Shamanism and Chronic Illness

 From a shamanic perspective, physical illness is rarely just a physical issue. It is often seen as a symptom of a deeper imbalance, whether spiritual, emotional, energetic, or ancestral. The body, mind, and spirit are interconnected, and when disharmony arises in one area, it can ripple through the entire being, eventually manifesting as disease or chronic discomfort.

Illness may stem from energetic blockages that prevent the body’s natural flow of vitality. These blockages can form due to unresolved emotions, trauma, or external influences that weigh heavily on a person’s energetic field. When energy stagnates, it creates areas of weakness in the body, making it more susceptible to disease. A shamanic healer would work to identify these blockages and restore the proper circulation of life force energy.

A deeper cause of illness can be soul loss, a concept found in many indigenous traditions. When a person experiences profound emotional pain, grief, or trauma, a part of their soul may fragment and retreat, leaving them feeling disconnected, depressed, or chronically unwell. This disconnection from one’s full essence can weaken the immune system, dull the spirit, and invite further suffering. In these cases, a soul retrieval ceremony may be necessary to bring back the lost aspects of self, restoring wholeness and vitality.

Some illnesses arise due to spiritual intrusions, energies or entities that do not belong to the individual but have taken up space within their energetic field. These disturbances can drain a person’s strength and create chronic symptoms that do not respond to conventional treatments. Shamanic traditions often use energy extractions or purification rituals to remove these unwanted influences and restore the individual’s sovereignty over their own body and spirit.

Ancestral and karmic patterns can also play a role in physical illness. Just as genetic traits are passed down through generations, unresolved traumas, fears, or burdens from one’s lineage may manifest in descendants as chronic conditions, inherited weaknesses, or recurring patterns of suffering. Healing ancestral wounds through ritual, prayer, and deep inner work can release these burdens, allowing a person to step into greater health and freedom.

A cause of illness can be disconnection from nature and spirit. In many traditional cultures, being in harmony with the natural world is essential for well-being. When someone becomes disconnected from their true essence, from the rhythms of nature, or from their spiritual guidance, they may feel lost, anxious, and eventually physically unwell. Reconnecting with the land, engaging in ceremony, and remembering one’s place in the web of life can be powerful medicine.

Emotional suppression is another major factor in illness. The body stores unresolved emotions, and over time, unexpressed grief, anger, fear, or shame can take a toll, manifesting as chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, or other physical ailments. Many shamanic traditions use rituals, drumming, breathwork, or plant medicines to help individuals release these stored emotions and restore balance to their systems.

Ignoring one’s true calling or life purpose can also create deep distress in the body. When a person is living out of alignment with their soul’s path, staying in relationships, jobs, or belief systems that do not resonate, they may experience chronic stress, fatigue, or illness as the body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. Shamanic journeys, vision quests, or ceremonies designed to help a person reconnect with their deeper calling can sometimes lead to profound healing.

Healing, from this perspective, is not just about treating symptoms but about restoring balance on all levels, energetic, emotional, spiritual, and physical. A shamanic approach looks beyond the immediate discomfort and asks: What is the deeper lesson? What is the soul trying to communicate? By addressing the root causes of illness and restoring harmony, a person can reclaim their vitality, step into their power, and become healthy.

~Shanti Freedom Das