Traditions in healing at the end of life.

M.L. taught me that his religious practice could provide clarity of mind, as well as acceptance of illness. His use of alternative medicine, with its holistic approach, reinforced the ways in which directing one’s own care supports relationships, helps patients connect with higher goals, and helps maintain independence and dignity, especially when associated with a spiritual community or practiced within a family or caregiver dyad, such as my patient and his daughter. I am grateful they allowed me to be part of their experience and to learn about the role traditional medicine can play at the end of life.