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[[File:Healing.png|thumb|right|250px|[[Yugoda]] demonstrated the [[waterbending]] art of healing on a life-sized mannequin.]]
 
[[File:Healing.png|thumb|right|250px|[[Yugoda]] demonstrated the [[waterbending]] art of healing on a life-sized mannequin.]]
   
'''Healing''' is a [[Specialized bending techniques|sub-skill]] of [[waterbending]] which involves healing wounds by redirecting energy paths, or [[chi]], throughout the body, using water as a catalyst. It is effective on external, physical wounds, though knows its limits with internal injuries and illnesses. A waterbender can also employ this skill to heal their own wounds. On rare occasions, waterbenders may instinctively be able to perform this technique without any formal training.<ref name="D">{{Cite episode|1|116}}</ref>
+
'''Healing''' is a [[Specialized bending techniques|sub-skill]] of [[waterbending]] that allows the bender to heal wounds; by using water as a catalyst, they can redirect [[Chi|energy paths]] around the body, concentrating more energy into a wounded area and allowing that area to heal at an accelerated rate. While this technique is effective on external, physical wounds, its ability to repair internal injuries and cure illnesses is more limited. The skill level of the healer,<ref name="Avatar">Throughout ''[[Avatar: The Last Airbender]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Korra]]''.</ref> as well as the quality of the water used, also plays a role in its effectiveness. On rare occasions, waterbenders may instinctively be able to use this technique without any formal training.<ref name="D">{{Cite episode|1|116}}</ref>
  +
 
Due to the traditionally patriarchal [[Northern Water Tribe#Culture|culture]] of the [[Northern Water Tribe]], this ability was for a long time the only aspect of waterbending taught to female benders.<ref name="WM">{{Cite episode|1|118}}</ref>
   
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
  +
[[File:Katara heals her hands.png|thumb|left|200px|[[Katara]] inadvertently discovered her healing abilities after [[Aang]] accidentally burned her hands.]]
After [[Avatar]] [[Aang]] ignored [[Jeong Jeong]]'s warnings of recklessly [[firebending]], he accidentally burned [[Katara]] due to a lack of control over his flames. Seeking to soothe the pain, Katara submerged her hands in a creek, only to see the water around her hands glow silvery-blue and heal her. Having accidentally discovered this new ability, Katara used it again later that day to heal a burn on Aang's forearm, after a fight with [[Zhao]].<ref name="D" />
 
   
 
After [[Avatar]] [[Aang]] ignored [[Jeong Jeong]]'s warnings about using [[firebending]] without proper training, he accidentally burned [[Katara]] due to a lack of control over his flames. Seeking to soothe the pain, Katara submerged her hands in a creek, only to see the water around her hands glow silvery-blue and heal her; Jeong Jeong subsequently explained to Katara the healing abilities sometimes possessed by waterbenders. Having accidentally discovered this new ability, Katara used it again later that day to heal a burn on Aang's forearm, after his [[Duels (Spring 270 BG - Winter 100 AG)#Duel between Zhao and Aang|fight]] with Admiral [[Zhao]].<ref name="D" />
In the [[Northern Water Tribe]], this ability is the only aspect of waterbending taught to female waterbenders, due to the traditionally patriarchal culture of the tribe.<ref name="WM">{{Cite episode|1|118}}</ref>
 
   
  +
Katara continued to use her abilities on a number of occasions during [[Team Avatar]]'s travels: among other instances, she restored [[Jet]]'s memories after he had been [[Brainwashing|brainwashed]] by the [[Dai Li]];<ref name="LL" /> she treated [[Hakoda]]'s wounds during the [[invasion of the Fire Nation]];<ref name="DBS1" /> and she healed [[Toph Beifong|Toph]]'s feet after they were accidentally burned by [[Zuko]].<ref name="WAT" />
[[File:Korra healing Bolin.png|thumb|left|200px|[[Korra]] healed [[Bolin]] after his shoulder had been injured during a [[pro-bending]] match.]]
 
