Ancient Herbs and Remedies Part 6: Traditions and Cultures, how we integrate them all!
After having a walk through history, and across various paths, you find that there are so many correlations between treatment methods and applications of the natural plants, herbs, roots, and trees. It’s time to shine some light on what might be obvious, but seriously under-appreciated: traditions and cultures! Spirituality, family traditions passed through generations, cultural expectations…you might have one, or you might have them all, but the point is that one way or another you’ve been shaped by a knowledge that was passed down to you. As we grow and gain more experience, we start to apply new knowledge and pick and choose what we want to keep or let go of, temporarily or permanently. Just as the ancient cultures that came before us recognized, the outside world and the environment that we find ourselves in has a serious impact on our health and wellbeing. We’ve adapted throughout hundreds of years, evolving our agriculture as the population grew, and learning how to make do with what was available.
The rich cultures of homeopathic healing can be seen in every culture and country, what you may call a secret family recipe for chicken soup is actually a healing and revitalizing natural remedy to encourage healing! Family traditions are passed down through stories, superstitions, recipes, and treatments that only a grandmother would know: like when you burn your finger on the stove or anywhere else, put it to your earlobe right away as the soft tissue quickly absorbs the heat…I can’t tell you why, but it works for me! These secret healing techniques accumulated over time and will continue to do so, as we spread through our society we pass them along as we choose, not just to family but also friends and acquaintances. Finding that when you do so, you’ll likely learn something new in return!
Spirituality also has an impact on our health. There are commonalities but those that relate to wellness compromise of:
Fasting
Restricting Specific Food
Not combining specific foods together
Community-Social Connection
Fasting and restricted eating are seen in nearly every spiritual following, in several forms. While the spiritual meaning may differ, the idea of fasting to cleanse the body and help promote cell regeneration is one that is being implemented today, known as Intermittent Fasting. Spirituality also tends to promote a sense of community and social connection, people gathering to support and uplift one another tends to have a positive effect on the mind which has a linear connection to our body.
Our cultural expectations are formed early on and can vastly evolve as we have new experiences and within each culture, we can literally find a version of “chicken soup”, we just might not know what to call it, or what it looks like. It’s there in the cup of tea you reach for, or the nostalgic dinner you want to recreate, you reached for something that uplifted your mood and in turn promoted your healing.
It’s safe to assume that we are being shaped every day and continuously adding and amplifying our traditions and cultures, choosing to incorporate what serves you is a decision in your control! There are various treatment therapies that are being used across so many cultures, and you may recognize some:
Steam Rooms and Saunas
Cold Exposure and Ice Baths
Whole body Scrubbing
Lymphatic Draining Massage
Massage Therapy
Movement
Mud Baths
Mineral Water Soaking
Himalayan Salt Room Exposure
Meditation
And so many more!
In any place, you’ll find a culture’s version of a spa, and they mostly offer variations of these types of treatments, all of which help promote healing and maintain wellness. Hot and cold exposure therapy has been shown to help support a healthy immune system, promoting healthy cell regeneration. Mineral waters, salt rooms, or immersing yourself in mud exposes the body to natural minerals and elements which are readily absorbed as the sweat releases the toxins and impurities.
Never discount how much you can personally add to how our society shapes and views health and wellness, discover more, and stay curious!