Yesenia Gutierrez

Professor Batty

English 101

6th of May 2018

Plan B

Imagine that you're sick... you visit the doctor and they tell you they have used all

their best resources but no longer have any help for you to fight your illness. Would you

accept defeat ? Or would you do your research and try alternative solutions? In Alex

Espinoza's Still Water Saints, one of the characters Perla is the owner of the botanica in

Agua Mansa. People from all over the town come to her for her teas, candles, and healing

powers. Although Perla sometimes battles with her own thoughts, such as if she does

have "powers" the people of the town really do believe in her, and in many ways need her

as a source of comfort in the community. I believe Perla teaches us that alternative

medicine can be a healing part of a community, and that alternative medicine in many

aspects also has to do with the faith within ourselves.

In the small city of Agua Mansa, Perla runs the botnica different people in the

town come to Perla for different needs, remedies or teas for an illness, or maybe for a

candle for a certain prayer. "The shop sold amulets and stones, rosaries and candles. They

bought charms to change their luck, teas to ease unsettled nerves, and estampas of saints,

the worn plastic cards they carried in their purses or wallets for protection." (Espinoza 1)

One example in Still Water Saints where clients come into see Perla versus a regular

doctor can be seen when Mariam comes into the shop regarding her husband. She

explains to Perla that her husband's doctor told him that he was depression, and the pills

he is taking is making him has issues being in bed with his wife, so he has stopped taking

them. The husband has seen the doctor, but no longer wants to accept his help. Although

he is hesitant, and embarrassed, he still accepts Perla's help. "It's not me this time." She

pointed to the van. "It's him. He's embarrassed to talk to you." He is embarrassed, but his

wife knows or better to infer that she believes in Perla and her powers to heal. I think

sometimes people are hestiant to try alternative medicine because they don’t have the
proper information on the topic.

I think for many people alternative, holistic, and wellness medicine is something

they don’t know much about. In an article written by lanna S. Mandel she talks about

how people are looking for different options, "Many people today have become tired of

waiting long hours in an emergency room only to be treated by a tired doctor. They want

to take their well-being into their own hands and they feel empowered when they do."

People are always looking for another option, a plan B and sometimes even a plan C to

their problems. Perla for example doesn't only ever give one tea, or have one prayer she

gives clients options, and even at times refers them to actual doctors. I think the true

power is being able to combine both practices for the best outcome of the person in need.

Now I'm going to discuss the relationship of combining traditional medicine and

alternative medicine for people who may be interested but still hesitant. I think the

relationship between Perla and Theresa is very important for this paragraph. Theresa is a

doctor, and even Perla's personal doctor. Not only does she not suggest Perla to stop any

of her practices, but Theresa even trusts Perlas work. " Light a vela for me." (Esponiza

41) In a paper written by Ryan Abbort, a researcher at UCLA he has "Even now, medical

schools have the opportunity to train the next generation of medical practitioners in

health care systems outside of conventional medicine. Core values of CAM

(complementary and alternative medicine) can help students develop a more holistic and

individualized approach to patient care." I think, that in this day and age it's important to

educate patients with all possible information, and to do that doctors should be given all

the proper education to help patients with their medical care. Even Perla who believes in

her powers still sees Theresa for medical help as well. "Teresa had been her doctor before

Guillermo's death... Perla had suffered from insomnia and had fallen into a deep

depression." (Esponiza 40) Personally, myself I'm a strong believer in alternative

medicine, so I can relate a lot to Perla's character and her strong faith in her powers, but

there are circumstances where the two can be brought together for the better well-being

of the patient.

“A healer's power stems not from any special ability, but from maintaining the
courage and awareness to embody and express the universal healing power that every

human being naturally possesses.” - Eric Micha'el Leventhal Whether you believe in the

power of traditional or alternative medicine I think everyone can agree with faith,

especially the faith within oneself. It is one of the most healing tools we have. Perla's

character in Alex Espinoza's Still Water is not only an influential part of the town of

Agua Mansa, I think she is someone that any reading the novel can learn from. People

from all walks of life, ages, and backgrounds come to the botinca to see her, and get

advice from her, as they need someone to believe in when they might not always be able

to believe in themselves