Mexican folk healing expert discusses curanderismo with local college students – Dr. Eliseo “Cheo” Torres at The University of Texas-Pan American on March 24 at noon at UTPA’s Student Union Theater

The Babylonians used plants as medical treatments as far back as 3000 B.C. The ancient civilizations of China and India also discovered the medicinal benefits of natural remedies. And the Aztecs used 3,000 distinct medicinal plants and teas to cure ailments and diseases. Throughout history, the medicinal and religious use of herbs and plants has helped countless generations heal, especially in Mexico and Latin America.

Dr. Eliseo “Cheo” Torres has studied the ancient art of Mexican folk healing for more than 20 years, and the author will talk about the role of curanderismo in the novel “Bless me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya when he participates in a panel discussion at The University of Texas-Pan American. The discussion, which is free and open to the public, will take place March 24 at noon at UTPA’s Student Union Theater, and is one of many activities taking place during Festiba.

The event was put together with the help of South Texas College, and is part of the Big Read Program, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest. Other panel speakers include Dr. R.C. Davis, author of “Bless Me, Ultima and Rudolfo Anaya’s Place in American Literature” and Dr. Mark Glazer, who wrote “Bless Me, Ultima and Mexican-American Folklore.”

Torres will also host a presentation at STC on alternative healing methods for students in the college’s Nursing and Allied Health programs on March 23. Event organizers hope that the lecture will help students get a better understanding about the role plants and herbs play in treating illness.

“We are very excited to have Dr. Torres come to STC, as he is an expert in Mexican folk healing and the medicinal benefits of natural remedies. We hope that our students will benefit from learning more about native healing traditions along the Texas-Mexico border,” said James Phillips, librarian at STC’s Nursing and Allied Health Campus.

Torres is currently the vice president for student affairs at The University of New Mexico and he has published several books, including “Curandero: A Life in Mexican Folk Healing” and “Healing with Herbs and Rituals: A Mexican Tradition,” as well as many articles. Torres, who also spent time in Mexico as an apprentice to curandero Cresencio Alvarado, regularly gives presentations on the history and lore of curanderismo.

For more information contact Phillips at 956-872-3121 or at phillips@southtexascollege.edu or visit coah.utpa.edu/festiba/Tuesday.htm. “

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