   
After the [[Hundred Year War]], there were male healers as well.<ref name="OP">{{Cite episode|2|109}}</ref> As Korra's waterbending teacher, Katara had also passed the art of healing onto [[Korra]], and she used it to heal [[Bolin]]'s shoulder after it was injured in the third round of the [[Future Industries Fire Ferrets|Fire Ferrets]]' semifinal match in the [[Pro-bending#Pro-bending Tournament|Pro-bending Tournament]].<ref name="SC">{{Cite episode|2|105}}</ref> She used the technique once more when she healed General [[Iroh (United Forces general)|Iroh]]'s injury he sustained during his fight against the [[Equalists]]' [[Battle for Republic City|attack]] on [[Republic City]].<ref name="SIC">{{Cite episode|2|111}}</ref> When Korra had lost her [[Bending arts|bending]] due to [[Amon]], she sought out Katara in order to be healed by her, but even she, known as the world's best healer, was unable to restore the Avatar's bending.<ref name="E">{{Cite episode|2|112}}</ref>
+
After the [[Hundred Year War]], Katara continued to hone her skills and eventually became regarded as the greatest master healer in the [[Earth|world]].<ref name="E">{{Cite episode|2|112}}</ref> She passed on these skills to her daughter, [[Kya]], who became a renowned healer of her own accord during her travels around the world.<ref name="DiL">{{Cite web |url = http://www.nick.com/games/legend-of-korra-dark-into-light-trivia.html?apiKey=001|title = Legend of Korra - mobile trivia game|accessdate = 2013-09-10 |date = September 10, 2013}}</ref> By 170 [[History of the World of Avatar#Dates|AG]], male healers had become more common as well.<ref name="OP">{{Cite episode|2|109}}</ref>
   
 
[[File:Korra healing Bolin.png|thumb|right|200px|[[Korra]] healed [[Bolin]] after his shoulder had been injured during a [[pro-bending]] match.]]
Healers are quite prominent in Republic City, and the best of them were visited by [[Tahno]] after his bending was taken from him by [[Amon]].<ref name="TA">{{Cite episode|2|107}}</ref> After [[Tarrlok]] fabricated evidence of a fight with the [[Equalists]] in [[City Hall]], a healer was brought in to treat his arm, which he had used an [[electrified glove]] on to strengthen his alibi.<ref name="OP" />
 
   
  +
As [[Korra]]'s waterbending teacher, Katara also passed the art of healing onto Korra, and she used it to heal [[Bolin]]'s shoulder after it was injured in the third round of the [[Future Industries Fire Ferrets|Fire Ferrets]]' semifinal match in the [[Pro-bending#Pro-bending Tournament|Pro-bending Tournament]].<ref name="SC">{{Cite episode|2|105}}</ref> She used the technique once more when she healed [[Military ranks in the World of Avatar#General 3|General]] [[Iroh (United Forces general)|Iroh]]'s injury he sustained during the [[Equalists]]' [[Battle for Republic City#Battle at the harbor|attack]] on [[Republic City]].<ref name="SIC">{{Cite episode|2|111}}</ref> When Korra had her [[Bending arts|bending]] [[Bloodbending#Bending severing|severed]] by [[Amon]], she sought out Katara in order to be healed by her, but even she was unable to restore the Avatar's bending.<ref name="E" />
[[File:Kya heals Jinora.png|thumb|right|200px|[[Kya]] kept [[Jinora]]'s energy flowing in her body after her soul became trapped in the [[Spirit World]].]]
 
   
 
Healers are quite prominent in Republic City, and the best of them were visited by [[Tahno]] after his bending was taken from him by Amon.<ref name="TA">{{Cite episode|2|107}}</ref> After [[Tarrlok]] fabricated evidence of a fight with the Equalists in [[City Hall]], a healer was brought in to treat his arm, which he had used an [[electrified glove]] on to strengthen his alibi.<ref name="OP" />
Following the [[Anti-bending Revolution]], [[Kya]] used her ability to heal [[Bumi]]'s head injury without the water making contact with him.<ref name="CW1">{{Cite episode|2|203}}</ref> When [[Jinora]]'s soul later became trapped in the [[Spirit World]], Kya tried to keep her physical body alive by keeping its energy flowing, though after a week of sessions, she felt Jinora slipping away and turned to Katara's greater expertise in the art to keep the young [[Airbending|airbender]] alive,<ref name="HC">{{Cite episode|2|212}}</ref> until her spirit returned to the body. Meanwhile, Kya used the water found in the Spirit World to heal the unconscious Korra, Mako, and Bolin simultaneously.<ref name="LD">{{Cite episode|2|214}}</ref>
 
   
 
[[File:Kya heals Jinora.png|thumb|left|200px|[[Kya]] kept [[Jinora]]'s energy flowing in her body after her soul became trapped in the [[Spirit World]].]]
While Korra was still recuperating mentally and physically from her [[mercury]] poisoning during the final stage of the [[insurrection of the Red Lotus]], she visited Katara, who used her superior healing prowess to sense the grave internal damage the Avatar had suffered. Despite being a healing master, Katara could not relieve the Avatar's suffering, only help guide Korra through the recovery process.<ref name="KA">{{Cite episode|2|402}}</ref>
 
   
 
