The compelling drama of American herbologist Rosita Arvigo's quest to preserve the knowledge of Don Elijio Panti, one of the last surviving and ... read full description
reviews
Jan 07, 2011
Osho
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Belize.
This documentary memoir describes the author's intention to live off the land and practice non-allopathic medicine in Belize. There she met a Mayan healer, apprenticed to him, and carries on his work. It's interesting to watch her commitment to her life and profession in her adopted country grow. I appreciated her balance of syncretic spiritual and scientific aspects of her work, including those aspects where she acknowledges that she does not believe--a refreshing change in t More...
This documentary memoir describes the author's intention to live off the land and practice non-allopathic medicine in Belize. There she met a Mayan healer, apprenticed to him, and carries on his work. It's interesting to watch her commitment to her life and profession in her adopted country grow. I appreciated her balance of syncretic spiritual and scientific aspects of her work, including those aspects where she acknowledges that she does not believe--a refreshing change in t More...
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Feb 23, 2011
Chad
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I picked this book up on the Belize Island of Caye Caulker at a really cool organic coffee shop/art salon/healing center known as 'Coco Plum'. The owner Destino with her glowing eyes recommended it to me and after grazing through the pages I knew I had to have it. I'm personally fascinated by Mayan 'Curanderos' or healers who for thousands of years have learned how to heal, vitalize, and balance the human vessel via natural remedies found in the forests of Central America. This particular book h
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Sep 24, 2011
Fiona
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This is the story of how Rosita, an American living in Belize, meets and learns from Don Elijio Panti, Maya healer. This healing is still practiced in Belize today especially amongst the Mayan people.
It's good that the medicinal properties of plants are now part of Belizean history. I understand how the plants can cure physical ailments, but I'm still not sold on how they cure spiritual ailments. Don Elijio told the story how he learned the "business" in Guatemala's forest More...
It's good that the medicinal properties of plants are now part of Belizean history. I understand how the plants can cure physical ailments, but I'm still not sold on how they cure spiritual ailments. Don Elijio told the story how he learned the "business" in Guatemala's forest More...
May 02, 2009
Lee
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This was an incredible story! Rosita Arvigo's tale of becoming a Mayan Shaman's apprentice has me thinking about our relationships to plants (Good for Gaia-writing!) Each chapter is headed by a paticular plant or herb, it's Mayan name, scientific name, and common name. and a wonderful description of the healing properties of the plant. The chapter then relays how they used this plant in a practical setting.
What amazed me most was how this "elderly" man hiked up mountains, pre-daw More...
What amazed me most was how this "elderly" man hiked up mountains, pre-daw More...
Oct 19, 2011
Jeannie
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Circle of Life in the Jungles of Belize
Sastun, is the amazing memoir of an American women’s adventure into a renewed way of life as she transports herself and her family deep into the jungles of Belize. Rosita Arvigo, and Italian/Assyrian women from Chicago, together with her husband and daughter, make the difficult decision to leave the hustle and bustle of today’s modern society to attempt a new life by homesteading and opening up a health facility in South America. Rosita is trained More...
Sastun, is the amazing memoir of an American women’s adventure into a renewed way of life as she transports herself and her family deep into the jungles of Belize. Rosita Arvigo, and Italian/Assyrian women from Chicago, together with her husband and daughter, make the difficult decision to leave the hustle and bustle of today’s modern society to attempt a new life by homesteading and opening up a health facility in South America. Rosita is trained More...
Nov 01, 2009
Katherine
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I have been to Belize and made a point to hike the Panti Trail. I purchased some salve made from products in the rain forest. It worked great! I had a chance to speak with Ms. Arvigo while visiting Chaa Creek. Her story and work in the healing arts inspired me to get her book. It is a wonderful story and one I recommend for those interested in medicine, travel or human interest. If you are traveling to Belize I also recommend visiting Chaa Creek and the Panti Trail.
Aug 25, 2010
Amy
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What an inspiring story. . . amazing descriptions of ancient mayan herbal remedies as well as the stories of their healing abilities. . . very touching, a quick read and an uplifting book
Aug 18, 2011
Kathy-Diane
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A mesmerizing read! Arvigo's apprenticeship with a traditional Mayan healer cracks open the door on this heretofore unknown realm of ancient medicine.
Aug 25, 2010
David
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Fascinating book. I had the good fortune to meet and interview the author during research for a journalistic piece I wrote about the interior of Belize.
Jun 25, 2009
Joan
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Excellent read while I was down in Belize. This woman is still working in the rainforest and can be found easily to converse with! Nice story.
Aug 09, 2007
Rosita Arvigo, a natural medicine practicioner from Chicago, journeys to the heart of Belize with her husband and child. While in the rain forest, she meets up with a medicine man. The fun begins when, after becoming his apprentice, she starts reading crystals for medical advice and curing patients that have been on the receiving end of "an evil wind". This book is fantastic!It provides an inside look at an entirely different health care system based on-that's right-PLANTS!!!!
Jul 18, 2008
Linda
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I read thisi book a few months ago after deciding to enroll in training for Mayan Abdominal Massage. The book isn't the best thing I've ever read - but the story and the people are amazing. If you are into the environment, healing, alternative medicine, herbs, or ancient and vanishing traditions, then you will enjoy this story of a woman from Chicago bent on becoming an apprentice to a 90 year old Mayan H'men healer in Belize.
Feb 17, 2010
Sunflower
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Sastun; a divining stone used by the H'men. This book is the story of the author's apprenticeship with an old Mayan healer, using plant remedies from the rainforest. Her relationship with her teacher reminded my of the way we teach medicine, but so different in its approach as they work together the heal the patient with the background messages of saving the rainforest and the knowledge of the healing plants.
Sep 21, 2007
Tashia
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I bought this book after traveling in Belize and staying in the Cayo district near San Ignacio where this book takes place. I enjoyed learning more about the traditional mayan medicines that come out of the rich and beautiful rainforests I visited.
Beyond that it's a great story...
Beyond that it's a great story...
Dec 20, 2007
Jon
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A nurse from Chicago and her family pack up and head south in pursuit of Mayan medicinal healing ways. Rosita, the nurse, finds a Mayan shaman taking the reader an a multi-year adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about how Mayan cultural logic guided shaman healing.
Jul 16, 2008
Elena
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I went and heard Arvigo speak at Apothecary Tinctura in Denver - just for fun - and read her book shortly therafter. I loved reading about Don Elijio - and this culture so different from my own. A neat read, definitely added to my intrique with herbal medicine.
Sep 02, 2008
Kristina
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Rosita Arvigo is an ex-Chicago ad woman who studied alternative medicine, then moved off the grid in Belize and studied with a bush medicine man. I found the story interesting... mainly because I'm an alternative medicine/healing junkie. :)
Oct 15, 2008
Evie
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I don't know what it is about stories of western women learning to practice traditional medicine in a complete different culture, but I love books of this "genre". A light, enjoyable read.
Apr 13, 2008
Audrey
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I just read this book for a fascinating workshop on traditional Mayan healing. the book was compelling especially if you have any interest in Mayan traditions and/or womens health.
Feb 08, 2012
Feb 01, 2012
