Curanderismo is the Mexican-American healing system combining various theoretical elements into a holistic approach to illness and believing that disease may have not only natural but also spiritual causes. "The Nahua had many words to describe the two-spirited person. Xochihuan or Flower-Bearer, is typically the most used and works as a blanket term. Cihuaciuqui means “he takes the role of the woman.” Patlache is used for lesbian. Chonehua means “She is a possessor of arrows.” Whether the phrase means someone presenting as female and ‘arrow’ is a euphemism for pen*s, a woman crossing out of her gender role by going hunting, or even a hermaphrodite, is unclear. Cicihuapile means she has a lot of women, which might indicate that Nahua lesbian women were allowed to practice polygamy just as the men in their tribe." - Alicia Smith April 2014
Jaysa P Jones , B.U.S., MSW-LCSW, Traditional Healer, Clinical Social Worker, studied Massage therapy and other healing modalities at Crystal Mountain Apprenticeship in the Healing Arts, graduating in 1998 and practices as a Traditional Sobadora/Healer in New Mexico with over 25 years of experience. Jaysa is a Clinical Social Worker and is accepting new clients. Jaysa specializes in treating Depression, Stress Disorders, Trauma, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, LGBTQ Issues, specifically Transgender issues. Jaysa’s journey began as a child when she became interested in the healing properties of gems, stones, minerals, and the metaphysical. She received a first massage at the age of 10 and began seeing an acupuncturist in the 6th grade for sinus problems since intuitively, Jaysa knew there had to be another route other than western medicine. The remarkable healing powers of Chinese Medicine encouraged her to continue a journey of ‘alternative’ healing. In 2005, Jaysa began apprenticing and practicing as a Curandera or Traditional Mexican Folk Healer. Jason has studied in Mexico as well as here in New Mexico beginning with learning herbs in 2005 with the late Dona Maclovia Zamora of B. Jaysa now has 10 years of experience and apprenticeship in Curanderismo. In 2008, Jaysa graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor in University Studies with an emphasis in Social Welfare. In 2012, Jaysa obtained a Masters in Social Work from New Mexico State University. She has worked with the Attachment Healing Center post-graduation and also provided mental health counseling with Five Sandoval Indian Pueblos, Inc., primarily working in the communities of Cochiti, Zia, and Santa Ana Pueblos. She was a member of the National Association of Social Workers, and serves as the Chair for the LGBT Task Force with NASW-NM. Jaysa was a four time presenter at the NASW-NM Conference, including in 2011 and 2012 on topics related to Curanderismo. Jaysa has also served as a faculty member with the Native American Training Institute and providing the Key Note Address on Curanderismo in 2015. Jaysa presented at NASW NM again in 2016 about their life as a transgender social worker as well at the National NASW Conference in Washington, DC. Jaysa also provides Field Supervision for New Mexico Highlands University social work students. She also completed the Reiki I training in New Mexico with Elder, Paula Terrero in 2013. Jaysa has since presented at the Transgender National Health Summit and runs her own private practice in Albuquerque. Jaysa resides in New Mexico, serving and advocating for the Transgender/LGBQI.. population as a Social Worker, Traditional Healer, Mental Health Therapist, and as an open Trans Woman of Color. She brings a life-time of cultural knowledge and experience to the field. Jaysa was also one of the 7 Promotoras with the grassroots organization based in Traditional Healing and Social Justice, the Kalpulli Izkalli in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Jaysa is available for workshops, classes, and private consultations/appointments, supervision, and is accepting new clients for mental health therapy and counseling. She performs traditional sobadas, limpias (energetic cleansings), traditional ventosas (cupping), Reiki level 1, Craniosacral therapy, and traditional platicas. Jason is also very knowledgeable in Chine Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, and Aromatherapy.
• Traditional Healing Practitioner y Sobador (Curandera)
Graduated from Crystal Mountain Apprenticeship in the Healing Arts Massage Therapy School in 1998.
• (16 years experience as a Traditional Sobador)
Specializing in deep work, ventosas (traditional Mexican cupping), and intense relaxation. Aromatherapy
Cranio-Sacral Therapy
Movement Therapy
Chakra Balancing
• Traditional Mexican Limpias utilizing the elements of all four sacred directions, as well as ceremonial work. (Practicing/Learning since 2005, 7 years experience, studied in Cuernavaca, Papanoa, and Tepotzlan, Mexico as well as New Mexico).
• Traditional and “Clinical” Platicas (Experience as a Masters in Social Work student in internship providing clinical counseling for adult/teen/child witnesses and victims of domestic violence).
• Intermediate knowledge of herbs, particularly the uses of Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs.
• Speaking, Workshop, and Presentation Skills which include speaking at the National Association of Social Workers New Mexico Chapter Yearly Conference (2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016), Native American Training Institute 2014, and NMHU 2014.