Following the [[Anti-bending Revolution]], Kya used her ability to heal [[Bumi]]'s head injury without the water making contact with him.<ref name="CW1">{{Cite episode|2|203}}</ref> Later on, when [[Jinora]]'s soul became trapped in the [[Spirit World]], Kya tried to keep her physical body alive by maintaining its flow of energy. However, after a week of sessions, she felt Jinora slipping away and turned to Katara's greater expertise in the art to keep the young [[Airbending|airbender]] alive,<ref name="HC">{{Cite episode|2|212}}</ref> until Jinora's spirit finally returned to her body. Meanwhile, Kya used the water found in the Spirit World to heal the unconscious Korra, [[Mako]], and Bolin simultaneously.<ref name="LD">{{Cite episode|2|214}}</ref>
In 174 [[History of the World of Avatar#Dates|AG]], after sustaining injuries in an [[earthbending]]-cage fight, Korra healed her injured elbow herself by drawing normal water from the sink in a public bathroom.<ref name="KA">{{Cite episode|2|402}}</ref> Following [[Kuvira]]'s [[invasion of the United Republic of Nations]], a number of healers were required to tend the consequents refugees.<ref name="TW1">{{Cite comic|TW1}}</ref>
 
  +
 
While Korra was still recuperating mentally and physically from her [[mercury]] poisoning during the [[Insurrection of the Red Lotus#Defeat of the Red Lotus|final stage]] of the [[insurrection of the Red Lotus]], she visited Katara, who used her superior healing prowess to sense the grave internal damage the Avatar had suffered. Despite being a healing master, Katara could not relieve the Avatar's suffering, only help guide Korra through the recovery process.<ref name="KA">{{Cite episode|2|402}}</ref>
  +
 
In 174 AG, after sustaining injuries in an [[earthbending]]-cage [[Duels (174 AG)#Duel in an Earth Kingdom fighting cage|fight]], Korra healed her injured elbow herself by drawing normal water from the sink in a public bathroom.<ref name="KA">{{Cite episode|2|402}}</ref> Following [[Kuvira]]'s [[invasion of the United Republic of Nations]], a number of healers helped the numerous homeless evacuees by manning a medic tent.<ref name="TW1">{{Cite comic|TW1}}</ref>
   
 
== Limits ==
 
== Limits ==
[[File:Katara revives Aang.png|thumb|left|200px|[[Katara]] healed [[Aang]] with [[spirit water]].]]
+
[[File:Katara revives Aang.png|thumb|right|200px|[[Katara]] healed [[Aang]] with [[spirit water]].]]
  +
 
Physically, healing draws on the restorative properties of water when applied to organisms that are primarily composed of it, such as human beings. The technique is known to work on physical injuries, such as burns,<ref name="D" /><ref name="WAT">{{Cite episode|1|312}}</ref> lacerations,<ref name="DBS1">{{Cite episode|1|310}}</ref> broken bones, diseases brought on by severe pollution,<ref name="PL">{{Cite episode|1|303}}</ref> and severe tissue damage caused by [[Lightning generation|lightning bolts]].<ref name="CD">{{Cite episode|1|220}}</ref><ref name="SC4">{{Cite episode|1|321}}</ref> It is also able to cure mental distress and tampering.<ref name="LL" />
   
  +
The effectiveness of healing appears to be influenced by the water used by the bender: when using [[spirit water]] from the [[Spirit Oasis]] in the [[North Pole]], Katara was able to save Aang's life after he was mortally wounded from being struck by lightning,<ref name="CD" /> though he remained in a coma for a few weeks and required follow-up healing sessions to cope with the pain and be restored to full health.<ref name="A">{{Cite episode|1|301}}</ref>
Physically, healing draws on the restorative properties of water in organisms that are primarily composed of it, such as human beings. Though unusually strong and powerful, waterbending-induced healing cannot heal every ailment, for example, [[Jet]]'s internal wounds<ref name="LL">{{Cite episode|1|217}}</ref> or the complications associated with [[Tribal Princess|Princess]] [[Yue]]'s birth.<ref name="SN2">{{Cite episode|1|120}}</ref> It has been demonstrated that healing is ineffective on a person who has had their chi flow [[Chi blocking|blocked]] or otherwise disrupted; Katara was unable to help a [[Terra Team]] member who had been a victim of [[Ty Lee]]'s chi blocking skills,<ref name="TDR">{{Cite episode|1|213}}</ref> and not even the best healers could restore bending lost through advanced bloodbending, as demonstrated by failed attempts by Republic City's best healers to restore Tahno's,<ref name="TA" /> and Katara's to restore Korra's.<ref name="E" />
 
