Curing Snake Bites In Miao Magic (苗法治蛇伤)

The Southwestern part of Guizhou is the home of many poisonous snakes. So the Miao tribes have many ways to treat snake bites. The below ritual I got from a Miao lady.

First one must setup an altar with a spirit tablet inscribing:

蛇科启教古今老少宗师位

(The now and then, old and young snake science masters)

Then he/she should get some green chiretta (穿心莲) or other herbs according to the master. The collected herb should be put in front of the altar to be empowered for 7 days.

In front of the altar, the practitioner should lit incense and candles then, he/she should chant mantra to request the presence of the lineage masters:

临临天将，与吾主张，压阴之将，孤阴之阳，霸王相战，强者为王，灵法坛中，诸将身旁，吾奉太上老君蛇科古今老少宗师，关师元辰，痛蛇科打启师挂，千千行兵，万万猛将，前不离三尺，后不离五分，千叫千灵，万叫万灵，不叫自灵。

(I call upon the masters of snake science)

Now, the person should draw the below talisman on his/her left/right palm using sword mudra for 49x while chanting:

 祖师住痛，本师住痛，弟子亲手来住痛。痛处即止，肿处即消，热处即凉。

(May all pains and swells be subsided)

After 7 days, the herbs are dip into strong alcohol (more than 50%) or vinegar for 100 days. After 100 days, the herbs are removed from the alcohol/vinegar and the liquid is stored in a tightly sealed container ready to be used in emergency.

Before the medicine is used, the person should recite the below mantra:

启眼望清天，师父在身边。

(I raise my eyes, the master is at my side.)

After that the medicated alcohol/vinegar can be used to rub at the snake bitten area, or some quantity of alcohol can be consumed too. Some people would use a knife to cut at the bitten part to draw some blood first be applying the alcohol/vinegar.

I have promised the Miao lady not to reveal this secret to others, but I supposed no one would put it into action so it is safe just to share. There is a whole set of mantras for calling, catching and releasing snakes that I have not mentioned, so I have not really broken my promise...