Way of the Ancient Healer provides an overview of the rich tradition of Filipino healing practices, discussing their origins, world influences, and role in daily life. The book combines years of historical research with detailed descriptions of the spiritual belief system that forms the foundation of these practices. The book gives readers a rare look at modern-day Filipino healing rituals, as well as personal examples from author Virgil Mayor Apostol’s own experiences with shamanism and dream interpretation. The book begins with an explanation of Apostol’s Filipino heritage. He talks about the Indian, Islamic, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and American influences that have impacted the Filipino culture after a brief history of the Philippine archipelago. A description of Filipino shamanism and spiritual practices that have developed from the idea that everything in nature contains a spirit and that living in the presence of spirits requires certain protocols and rituals for interacting with them is presented. The Society for the Study of Native Arts sponsors the final chapter of the book, Way of the Ancient Healer: Sacred Teachings from the Philippine Ancestral Traditions.

The recent upsurge of interest and research into the connection between the mind and body that reaches into the spiritual, a largely ignored realm for decades, shows that science acknowledges that there is much that we do not yet know. The mechanisms that link the nervous system, immune system, and endocrine system have only begun to be understood, and it is perhaps this avenue that will fruitfully provide the initial understanding of the link between spirituality and health, and the secrets of these healing traditions.

Everyone in the healing arts as well as those who would increase the depth and breadth of their humanity would benefit from this work. It is not only the first major study of the extraordinary practices of the visionary healers of the Philippines, but offers the reader inner knowledge of human possibilities once thought to be mythic, now shown to be real. It’s essential reading for anyone interested in indigenous health and healing. A comprehensive overview of traditional healing practices in the Philippines is provided in this book. Apostol blends historical research with detailed descriptions of the spiritual belief system that forms the foundation of the Filipino healing tradition. Offering a rare look at modern-day healing rituals, Apostol discusses his own shamanic healing experiences and presents examples of sacred practices that have developed from the concept that everything in nature contains a soul or spirit. He wanted to teach Filipino healing through workshops. He lives in Southern California. Visit rumsua.org for more information.

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