   
 
Though effective in many cases, healing cannot cure every ailment, as it was unable to heal Jet's internal wounds inflicted by Long Feng,<ref name="LL">{{Cite episode|1|217}}</ref> or the complications associated with [[Tribal Princess|Princess]] [[Yue]]'s birth.<ref name="SN2">{{Cite episode|1|120}}</ref> It has also been demonstrated that healing is ineffective on a person who has had their chi flow [[Chi blocking|blocked]] or otherwise disrupted; Katara was unable to help a [[Terra Team]] member who had been a victim of [[Ty Lee]]'s chi blocking skills,<ref name="TDR">{{Cite episode|1|213}}</ref> and not even the best healers could restore bending lost through advanced [[bloodbending]], as demonstrated by failed attempts by Republic City's best healers to restore Tahno's,<ref name="TA" /> and Katara's to restore Korra's.<ref name="E" />
Waterbending-induced healing is known to work on physical injuries, such as burns,<ref name="D" /><ref name="WAT">{{Cite episode|1|312}}</ref> lacerations,<ref name="DBS1">{{Cite episode|1|310}}</ref> broken bones, diseases brought on by severe pollution,<ref name="PL">{{Cite episode|1|303}}</ref> and severe tissue damage caused by [[Lightning generation|lightning bolts]].<ref name="CD">{{Cite episode|1|220}}</ref><ref name="SC4">{{Cite episode|1|321}}</ref> It is even able to cure mental distress and tampering.<ref name="LL" /> The healing abilities of a waterbender appear to be influenced by the water they use: when using [[spirit water]] from the [[Spirit Oasis]] in the North Pole, Katara was able to save Aang's life after he was mortally wounded from being struck by lightning,<ref name="CD" /> though he remained in a coma for a few weeks and required follow-up healing sessions to cope with the pain and be restored to full health.<ref name="A">{{Cite episode|1|301}}</ref>
 
   
 
== Spiritbending ==
 
== Spiritbending ==
[[File:Purifying dark bat spirits.png|thumb|right|200px|[[Korra]] used a variation of healing infused with spiritual knowledge to pacify a colony of [[Dark spirits|dark bat spirits]].]]
+
[[File:Purifying dark bat spirits.png|thumb|left|200px|[[Korra]] used a variation of healing infused with [[Spiritual beliefs in the World of Avatar|spiritual]] knowledge to pacify a colony of [[Dark spirits|dark bat spirits]].]]
   
[[Unalaq]] developed a unique skill, known as spiritbending,<ref name="KAAS2">''[[The Legend of Korra—The Art of the Animated Series, Book Two: Spirits]]'', page 27.</ref> that utilizes knowledge in both healing and spirituality to alter and affect spiritual energy within spirits.
+
[[Unalaq]] developed a unique skill known as spiritbending,<ref name="KAAS2">''[[The Legend of Korra—The Art of the Animated Series, Book Two: Spirits]]'', page 27.</ref> which utilizes knowledge of both healing and spirituality to alter and affect the energy within [[Spirit World#Known spirits|spirits]].
   
In one aspect, the technique involves changing a spirit's negative energy into positive energy, restoring its internal balance in the process.<ref name="MTV">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/videos/interview/941141/sdcc-2013-legend-of-korra-team-talks-season-2.jhtml |title=SDCC 2013: Legend Of Korra Team Talks Season 2 |accessdate=2013-09-15 |date= July 29, 2013 |publisher= MTV}}</ref> It is performed by encircling a spirit in water and is completed when the spirit begins to glow bright yellow, at which point the spirit dissipates or assumes a pacified form. Although the technique has been used extensively to calm single spirits, it can also be used to calm several spirits simultaneously, as both Unalaq and Korra have demonstrated.<ref name="SL">{{Cite episode|2|202}}</ref><ref name="TG">{{Cite episode|2|209}}</ref>
+
In most cases, this technique involves using healing to change a spirit's negative energy into positive energy, restoring its internal balance in the process.<ref name="MTV">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/videos/interview/941141/sdcc-2013-legend-of-korra-team-talks-season-2.jhtml |title=SDCC 2013: Legend Of Korra Team Talks Season 2 |accessdate=2013-09-15 |date= July 29, 2013 |publisher= MTV}}</ref> It is performed by encircling a spirit in water and is completed when the spirit begins to glow bright yellow, at which point the spirit dissipates or assumes a pacified form. Although the technique has been used extensively to calm single spirits,<ref name="RS">{{Cite episode|2|201}}</ref> it can also be used to calm several spirits simultaneously, as both Unalaq and Korra have demonstrated.<ref name="SL">{{Cite episode|2|202}}</ref><ref name="TG">{{Cite episode|2|209}}</ref> However, this technique does not work on [[Spirit Wilds|spirit vines]], and Korra's attempts to remove the vines invading Republic City caused them to re-surge even stronger than before.<ref name="BFA">{{Cite episode|2|301}}</ref>
   
