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Native American healing incorporates mind and body techniques to treat almost any condition whether it is psychological or physical. According to principles of Native American healing, illnesses are not rooted in the affected area, but are caused by spiritual imbalances which can be corrected by herbs, meditation and rituals. Native American healing has been around for countless centuries, and although many of its practices were illegal in the United States for decades, rituals used for healing were made legal once again in 1978 on the grounds that restriction violated freedom of religion.

Much of what we know today about herbal medicine is based on Native American healing. Herbs were a staple of Native American medicine, and for almost any kind of complaint, tinctures, salves or teas made of leaves, flowers, bark or berries were applied or consumed to treat the ailment. Native American healing has saved millions of lives, thanks to the invention of penicillin, which was derived from a Native American treatment for infection using mold. Before penicillin was discovered by doctors, Native Americans had been using it as a remedy for centuries to treat illnesses.
There is a revival of interest in Native American healing as more people are searching for alternative remedies to avoid the side effects, inconvenience and cost of traditional medicine. There have been studies that have shown herbal remedies to be effective, however, few herbal treatments are recommended by the FDA, Native American healing also focuses on detoxification methods, such as sitting in sweathouses and fasting to remove impurities from the body. These sweathouses consisted of fires in tents, and through perspiration, the body could be cleansed and purged of germs and other unhealthy substances.

Given today's hectic, stress-filled lifestyle, Native American healing is making a comeback and traditional practitioners of this science are very much in demand.

Native American healing techniques typically focus on healing the person rather than focusing on a specific disease. This makes their practices quite different from those of western medicine.

The American Cancer Society notes such differences but concludes that while there is no scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Native American healing affects, they may still prove useful. The techniques do provide a sense of community and support for an ailing individual that may prove to be beneficial in promoting overall healing.
Unlike western medicine, Native American healing focuses on the connection between spiritual well being and physical well being. The separation between spirit and body is not the same; to Native American healers they are considered part of one whole being rather than individual and separate aspects. Thus, the spirit must be healed to heal the body.

Native American healing traditions and tools incorporate several aspects. Sweat lodges and smudge sticks are used to purify and cleanse the spirit, mind, and body. Medicine wheels help to promote healing within the body of the person and the body of the earth.
Native American ceremonies play an important role in the healing process. Ceremonies such as the Ghost Dance, Vision Quest, and And Sun Dance can help heal afflicted aspects within a person. They purpose of the dances and quest may vary slightly from tribe to tribe but all are done to promote well being or understanding.
Native American medicine is a wide field that incorporates rituals, herbal remedies, and spiritual practices to promote healing. The specifics of Native American healing vary from culture to culture but all incorporate a focus on the whole person rather than just symptoms resulting from an illness.

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