-Shamanism is not a religion, in the orthodox sense of the word, but a spiritual practice.

-Shamanism is not a religion, in the orthodox sense of the word, but a spiritual practice. 

-The word shaman is derived from the Tungus people of Siberia. 
A shaman was traditionally an individual trained in shamanic techniques offering healing, divination and spiritual guidance to their community. 
In many cultures initiates are chosen following near-death experiences, profound emotional states and, in some cases, physical abnormalities.
Those people often possess, by the simple act of survival, the tools which are utilized in shamanic training.
Accessing those tools, and learning techniques such as entering altered states of consciousness, divination, and connecting with spirit allies, expands the individual's perceptions, instincts and knowledge of the human condition.
Thus the wounded not only heal themselves, but use those experiences to heal others.
-Shamanic techniques offer a holistic approach, but deal with issues mainly on a spiritual level.
Practices may include putting the individual into a deep meditation to work with the spiritual self, in a guided and safe way;
working with the energies surrounding a person,
or their environment;
spirit-based counseling,
divination;
or hands on healing, and soul retrieval.
Many shamanic practitioners also offer ‘teachings’ which involve assisting a person to make their own shamanic connections to spirit allies,
the earth,
and their inner wisdom.