[[File:Unalaq attempts to destroy Korra's spirit.png|thumb|left|200px|[[Unalaq]] almost succeeded in destroying [[Korra]]'s soul.]]
+
[[File:Unalaq attempts to destroy Korra's spirit.png|thumb|right|200px|[[Unalaq]] almost succeeded in destroying [[Korra]]'s soul.]]
   
In another variation, the conversion process can be used to promote imbalance, by changing a spirit's positive energy into negative energy. The mechanics of the technique remain the same, although the spirit is covered by purple light instead of gold. Unalaq claims that this variation has the potential to destroy a human's soul.<ref name="NSA">{{Cite episode|2|210}}</ref>{{clear}}
+
In another variation, the conversion process can be used to promote imbalance, by changing a spirit's positive energy into negative energy. The mechanics of the technique remain the same, although the spirit is covered by purple light instead of gold. Unalaq claimed that this variation has the potential to destroy a human's soul.<ref name="NSA">{{Cite episode|2|210}}</ref>
   
 
== Known practitioners ==
 
== Known practitioners ==
Line 55: Line 63:
 
{{Imagelink}}
 
{{Imagelink}}
   
* By 100 AG, all known healers were female due to the dissipation of the Southern Water Tribe waterbenders and the tradition of the Northern Water Tribe to restrict female benders to hone the vitakinetic sub-skill of waterbending. Males began to practice the art after the end of the [[Hundred Year War]], however, as male healers were present in both Republic City and the Northern Water Tribe.
+
* By 100 AG, all known healers were female due to the dissipation of the [[Southern Water Tribe]] waterbenders and the tradition of the Northern Water Tribe that restricted female benders to learning healing practices only. Males began to practice the art after the end of the [[Hundred Year War]], however, as male healers were present in both Republic City and the Northern Water Tribe.
 
* A technique similar to healing was used by an elderly [[shaman]] in 171 AG and involved the use of firebending to sense chi paths and detect spiritual energy within an individual. In contrast to the waterbending form of healing, this technique does not revitalize any cells to accelerate healing.<ref name="B1">{{Cite episode|2|207}}</ref>
 
* A technique similar to healing was used by an elderly [[shaman]] in 171 AG and involved the use of firebending to sense chi paths and detect spiritual energy within an individual. In contrast to the waterbending form of healing, this technique does not revitalize any cells to accelerate healing.<ref name="B1">{{Cite episode|2|207}}</ref>
 
* Korra is the only person known to have used both the regular and spiritual forms of healing. She is also the only known Avatar to have been trained in healing.
 
* Korra is the only person known to have used both the regular and spiritual forms of healing. She is also the only known Avatar to have been trained in healing.
 
* Healing was inspired by [[Wikipedia:Reiki|Reiki]],<ref name="BrykeQ/A">[[Bryan Konietzko|Konietzko, Bryan]] (October 23, 2014). [[Thread:1282421#550|Legend of Korra Live Community Q&A: Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko]]. [[Avatar Wiki: About|''Avatar Wiki'']]. Retrieved on October 23, 2014.</ref> a spiritual practice commonly known as palm- or hands-on-healing.
 
* Healing was inspired by [[Wikipedia:Reiki|Reiki]],<ref name="BrykeQ/A">[[Bryan Konietzko|Konietzko, Bryan]] (October 23, 2014). [[Thread:1282421#550|Legend of Korra Live Community Q&A: Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko]]. [[Avatar Wiki: About|''Avatar Wiki'']]. Retrieved on October 23, 2014.</ref> a spiritual practice commonly known as palm- or hands-on-healing.
  +
* The use of healing to treat mental strain or psychological trauma is similar to a form of therapy known as [[Wikipedia:Transcranial magnetic stimulation|Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)]], in which electromagnetic pulses are used to stimulate the development of new neural pathways to alleviate the symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
* Healing was the first specialized bending technique used in the franchise.
 
   
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
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[[pt-br:Cura]]
 
[[pt-br:Cura]]
 
[[ru:Исцеление]]
 
[[ru:Исцеление]]
  +
[[vi:Trị liệu]]
 
[[Category:A to Z]]
 
[[Category:A to Z]]
 
[[Category:Specialized bending techniques]]
 
[[Category:Specialized bending techniques]]

Revision as of 21:28, 7 August 2019

This page is move protected.
Healing

Yugoda demonstrated the waterbending art of healing on a life-sized mannequin.

