UNM VP TO TEACH FOLK HEALING COURSE IN MEXICO

May 5, 2003

UNM VP TO TEACH FOLK HEALING COURSE IN MEXICO

Dr. Eliseo "Cheo" Torres. University of New Mexico Vice President for Student Affairs Eliseo "Cheo" Torres often speaks and teaches in his area of academic interest, Mexican Folk Healing, in the United States. This summer he takes his expertise on the road to Cuernavaca in Morelos, Mexico, where he will teach "Our Ancestors' Medicine: A Traditional Integrative Medicine Approach," a UNM course offered in conjunction with La Tranca's Institute of Traditional Medicine and the Universidad de Morelos.

Offered July 4-13 in English, with translators for Spanish-speaking lecturers, coursework will include an introduction to integrative and traditional techniques and demonstrations by instructors and healers from Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula.

Medicinal techniques will include therapeutic natural juices, energy work, massage therapy, herbs for women and the study of the circulatory and nervous systems.

"This is really a unique opportunity for people to learn about a long-neglected, but valuable, part of Mexican history and culture," Torres said. "I can scarcely believe our good luck that we're able to work with the people at the Institute of Traditional Medicine. These are wonderful people who have at their fingertips the wisdom and knowledge of ancient medical arts of the Mayans and the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples of the Americas, as well as some very ancient Old World techniques in healing."

The class is offered in addition to another course offered June 9-20 on the UNM campus through Women Studies. "Traditional Medicine Without Borders: Curanderismo in the Southwest & Mexico," will feature demonstrations and lectures by both local and Mexican curanderos, or folk healers.

The Mexico class, coordinated by Sandrea Gonzales, director of the UNM Women's Resource Center, is offered under the auspices of UNM Women Studies, Chicano Studies and the Honors Program. Call 277-3716 for information.

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