Shamanic extraction is based on the belief that illness is caused by intrusions, or displaced energy. Intrusions are energies, which do not belong, in the sick person. They are not evil, just misplaced. These misplaced energies could be from stress, anger, energy left behind after injury and from power or soul loss. They are largely associated with physical illness. These intrusions can appear to the shaman as insects, snakes, black slugs, rusty nails, or nearly anything that does not belong there.
To extract an intrusion, the shaman will first enter the Shamanic State of Consciousness and then conduct a careful examination of the patient both physically and spiritually. He does this in order to diagnose and locate where the misplaced energy might be in the body.
There are different ways a shaman does this. One method is to use the hands, passing them over the patient’s body. Once the shaman has located the intrusion he will connect with his guardian spirits, power animals and spirit helpers (more on these in ‘plants as helpers’). This action increases his power and allows him to remove the energy safely.
There again are many ways to do this. He may suck out the intrusion; pull it out with his hands; draw it out using a feather; whisper a yearning spirit song to lure out the intrusion, or he may involve the whole community in a group ritual, including drumming and shouting.
There are certain risks using extractions and therefore only an experienced practitioner should do them. The risks are that the shamanic practitioner could draw the illness into his own body, or he could spread the illness more extensively around the patient. Either could be very problematic if not deadly. He needs to be extremely certain of his spirit helpers and of his own abilities if this method is to be used safely.
Once the shaman has drawn out the intrusion, he will safely dispose of it. He may transform the energy into a more life sustaining energy, or he may place it in water to be neutralized.
After the extraction, the patient’s body will have a void where the intrusion used to be. The shaman will fill this void with healing energy to avoid other misplaced energies to fill it.
There are several methods to prevent intrusions. One of them is to see you surrounded by a blue translucent egg that allows only positive energy to pass. If the environment is severe, envision a brick wall surrounding you for the time being.
When you are feeling negative emotions, do not ignore them or hold them in. You need to express them, so that they will not be stored in your body as misplaced energy. Also, do not send them to someone else, to avoid causing intrusions to that person.
There are certain stones, which are capable of absorbing negative energy, such as granite or hematite. Other stones transform and lighten energy, such as calcite and quartz. There are many good books available on the properties of precious stones, as well as numerous websites.