Healing is a sub-skill of waterbending that allows the bender to heal wounds; by using water as a catalyst, they can redirect energy paths around the body, concentrating more energy into a wounded area and allowing that area to heal at an accelerated rate. While this technique is effective on external, physical wounds, its ability to repair internal injuries and cure illnesses is more limited. The skill level of the healer,[1] as well as the quality of the water used, also plays a role in its effectiveness. On rare occasions, waterbenders may instinctively be able to use this technique without any formal training.[2]

Due to the traditionally patriarchal culture of the Northern Water Tribe, this ability was for a long time the only aspect of waterbending taught to female benders.[3]

History

Katara heals her hands

Katara inadvertently discovered her healing abilities after Aang accidentally burned her hands.

After Avatar Aang ignored Jeong Jeong's warnings about using firebending without proper training, he accidentally burned Katara due to a lack of control over his flames. Seeking to soothe the pain, Katara submerged her hands in a creek, only to see the water around her hands glow silvery-blue and heal her; Jeong Jeong subsequently explained to Katara the healing abilities sometimes possessed by waterbenders. Having accidentally discovered this new ability, Katara used it again later that day to heal a burn on Aang's forearm, after his fight with Admiral Zhao.[2]

Katara continued to use her abilities on a number of occasions during Team Avatar's travels: among other instances, she restored Jet's memories after he had been brainwashed by the Dai Li;[4] she treated Hakoda's wounds during the invasion of the Fire Nation;[5] and she healed Toph's feet after they were accidentally burned by Zuko.[6]

After the Hundred Year War, Katara continued to hone her skills and eventually became regarded as the greatest master healer in the world.[7] She passed on these skills to her daughter, Kya, who became a renowned healer of her own accord during her travels around the world.[8] By 170 AG, male healers had become more common as well.[9]

Korra healing Bolin

Korra healed Bolin after his shoulder had been injured during a pro-bending match.

As Korra's waterbending teacher, Katara also passed the art of healing onto Korra, and she used it to heal Bolin's shoulder after it was injured in the third round of the Fire Ferrets' semifinal match in the Pro-bending Tournament.[10] She used the technique once more when she healed General Iroh's injury he sustained during the Equalists' attack on Republic City.[11] When Korra had her bending severed by Amon, she sought out Katara in order to be healed by her, but even she was unable to restore the Avatar's bending.[7]

Healers are quite prominent in Republic City, and the best of them were visited by Tahno after his bending was taken from him by Amon.[12] After Tarrlok fabricated evidence of a fight with the Equalists in City Hall, a healer was brought in to treat his arm, which he had used an electrified glove on to strengthen his alibi.[9]

Kya heals Jinora

Kya kept Jinora's energy flowing in her body after her soul became trapped in the Spirit World.

Following the Anti-bending Revolution, Kya used her ability to heal Bumi's head injury without the water making contact with him.[13] Later on, when Jinora's soul became trapped in the Spirit World, Kya tried to keep her physical body alive by maintaining its flow of energy. However, after a week of sessions, she felt Jinora slipping away and turned to Katara's greater expertise in the art to keep the young airbender alive,[14] until Jinora's spirit finally returned to her body. Meanwhile, Kya used the water found in the Spirit World to heal the unconscious Korra, Mako, and Bolin simultaneously.[15]

While Korra was still recuperating mentally and physically from her mercury poisoning during the final stage of the insurrection of the Red Lotus, she visited Katara, who used her superior healing prowess to sense the grave internal damage the Avatar had suffered. Despite being a healing master, Katara could not relieve the Avatar's suffering, only help guide Korra through the recovery process.[16]

In 174 AG, after sustaining injuries in an earthbending-cage fight, Korra healed her injured elbow herself by drawing normal water from the sink in a public bathroom.[16] Following Kuvira's invasion of the United Republic of Nations, a number of healers helped the numerous homeless evacuees by manning a medic tent.[17]

Limits

Katara revives Aang

Katara healed Aang with spirit water.

