Lesson 2: Understanding the Medicine Wheel
Introduction: The Medicine Wheel is a symbol used by many Indigenous peoples to represent the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
The Four Aspects:
- Physical: Focuses on the body and its health, including diet, exercise, and medical care.
- Emotional: Relates to feelings, relationships, and emotional resilience.
- Mental: Concerns the mind, including thoughts, knowledge, and beliefs.
- Spiritual: Encompasses the soul, connection to the Creator, and the broader universe.
Application in Diabetes Care: Discuss how each aspect of the Medicine Wheel can be addressed in a comprehensive diabetes care plan.
Activity: Create a personalized Medicine Wheel that includes specific actions or strategies for managing diabetes in each of the four areas.
Discussion Questions:
- How do the four aspects of the Medicine Wheel—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—interrelate in the context of diabetes care?
- Can you think of an example where focusing on just one aspect of the Medicine Wheel might be insufficient in managing diabetes?
- How can healthcare providers incorporate the Medicine Wheel into their treatment plans for Indigenous patients?
- What role does spiritual health play in the overall management of diabetes, according to the Medicine Wheel teachings?
- How does the Medicine Wheel differ from or complement Western approaches to diabetes care?