Mayan Healing Center: Health Education and Training

Nestled in the serene villages around Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, lies an invaluable treasure: the ancient knowledge and traditions of Mayan healers. These practices passed down through generations, form the backbone of the Lake Atitlan Mayan Healing Center, a hub for health education and training dedicated to preserving and sharing authentic Mayan healing practices with the world.

Partnering with organizations like Ethical Fashion Guatemala and Grow Your Own Cure, and guided by advocate Joan Cass, this initiative champions the integrity of Mayan traditions amidst a growing tide of cultural misrepresentation.

The Rich Heritage of Mayan Healing

Mayan healing is a holistic health system integrating the physical, emotional, and spiritual realms. Rooted in a profound connection to nature, it employs medicinal plants, rituals, and ceremonies to restore balance and harmony. Traditional healers, or “curanderos,” are respected figures in their communities, their expertise cultivated through years of mentorship and dedication. However, the rise of tourism and expatriate ventures around Lake Atitlan has led to the commercialization of Mayan healing. Many outsiders have sought to capitalize on its growing appeal, offering services that lack the authenticity and depth of true Mayan practices. These imitations often rely on unsubstantiated claims rather than meaningful collaborations with local healers.

Incorporating Environmental Health: Glyphosate and Forever Metals

An integral part of the Lake Atitlan Mayan Healing Center’s training includes raising awareness about the environmental and health dangers of glyphosate (a widely used herbicide) and forever metals (toxic substances like lead, mercury, and arsenic that persist in the environment). Both pose significant threats to the health and balance that Mayan healing seeks to restore. Participants are educated about the harmful effects of glyphosate on soil health, water sources, and human well-being, particularly its association with endocrine disruption, cancer, and other chronic conditions. Similarly, the training highlights the pervasive nature of forever metals and their role in neurological, developmental, and systemic health issues. By integrating these topics, the Center bridges traditional Mayan wisdom with modern environmental science, empowering participants to adopt practices that protect both personal health and the ecosystem.

The Three-Day Mayan Healing Training Program

A centerpiece of the Lake Atitlan Mayan Healing Center’s offerings is a three-day immersive health training program held in the homes of traditional healers in San Juan La Laguna. Participants learn directly from expert healers, gaining insights into medicinal plants, ceremonial practices, and holistic philosophies. This all-inclusive program offers:

• Daily Education: Guided learning sessions covering Mayan healing traditions, medicinal plants, and rituals, along with lessons on the dangers of glyphosate and forever metals.
• Homestay with Mayan Healers: Experience life in a Mayan home, including traditional meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
• Shuttle Transportation: Round-trip transportation from Antigua or Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan and between villages during the program.

The total cost for this enriching three-day experience is USD 850 per participant.