I've gotten to observe medicine in the hospitals of Puebla. The hospitals of Puebla are very similar to those in the U.S. However, in some parts of Mexico they practice traditional medicine.
In Zacapoaxtla, Puebla I got to meet and talk to a partera. A partera is a woman who delivers babies. They do not use the same tools as doctors and rely solely on herbs (plants) during childbirth. The parteras in this town work closely with doctors and nurses to ensure that both the mother and child are safe during the birth. If a birth is too complicated, they send the mother to a doctor.
We also got the chance to meet with with a hierbolera. A hierbolera is someone who uses herbs to treat illnesses. The hierbolera we met with showed us all the different plants she uses and also let us try some of her teas.
At times, it was shocking to learn about some of the practices because they are different from how medicine is practiced in the United States. However, I really enjoyed meeting with these people, as they showed me a different perspective. It allowed me to see how people practice medicine around the world.
