In the Yucatán Peninsula, Huerteros are an integral part of traditional Mayan medicine. These skilled healers have been practicing their craft for generations, using a combination of ancient knowledge and intuitive techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of ailments. In Merida, one can find many Huerteros who set up shop in small, humble spaces, often with a sign that reads “Huesero” or “Curandero”. These healers are usually men, but some women also practice this ancient art.
The Huerteros of Yucatán use their feet to apply pressure and manipulate the body’s energy pathways (called “k’ux” in Mayan). They believe that by working with the body’s energies, they can restore balance and promote healing. Many patients seek out Huerteros for relief from chronic pain, migraines, and other conditions. The treatment is often a deep pressure massage, where the Huesero uses their feet to apply intense pressure on specific points of the body. Some of then also use herbal remedies, spiritual rituals, and meditation techniques to enhance the healing process. While modern medicine may not recognize the efficacy of this ancient practice, many locals swear by the hueseros abilities have been cured of various ailments after visiting one of these healers.
In the municipality of Peto in Yucatán, there are only three “hueseros”(Bones healer) left due to lack of interest in learning this ancestral practice.
Traditional healers from Yucatán, specifically those known as hueseros or sobadores, are in danger of disappearing.
Currently, in the town of Peto, only three remain, including Mr. Eleazar Tah Aké, who has over 30 years of experience manipulating the body to heal bone fractures and dislocations.
In an interview with POR ESTO. Tah Aké stated that he learned how to treat injuries to the osseous system from his ancestors, his grandparents, parents, and uncles.
He said that despite being passed down through generations, he continues to earn a living by practicing this trade.
Tah Aké explained that he almost never gets a break, due to the large number of patients he sees. His clients include athletes, police officers, and construction workers from different regions, although he also travels to other towns when required.
He emphasized that being an huesero is a responsibility, as one must know the correct positions of the bones in the shoulders, arms, feet, and other areas, which require careful alignment.
Tah Aké noted that he treats children and elderly people alike, and only receives payment according to the patient’s financial situation, since some individuals lack resources but still need treatment to avoid further complications.
He warned that failing to seek help from an huesero can lead to permanent disability and inability to walk again.
Tah Aké also observed a high incidence of bone wear due to excessive consumption of junk food, which causes osteoporosis. This makes treatment more challenging due to the fragility of the affected structure.
The huesero (Bones healer) from Peto emphasized that regular massage or rubbing of the skeleton is essential every so often for blood circulation and relaxation. He stated that this can help prevent heart attacks, as the body needs relaxation.
Finally, Tah Aké expressed his concern about the loss of knowledge in this practice and has begun teaching it to his children to ensure its continuation.
