Sastun: My Apprenticeship with a Maya Healer

In 1983, the American-born author and her husband Greg were discouraged, almost ready to give up their farm and natural healing practice in a remote, roadless area in western Belize. By chance, Arvigo met 87-year-old Elijoio Panti, the best-known Maya medicine man in Central America. She persuaded him to teach her about the medicinal plants of the rain forest and the Maya art of healing. With freelance writer Epstein, Arvigo presents an engaging account of her five-year association with Panti and his patients, affording an interesting glimpse of traditional healing. Ultimately, Arvigo obtained the support of the American Cancer Institue and the New York Botanical Garden for her study of natural healing; she is now director of research of Terra Nova, a 6000-acre plant reserve in Belize. Photos. Author tour. (Apr.)