The history of wellness today has been greatly influenced by ancient healing traditions, which are holistic practices that have been passed down through the generations and are based on the profound connection between the body, mind, and spirit.
In the modern world, some ancient practices continue to be observed. Some are hidden in the scriptures of China, while others are being shared on a reel on your feed about India’s Ayurvedic history. Since there is a lot of confusion and a decentralised form of information about this topic, we’re here to sort it out.
Origins of The Ancient Medicine
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Ayurveda:
Through specialised diets, herbal remedies, breathing techniques, exercise, and meditation, Ayurveda, which has its roots in India and dates back more than 5,000 years, promotes balance between the body, mind, and spirit.
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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
With 5,000-year-old roots, TCM uses acupuncture, herbal medicine, tai chi, and qigong to balance body systems and emphasises the balance of qi (vital energy), yin, and yang.
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Shamanism: Shamans treat physical, emotional, and spiritual imbalances through rituals and spiritual journeying, utilising nature and energies. Shamanism is practiced all over the world.
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Egyptian Medicine: As early as 1600 BC, the ancient Egyptians recorded complex prescriptions on papyrus, combining surgery, spells, and practical remedies.
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Native Americans: They used to rely on Herbs, sweat lodges, purification rites, and advice from medicine men and women.
As times got modern, technology upgraded, humans evolved and got to know how to upskill themselves, we haven’t left one scripture alone about medicine. As you read this, 5 to 6 database papers are being updated about medicine. (This is not a globally recognised counter; it is an approximation)
Significance of Spiritual Healings
A deeper sense of meaning, purpose, and connection is fostered by spiritual well-being, which frequently transcends religious lines to include a deep relationship with oneself, other people, nature, or a higher power.
Rituals that are regularly followed are crucial in promoting this state because they provide opportunities for introspection, thankfulness, and inner equilibrium. Among these, using holy items such as rudraksha malas, which are beaded garlands customarily used in Buddhist and Hindu meditation techniques, aids in mental concentration and enhances spiritual experience.
Grounding rituals include meditation with rudraksha mala, mantra chanting, daily prayers, spending time in nature, and taking part in ceremonial or community gatherings. These practices support spiritual health and harmony by bringing one's intentions into alignment with fundamental values and divine principles.
Ancient Knowledge Of Modern-Day Wellness
All over the modern world, remnants of these old customs can be found:
Yoga classes and meditation apps in particular seek inspiration from Buddhist and Vedic traditions.
Herbal supplements, teas and tonics are rooted in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
Saunas and hydrotherapy Spa culture is deeply influenced by Roman and Greek wellness practices, from the practice of using baths as social spaces for rest and relaxation to the precedent set by hydrotherapy itself.
Mindfulness is now recommended by psychologists for mental health, despite being a traditionally specialized spiritual practice.
From drinking water in a copper bottle to meditating with beads, the ancient wisdom has been repackaged and integrated into our modern lifestyles down to even the smallest detail.
Healing Methods and Daily Rituals
- This ancient wellness has boiled down to basic rituals, that were established across the world.
- Herbal Remedies Herbs were the pedestrian healers of tamizh / Ayurveda and TCM, ginseng to turmeric and ginger.
- Aromatic Therapies:Olives and olive oil were used by Roman and Egyptian cultures for therapy, cleansing and skin care.
- Bathing HabitsRoman baths were once places of cleanliness and social wellness. Something like this can also be said of onsen (hot springs) in Japan, which are used for relaxation and healing.
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Spiritual Tools: Symbolic items were also used in healing. For instance, spiritual seekers used Rudraksha malas to focus during meditation, and Ayurvedic tradition recommended drinking water from a copper water bottle to improve immunity and digestion. These were useful tools for everyday well-being, not luxury items.
Closing note
It is clear from historical healing practices that wellness has always involved balance, prevention, and harmony with nature in addition to the treatment of disease. Practices that combined physical health with spiritual and emotional well-being were developed by civilisations ranging from Egypt to India. Many of these customs are still practiced today through mindful rituals, yoga, meditation, and herbal remedies.
We can connect to this timeless wisdom through even simple practices, such as drinking herbal tea, using beads for meditation, or taking some time to breathe deeply. Wellness is a way of life that has been practiced for thousands of years, not a passing trend. Adopting these lessons helps us build a more balanced, healthy future while also paying respect to the past.
