigenous cultures and healing methods, just wish there was a bit more info.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful book about the Native American way of healing and holistic medicine.

[George · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, a fluffy book, published to capitalize on interest in Native American and American Indian traditions. The author does not seem to have any real credibility as an authority.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be reading this book again. I love it. As an energy healer practician and spiritualist, I found connections throughout. I’ve always believed in Mother Nature as having light and spirit that we can communicate with, through our great Creator. I’m so grateful for the explanations and perspectives of visions, dreams, songs and even the details of direction and movement of energy represented through animals and plants. Return of thanks and prayer are also discussed in detail which are so significant. There is so much more I want to absorb, I look forward to rereading this work.

[WT Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an essential home library title for all physicians and healing practitioners. Ken Cohen writes from a wise heart. He has compiled history, theory, and practice in a most respectfully concise manner. I highly recommend this book to anyone on the journey of taking control of their health.

[P. Pherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually have no intention of completing this book. I bought it as a source of reference for my fiction writing and will be using it in parts and pieces. For what I needed, I am happy with it.

If I do complete it, I will revise.

[Niels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stands out from the crowd in books on Native American healing. No simple prescriptions here, but a true and just expose on a rich and deep tradition.

[Alicia]

When there is a plethora of books on the same subject, for example, Native American healing. I get more and more picky. Sometimes I'm sure that I probably miss out on books that I'd probably really like but when you think of collecting 20 books with possibly similar info, it can appear like there will be some frustraion along the line. That's why I value book descriptions to give me a window to whether this is one of the books that will be added to my collection. I didn't even need to finish the blurb before I added this book to my to-read list with a smile. I can tell this book is going to be hot.

[Ron Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This too is one of my favorite books on Shamanism.

In this book Ken Cohen honors the traditions of the North American Shaman. It is this tradition of Shamanism that is close to my heart. I too have had the good fortune to have some elder native american shamans as teachers in - Medicine Wheel, Sacred Pipe, Sweat-lodge, smudging, and other practices.

I enjoy Cohen's presentation of this Sacred Knowledge and when one is seriously looking for this knowledge this is a must read.

[Luce Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Discusses the traditional healing practices of native North Americans. If you want to read a very clear, in-depth discussion of indigenous medicine and culture, this is the most authoritative text that I have ever found. This is a book with sacred roots within indigenous cultures. I will be purchasing this.

[nothinghereanymore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gave me great insight into the Native mindset.

[MC Chambers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good info. I plan to read it again as a reference.

[Luce Cronin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up on it. Being of aboriginal descent, this book this not ring true; too much of pop psychology and new age type of thinking. Very disappointing because Amazon and other reviews convinced to buy this book although the author's name made me a bit wary about its contents; And I was proven right. This does not follow the indigenous life ways.