Curanderismo as a Belief System in the 21’st Century: Susto and Espanto’s Perception by Curanderas in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico. A Case Study

Abstract

This paper evaluates the religious aspects of traditional Mexican medicine, with a specific focus on the perspective of modern curanderas – female folk healers – living in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico. It explores how they perceive susto and espanto, and how community norms shape health--related matters. Their ideas serve as reference points for analysis of overall experiences as female folk healers. Moreover, the medical aspect of their work, interwoven with religious pluralism establishes curanderismo as a religious medicine. The interpretative framework draws from Arthur Kleinman’s healthcare systems theory, emphasising culture’s influence on illness perception. This analysis stresses the role of spiritually dangerous ailments, regulated by both belief-oriented and laic norms, in upholding social order. Furthermore, the deeply rooted religious aspects of curanderismo, nature integrate nature into its healing practice.