Physically, healing draws on the restorative properties of water when applied to organisms that are primarily composed of it, such as human beings. The technique is known to work on physical injuries, such as burns,[2][6] lacerations,[5] broken bones, diseases brought on by severe pollution,[18] and severe tissue damage caused by lightning bolts.[19][20] It is also able to cure mental distress and tampering.[4]

The effectiveness of healing appears to be influenced by the water used by the bender: when using spirit water from the Spirit Oasis in the North Pole, Katara was able to save Aang's life after he was mortally wounded from being struck by lightning,[19] though he remained in a coma for a few weeks and required follow-up healing sessions to cope with the pain and be restored to full health.[21]

Though effective in many cases, healing cannot cure every ailment, as it was unable to heal Jet's internal wounds inflicted by Long Feng,[4] or the complications associated with Princess Yue's birth.[22] It has also been demonstrated that healing is ineffective on a person who has had their chi flow blocked or otherwise disrupted; Katara was unable to help a Terra Team member who had been a victim of Ty Lee's chi blocking skills,[23] and not even the best healers could restore bending lost through advanced bloodbending, as demonstrated by failed attempts by Republic City's best healers to restore Tahno's,[12] and Katara's to restore Korra's.[7]

Spiritbending

Purifying dark bat spirits

Korra used a variation of healing infused with spiritual knowledge to pacify a colony of dark bat spirits.

Unalaq developed a unique skill known as spiritbending,[24] which utilizes knowledge of both healing and spirituality to alter and affect the energy within spirits.

In most cases, this technique involves using healing to change a spirit's negative energy into positive energy, restoring its internal balance in the process.[25] It is performed by encircling a spirit in water and is completed when the spirit begins to glow bright yellow, at which point the spirit dissipates or assumes a pacified form. Although the technique has been used extensively to calm single spirits,[26] it can also be used to calm several spirits simultaneously, as both Unalaq and Korra have demonstrated.[27][28] However, this technique does not work on spirit vines, and Korra's attempts to remove the vines invading Republic City caused them to re-surge even stronger than before.[29]

Unalaq attempts to destroy Korra's spirit

Unalaq almost succeeded in destroying Korra's soul.

In another variation, the conversion process can be used to promote imbalance, by changing a spirit's positive energy into negative energy. The mechanics of the technique remain the same, although the spirit is covered by purple light instead of gold. Unalaq claimed that this variation has the potential to destroy a human's soul.[30]

Known practitioners

H indicates known ability to use regular healing.
S indicates known ability to use spiritbending.

Trivia

  • By 100 AG, all known healers were female due to the dissipation of the Southern Water Tribe waterbenders and the tradition of the Northern Water Tribe that restricted female benders to learning healing practices only. Males began to practice the art after the end of the Hundred Year War, however, as male healers were present in both Republic City and the Northern Water Tribe.
  • A technique similar to healing was used by an elderly shaman in 171 AG and involved the use of firebending to sense chi paths and detect spiritual energy within an individual. In contrast to the waterbending form of healing, this technique does not revitalize any cells to accelerate healing.[31]
  • Korra is the only person known to have used both the regular and spiritual forms of healing. She is also the only known Avatar to have been trained in healing.
  • Healing was inspired by Reiki,[32] a spiritual practice commonly known as palm- or hands-on-healing.
  • The use of healing to treat mental strain or psychological trauma is similar to a form of therapy known as Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), in which electromagnetic pulses are used to stimulate the development of new neural pathways to alleviate the symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.

