When we hear the word ‘medicine’ what comes to mind? Probably something that is purchased at a pharmacy, packaged, and designed to alleviate either a physical or mental maladie.
In my culture, and throughout many other Indigenous American cultures, Medicine is thought of as more holistic. Medicine can be something that sustains you, makes you happy, heals you, and most importantly, connects you to yourself and others. With this interpretation of Medicine, there comes a recognition that there are many parts to a person and that all those parts are interconnected; when one aspect is out of balance, others follow.
The Medicine Wheel
This concept is best represented in the teachings of the Medicine Wheel. The Medicine Wheel is a sacred symbol and tool that offers a way of being and connecting to the self. Though the interpretations of the Medicine Wheel vary depending on the Tribe or Nation, the core teachings remain constant.
There are four sections of the Medicine Wheel, each represented by a different color and corresponding to an aspect of the self: the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
These four sections are all enclosed within the sacred circle, which shows us that these aspects of the self are all connected. The circle also reminds us that, just like the seasons, everything is cyclical. There is a time for the cold, and a time for the sun; a time for sorrow, and a time for joy.
Spirit
To me, the most interesting part of the Medicine Wheel is the recognition of Spirit; I find that this part of the self is often the most neglected and most misunderstood. The idea of Spirit is quite an abstract concept and it can be conflated with religion. However, in this cultural context, Spirit is more about identity and the connections that we have to facilitate our identity.
A great explanation for Spirit can be found in a common phrase amongst various Indigenous American folk, “All My Relations.” This is the idea that all living things are intrinsically connected and that the self develops and exists in relation to our connections.
Some examples of when our Spirit is sick might be when we are lying, being inauthentic, existing without passion, and lacking community. And some examples of Medicine for our Spirit could be speaking with honesty, accepting our limits, connecting with nature, and connecting with people who understand us and who inspire us.
Bringing The Medicine Wheel Into The Therapeutic Space
By allowing ourselves a space to recognize all the parts of the self (especially our neglected Spirit), we can better acknowledge all of what we are, what we have been through, and identify what needs mending.
The Medicine Wheel is an incredible tool that can help us do that in the therapeutic space.The teachings encourage introspection and guide us in accepting the seasons that we are in. We can use this sacred tool in the therapeutic space to facilitate connections to the self, as a whole, and map out the parts that are hurting so that we can better understand what Medicine is needed. Whether that be something as traditional as a prescription or something as abstract as connection.
