Smudging with sage, cedar, and sweet grass
may be desired. To smudge is to spread the
smoke of burning herbs over a person, space, or object for purification. The smoke carries
prayers to Creator. This ceremony usually involves a feather or fan. If smoke is not allowed,
smudging the oils for sage, cedar and sweet grass may be used as a substitute.

Tobacco ties
are small cloth bundles that contain tobacco, which can be given as a sign of
friendship, tied on a string, or tied on a branch to carry prayers. The making of these prayer
ties is an act of prayer.

Feather ceremonies
might involve the sweeping of a person or body with feathers, the tying
on of feathers, or the handling of feathers in prayer.

Face painting
may be a part of a ceremony to prepare a person for surgery or death, or may
be a part of the care of the body after death.

Healing herbs, oils, roots
are often used for spiritual and emotional healing as well as a part
of the treatment of the physical condition. Physicians are encouraged to consult with the
Native American practitioner to integrate these treatments.

Fetishes
are objects representing the power of animal spirits, which can assist in healing.
Many persons find special strength from a particular animal or their “totem.”

Pipe ceremony
may be performed by a spiritual leader either in the hospital or outside on
behalf of the patient. When possible, arrangements should be made for the pipe to be smoked
with the patient. If the patient can be moved out of doors this is preferable. When conditions
do not allow smoke near a patient, the spiritual leader may have the patient pray with the
tobacco and the pipe before going to smoke it elsewhere.

Chantways and songs with drum or rattle
are a daily part of healing for many Native
Americans. The visit by tribal singers is emotionally very healing for the patient. A patient may
have an audiotape of a prayer song they will want to hear regularly. The drum represents the
heartbeat of mother earth. The sound of the heartbeat is the first sound that people hear when
he or she is in their mother’s womb. The shaker or rattle is associated with medicine
ceremonies. When patients are in coma or near death, hearing is often the one sense that
remains. The sound of the drum or shaker is associated with healing prayers and will reassure
the patient that they are not alone, nor forgotten.

Medicine lodge or inipi lodge
is a purification ceremony that takes place in a special “sweat
lodge.” It involves prayers and the calling of spiritual ancestors for help. This ceremony may be
requested before a medical treatment such as surgery. If the patient is unable to participate,
the spiritual leader may perform this ceremony on their behalf.

Crystals and sacred stones
may be used as part of healing. Crystals may be laid on a
person’s body, or may be held for prayer. Sometimes a crystal is prayed with in the four

directions in place of the pipe. Sacred stones may be held in prayer.