References

  1. Throughout Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Hedrick, Tim (writer) & MacMullan, Lauren (director). (October 21, 2005). "The Deserter". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 16. Nickelodeon.
  3. DiMartino, Michael Dante (writer) & Volpe, Giancarlo (director). (November 18, 2005). "The Waterbending Master". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 18. Nickelodeon.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Hedrick, Tim (writer) & MacMullan, Lauren (director). (November 6, 2006). "Lake Laogai". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 17. Nickelodeon.
  5. 5.0 5.1 DiMartino, Michael Dante (writer) & Volpe, Giancarlo (director). (November 30, 2007). "The Day of Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 10. Nickelodeon.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Ehasz, Elizabeth Welch, Hedrick, Tim (writers) & Spaulding, Ethan (director). (July 14, 2008). "The Western Air Temple". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 12. Nickelodeon.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 DiMartino, Michael Dante, Konietzko, Bryan (writers) & Dos Santos, Joaquim, Ryu, Ki Hyun (directors). (June 23, 2012). "Endgame". The Legend of Korra. Book One: Air. Episode 12. Nickelodeon.
  8. Legend of Korra - mobile trivia game (September 10, 2013). Retrieved on September 10, 2013.
  9. 9.0 9.1 DiMartino, Michael Dante, Konietzko, Bryan (writers) & Dos Santos, Joaquim, Ryu, Ki Hyun (directors). (June 9, 2012). "Out of the Past". The Legend of Korra. Book One: Air. Episode 9. Nickelodeon.
  10. DiMartino, Michael Dante, Konietzko, Bryan (writers) & Dos Santos, Joaquim, Ryu, Ki Hyun (directors). (May 5, 2012). "The Spirit of Competition". The Legend of Korra. Book One: Air. Episode 5. Nickelodeon.
  11. DiMartino, Michael Dante, Konietzko, Bryan (writers) & Dos Santos, Joaquim, Ryu, Ki Hyun (directors). (June 23, 2012). "Skeletons in the Closet". The Legend of Korra. Book One: Air. Episode 11. Nickelodeon.
  12. 12.0 12.1 DiMartino, Michael Dante, Konietzko, Bryan (writers) & Dos Santos, Joaquim, Ryu, Ki Hyun (directors). (May 19, 2012). "The Aftermath". The Legend of Korra. Book One: Air. Episode 7. Nickelodeon.
  13. DiMartino, Michael Dante (writer) & Heck, Colin (director). (September 20, 2013). "Civil Wars, Part 1". The Legend of Korra. Book Two: Spirits. Episode 3. Nickelodeon.
  14. Hedrick, Tim (writer) & Graham, Ian (director). (November 15, 2013). "Harmonic Convergence". The Legend of Korra. Book Two: Spirits. Episode 12. Nickelodeon.
  15. DiMartino, Michael Dante (writer) & Graham, Ian (director). (November 22, 2013). "Light in the Dark". The Legend of Korra. Book Two: Spirits. Episode 14. Nickelodeon.
  16. 16.0 16.1 DiMartino, Michael Dante (writer) & Graham, Ian (director). (October 10, 2014). "Korra Alone". The Legend of Korra. Book Four: Balance. Episode 2. Nick.com.
  17. DiMartino, Michael Dante (writer), Koh, Irene (artist), Piekos, Nate; Blambot (letterer), Campbell, Heather; Bak, Jane (cover), Ng, Killian (colorist). Turf Wars Part One (July 26, 2016), Dark Horse Comics.
  18. Hamilton, Joshua (writer) & Spaulding, Ethan (director). (October 5, 2007). "The Painted Lady". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 3. Nickelodeon.
  19. 19.0 19.1 Ehasz, Aaron (writer) & DiMartino, Michael Dante (director). (December 1, 2006). "The Crossroads of Destiny". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 20. Nickelodeon.
  20. DiMartino, Michael Dante, Konietzko, Bryan (writers) & Dos Santos, Joaquim (director). (July 19, 2008). "Sozin's Comet, Part 4: Avatar Aang". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 21. Nickelodeon.
  21. Ehasz, Aaron (writer) & Volpe, Giancarlo (director). (September 21, 2007). "The Awakening". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 1. Nickelodeon.
  22. Ehasz, Aaron (writer) & Filoni, Dave (director). (December 2, 2005). "The Siege of the North, Part 2". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 1. Episode 20. Nickelodeon.
  23. DiMartino, Michael Dante, Konietzko, Bryan (writers) & Volpe, Giancarlo (director). (September 15, 2006). "The Drill". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 2. Episode 13. Nickelodeon.
  24. The Legend of Korra—The Art of the Animated Series, Book Two: Spirits, page 27.
  25. SDCC 2013: Legend Of Korra Team Talks Season 2. MTV (July 29, 2013). Retrieved on September 15, 2013.
  26. Hedrick, Tim (writer) & Heck, Colin (director). (September 13, 2013). "Rebel Spirit". The Legend of Korra. Book Two: Spirits. Episode 1. Nickelodeon.
  27. Hamilton, Joshua (writer) & Graham, Ian (director). (September 13, 2013). "The Southern Lights". The Legend of Korra. Book Two: Spirits. Episode 2. Nickelodeon.
  28. Hamilton, Joshua (writer) & Heck, Colin (director). (November 1, 2013). "The Guide". The Legend of Korra. Book Two: Spirits. Episode 9. Nickelodeon.
  29. Hedrick, Tim, Hamilton, Joshua (writers) & Heck, Colin, Zwyer, Melchior (directors). (June 27, 2014). "A Breath of Fresh Air". The Legend of Korra. Book Three: Change. Episode 1. Nickelodeon.
  30. Hedrick, Tim (writer) & Graham, Ian (director). (November 8, 2013). "A New Spiritual Age". The Legend of Korra. Book Two: Spirits. Episode 10. Nickelodeon.
  31. DiMartino, Michael Dante (writer) & Heck, Colin (director). (October 18, 2013). "Beginnings, Part 1". The Legend of Korra. Book Two: Spirits. Episode 7. Nickelodeon.
  32. Konietzko, Bryan (October 23, 2014). Legend of Korra Live Community Q&A: Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. Avatar Wiki. Retrieved on October 23, 2014.

See also

no:Helbreding