Fundamental to the medicine of the Maya is the concept of “Life Force” or ch’ulel which is the First of the Six Principles of Maya Medicine. This Life Energy is everywhere and permeates everything and is said to be from a divine source.

It has this in common with Eastern healing traditions where it is known as qi (or chi), ki and prana. Ch'ulel binds everyone and everything together. The main goal for the Maya healer is to balance the flow of ch'ulel in the body, using prayer to direct ch'ulel to where it is needed.

The Second Principle states there is no separation between the Body and the Soul, between the physical and spiritual realms. Everything is inter-woven and inter-connected; the physical and spiritual are on different ends of one continuum.


The Third Principle is the recognition of the powerful properties of plants, herbs and flowers and their essences to aid in healing of disease.


The Fourth Principle recognizes that healing is an integrative, comprehensive approach, with the healer, the patient, spirits, plants and prayer working together to bring about the healing.

The Fifth Principle is the Status of the Blood. As in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the use of pulses to determine imbalance is a central factor in diagnosis and treatment to distinguish between illnesses that are physical or spiritual in origin.


The Sixth Principle is that of Hot and Cold, which applies equally to illnesses, foods and plants. Fevers, diarrhea and vomiting are example of “hot” diseases – while cramps, constipation and paralysis are examples of “cold” diseases. Hot foods can be garlic, onions, pepper and ginger while cold foods would include cheese.

Excerpted with gratitude from Traditional Healing Approaches to Modern Psychiatric Disorders by
Dr. Rosita Arvigo, DN