CHUMASH HEALERS FIND PEACE IN OLD WAYS : GETTING CLOSER TO NATURE CALLED CRUCIAL TO SUCCESS.Byline: Alicia Doyle Daily News Staff Writer Standing outside a wooden hut similar to what his ancestors lived in centuries ago, a Chumash Indian named Kote reflected Sunday on the lifetime commitment he made when he dedicated his life to the practice of traditional Chumash medicine. Kote said his role as a traditional Indian doctor or holy person for the southern Owl Clan of the Chumash involves use of metaphysics metaphysics (mĕtəfĭz`ĭks), branch of philosophy concerned with the ultimate nature of existence. It perpetuates the Metaphysics of Aristotle, a collection of treatises placed after the Physics [Gr. , philosophy and medicinal plants medicinal plants, plants used as natural medicines. This practice has existed since prehistoric times. There are three ways in which plants have been found useful in medicine. . During his visit Sunday to the Satwiwa Native American Indian American Indian or Native American or Amerindian or indigenous American Any member of the various aboriginal peoples of the Western Hemisphere, with the exception of the Eskimos (Inuit) and the Aleuts. Culture Center in the Santa Monica Mountains The Santa Monica Mountains are a low transverse range in southern California in the United States. Geography They run for approximately 40 mi (64 km) east-west from the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles to Point Mugu in Ventura County. above Thousand Oaks Thousand Oaks, residential city (1990 pop. 104,352), Ventura co., S Calif., in a farm area; inc. 1964. Avocados, citrus, vegetables, strawberries, and nursery products are grown. , the Ventura resident answered questions from visitors curious about the Chumash culture. The practice of Chumash traditional medicine involves integrating different philosophies into everyday life, such as unlearning bad habits and bad concepts, Kote said. Proper diet and the use of herbs may also be incorporated, he said. ``It puts you more in touch with yourself,'' said Kote, who explained that the practice focuses on improving a person's physical, spiritual and emotional characteristics. ``We want you to erase the things you've learned that will stop you from using your mind.'' Another Chumash named A-lul'Koy said the practice of traditional medicine helps put the body in balance and creates a sense of peace. Part of the practice also involves being in touch with nature, A-lul'Koy explained. ``Just be outdoors and free for an hour or so each day,'' said A-lul'Koy, who said his name is Chumash for ``dolphin.'' ``Don't belong to anyone or anything, but look at life with no attachments. . . . It nourishes the body to touch base with things that are natural.'' Kote and A-lul'Koy are two of several guest hosts who come to the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center on Sundays. The guest hosts help visitors increase their understanding of American Indians American Indians: see Americas, antiquity and prehistory of the; Natives, Middle American; Natives, North American; Natives, South American. and the Santa Monica Mountains, said Pam Darty, a national park ranger A park ranger is a person charged with protecting and preserving protected parklands, forests (then called a forest ranger), wilderness areas, as well as other natural resources and protected cultural resources. and cultural educator at the center. ``It helps people appreciate the way things are connected to the land,'' Darty said. ``It's not just learning facts and figures, but coming here and interacting with those who are connected to the land.'' CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: (color) A-lul'Koy, left, and Kote at the Satwiwa Nat ive American Indian Culture Center. Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News |
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