Heilung

Heilung is a German noun meaning healing or cure, derived from the verb heilen, to heal or restore health. In medical and everyday language, it denotes the process of recovering physical or mental well-being, and it can also be used in a broader sense of restoration or reconciliation. The term is commonly found in German-language texts about medicine, psychology, and spiritual traditions.

In popular culture, Heilung refers notably to a European musical project of the same name. Formed in the 2010s, it presents a collaborative, ritual-like performance practice that draws on ancient and medieval Europe, combining traditional instruments, chanted vocals, and field recordings to create immersive soundscapes.

Musically, Heilung emphasizes historical reconstruction and ceremonial aesthetics. Their performances often feature participants wearing robes, use of archaic languages or phonetic elements, and the use of period-inspired instruments such as frame drums and bone or woodwind instruments. The group's work has been described as part of the neofolk and dark ambient genres.

Reception and impact: Heilung has gained international attention through studio releases and live appearances at major European festivals. The project has been discussed in media for its distinctive approach to sound and performance; it has also faced criticism regarding cultural representation and appropriation of Norse and other historical motifs, which the group has addressed in interviews and statements about historical research and consent.