The Curandero and Curandera

The word curandero means 'healer' or 'one who cures' and curanderismo refers to the ancient science of plant spirit medicine. Within curanderismo there are many different specialties, usually distinguished by the ally plant or plants that are used, like ayahuasqueros, who use the sacred brew, ayahuasca, in healing ceremonies to diagnose and heal physical, mental, and spiritual afflictions. The reality within which curanderos work is not an ordinary reality, and the laws which are observed and followed within the spiritual dimensions do not always make sense in the rational world with which we are so familiar. Therefore, curanderismo could be compared to our science, which provides us with the structural elements we use to build our perception of the world around us.
What we take to be real has been passed down to us from generation to generation, constantly being refined as new observations and profound experiences demanded changes. We do not think of it as a belief system, but more so as the truth. So too, do curanderos feel the science of curanderismo is the truth, and much of their science coincides with ours, when dealing with the physical, rational dimension we call reality. But they go beyond the ordinary into a separate reality, where an entirely different set of laws can be observed and where the limitations of the 'real' world disappear. It is the study of these dimensions that has led to such a powerful practice, one that can benefit all of us.

DON LUCHO A highly respected mestizo curandero from Iquitos with more than 25 years experience, don Lucho is the director and founder of KAPITARI, a non-profit organization  dedicated to the study of Amazon biodiversity and the investigation of traditional medicines.  The organization aims to educate and capacitate local mestizo and indigenous communities in sustainable land-management practices.  Don Lucho is passionate about the conscious reforestation of the jungle, as well as spreading the wisdom of ayahuasca and the countless medicinal plants. His camp is truly a paradise, and the perfect place to spend time in 'la dieta,' receiving plant remedies while staying in a private, comfortable hut.

DONA OTILIA The daughter of indigenous curanderos (both parents were healers), dona Otilia never had a set initiation, for she grew up in the environment of plant spirit medicine from birth, and thus knew the science her entire life. Her childhood was an initiation. Otilia's specialty is plant medicine, with a knowledge of plants that exceeds most plant dictionaries. She has a psychic connection that allows her to communicate with the invisible dimensions. She also specializes in reading cigarettes, a form of divination similar to tea leaves or tarot cards. The way the cigarette burns indicates a great deal. Her camp has wonderful energy, beautiful views, and comfortable family style accomodations in the jungle.