Woman Who Glows in the Dark: A Curandera Reveals Traditional Aztec Secrets of Physical and Spiritual Health

by Joy Parker, Elena Avila, Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Book Overview

"An autobiographical account of how a psychiatric nurse specialist became a folk medicine healer; this also explains the origins and practice of one of the oldest forms of medicine in the New World.″--Kirkus

Praise for WOMAN WHO GLOWS IN THE DARK

"This is a book that we've been awaiting for years--one that unites the best medicine from the ancient past with the deepest needs of the contemporary heart...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1585420220
• ISBN13: 9781585420223
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Tarcherperigee
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.9" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

invaluable wisdom and knowledge on modern Curanderismo

One of the most, if not the most important book of Modern Curanderismo. Lovely book, that is hard to place down, and belongs in every Healer's shelf. Beautifully written, touching, and very informative. The book teaches the importance of not just healing the body and mind, but also the soul. As a Puerto Rican Espiritista and Santero, I have really appreciated the deep wisdom and body of knowledge that came from this book. I Highly recommend this book. The lessons learned can be applied by any healer or spiritual councilor, no matter what ones spiritual path or religion, or race may be. The wisdom and knowledge that Elena Avila shares with her readers and students is invaluable. Well worth the money, and it is like having a wise sage or Curandera in your living room. I hope to see future works by Elena Avila, as I believe she has a voice and knowledge that needs to be heard. I am late commer to this book, and am happy to have had the chance to find it, and enjoy, brazo to you Seniora Elena Avila. Luz, Progresso, y Caridad!

An incredibly empowering, inspiring, enlightening book!!!

Not only does Elena (with Joy) explain clearly the essential concepts, tools, and techniques of curanderismo, but she also illustrates how these principles and practices can be applied in a variety of contexts and settings in very individualized and meaningful ways. Filled with wonderful stories about her own evolution as a curandera, and her experiences with teachers, friends, family and clients, Elena speaks to us with tremendous honesty, compassion, and a beautiful sense of humor. I smiled, and cried, many times, sometimes simultaneously, as I read this book --it was like poetry for my heart and soul. Elena teaches us just how important it is to respect and honor the needs of the soul, which she regards as sacred. She shows us how we can better listen to, communicate with, and heal the deepest, wisest, and most authentic parts of our being. She explores the value of emotions, intuition, instincts, relationships, humor, creativity, touch, prayer and ritual; and she suggests how we can acknowledge and integrate these resources into everyday personal life as well as professional practice. I don't want to say too much about the book or give away La Curandera's "recipes" for happiness and health, because each reader should have the pleasure of discovering them for herself or himself. Suffice it to say that this book is essential reading for anyone seeking to achieve greater physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance and clarity in their lives and in relationships. It is also essential reading for anyone involved in the healing professions who desires to assist and support others in the healing process, especially those working with culturally diverse populations. This is a timely and timeless book that is filled with, to quote Elena and Joy, "practical spirituality". I have already recommended it to family, friends and colleagues, and, as a healthcare social worker, I plan to recommend it to clients. It is a pure joy to read, and I am certain that I will reread and consult the wisdom of 'Woman Who Glows in the Dark' many, many times in the future.

The vision of a new health system for mind/body/spirit.

Elena Avila's vision is years ahead of our present health care system, which fails to treat the whole person. We send the body to a doctor, the mind to a psychiatrist, the spirit to a church. Elena's heartfelt book explains why this doesn't work. She explores the mysteries of curanderismo in a straightforward, sensible way. No wonder this system of healing has worked for people for centuries. After finishing Elena's book, I found myself longing for a curandera to heal my own "susto" or soul wounds. Her rational explanations of folk diseases are treasures of understanding. She's right that people are frustrated with Western medicine because it lacks "heart." Her intelligent approach to healing is brave and she truly does have a foot in two worlds. This book is one I'll re-read again and again.

Wonderfully alive & full of wisdom--just like Elana herself!

Elena's book is wonderfully alive, and full of spirit and wisdom--just like Elana herself. The people who had the good sense and great fortune to be treated by her were very lucky people, and so are we as we take the opportunity to read about her life and work. WOMAN WHO GLOWS IN THE DARK not only takes us into the primary world of healing through curanderismo (expressed for the first time by one who is actually practicing it, rather than someone outside looking in), but also has the capacity to inform our own life and spirit. Joy has helped Elena do a wonderful job of telling this fascinating story. Beginning with Elena's own experience and on into the healing stories of others, this book will keep you deeply interested. OPEN YOUR MIND AND HEART AS YOU OPEN THIS BOOK - THERE IS MUCH TO GAIN.