In a discussion on Facebook a person wrote “I understand that word Shaman is nowadays replaced with the word ‘healer’ ”

I objected. “Shaman and healer are different things – or at least should be.” Of course I was called on to explain how I see it. This is my answer:

A healer works with energy. That’s about it. (Psychics and mediums do other things.)

A real shaman (not the diluted Western version) is more complex. Shamans do healing work too but it’s only part of what they do. The shaman communicates with the spirits on behalf of the community. Many shamans have expert knowledge of medicinal plants native to their area, and often prescribe an herbal treatment as part of the process. Shamans are often chosen, either by their tribe or by “the other side”.

“Shamanism is a religious practice that involves a practitioner reaching altered states of consciousness in order to perceive and interact with a spirit world and channel these transcendental energies into this world.”

Your mileage may vary, this is how I see a healer vs shaman.