The Sustainable Healing Powers of Nature

In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in natural herbal cures and traditional medicine as an alternative to western pharmaceuticals. While modern medicine has achieved great advances, the use of natural treatments goes back thousands of years and is deeply ingrained in communities around the world. In this blog, we will look at the timeline of natural herbal remedies, its sustainability, and how it compares to western medications. 

Photo credits: https://www.thomsontcm.sg/articles/is-tcm-safe-understanding-traditional-chinese-medicine/

Traditional Chinese Medicine 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the world’s oldest and most complete natural medical systems. TCM which dates back over 2,000 years, is founded on the yin and yang principles, as well as the concept of qi, or universal energy. The initial publications on TCM, including herbal medicine and acupuncture, were preserved in classical Chinese books and developed over time.

The principles of TCM 

TCM is founded on the concept that sickness is caused by qi flow abnormalities that unbalanced the yin-yang harmony. TCM strives to restore balance and encourage the natural flow of qi through numerous treatment techniques, including:

• Acupuncture and acupressure, the simulation of certain places on the body to restore the flow of qi.
• Moxibustion, the practice of burning a plant near the skin to facilitate healing.
• Herbal medicine, the using of natural herbs and plants to treat a variety of health conditions.
• Nutrition, emphasising the role of diet in maintaining a good health and hormones.
• Chinese massage (Tui Na), manipulating the body’s energy systems to aid in healing.
• Exercise (Tai Chi and Qi Gong), combining movement and meditation to improve and maintain general well-being.

The Sustainability of TCM 

Chinese herbal therapy is based on a large range of herbs and plants, many of which are farmed organically and sustainably. TCM reduces environmental impact and supports a more natural and sustainable approach to healthcare by utilising natural plant-based therapies. Ginseng, ginger, licorice root, and goji berries are some examples of the most used herbs. However, this notion is only recommended for minor ailments, pain relief and preventative actions. 

Photo credits:https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-ayurveda

Ayurveda, Traditional Indian Healing.

Ayurveda, India’s traditional medicinal system, has ancient origins that go back thousands of years. The term “Ayurveda” is derived from the Sanskrit terms “ayur” (life) and “veda” (knowledge), indicating “the science of life”. Ayurveda is founded on the idea that health and wellness are dependent on the delicate balance of mind, body, and spirit. 

Principles of Ayurveda

 According to Ayurveda, each person is made up of a unique make-up of three doshas/ energies: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Imbalances in these doshas are thought to cause illness, and Ayurvedic remedies seek to restore the balance and promote an overall good health. Ayurvedic practices include the following:

• Herbal medicine, using natural herbs and plants to treat a variety of conditions.
• Dietary changes, stressing the significance of a good diet to maintain a good health.
• Yoga and meditation, encouraging physical and mental health through the movement of the body and mindfulness of the soul.
• Massage and bodywork, using the body’s energy systems to facilitate healing.
• Detoxification, the removal of harmful toxins from the body by a variety of cleansing techniques, usually using herbal teas

The Sustainability of Ayurveda 

Ayurvedic medicine is based on the diverse range of herbs and plants that are naturally and organically grown natively to India. Ayurveda emphasises environmental sustainability by employing plant-based therapies rather than manufactured medications. Turmeric, Neem, Ashwagandha, and holy basil are some of the most often used herbs in traditional Indian medicine. 

Comparison of Western Pharmaceuticals

 In addition to being more environmentally friendly, natural herbal treatment has other advantages over western pharmaceuticals. Herbal medicines frequently address the underlying cause of sickness rather than simply treating the symptoms, resulting in more comprehensive and long-term healing. Furthermore, herbal and natural medicine is typically kinder to the body and less prone to induce negative effects than manufactured medicine.Additionally, the development of western medications frequently results in significant amounts of carbo emissions and environmental damage. Western pharmaceuticals manufacturing consumes approximately 3% of total petroleum production. The pharmaceutical sector leaves a huge environmental impact, from the synthetic chemical synthesis to pharmaceutical drug packaging and delivery. Herbal medicine, on the other hand, is based on natural substances that are gown and harvested sustainable, reducing environmental impact. 

Finally, traditional cultural medicine, which includes Traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and indigenous community healing methods, provides effective and long-term answers to health and well-being issues. By harnessing nature’s natural healing power and relying on natural herbal cures, these ancient techniques not only provide effective therapies but also teach us the value of living with nature and embracing generational knowledge. Since interest in natural and holistic care grows, herbal medicine’s sustainability becomes increasingly significant, since it provides a more natural alternative to western medicine. Whether it is ginseng and ginger or turmeric and ginger, the healing traditional herbs have endured the test of time and continue to provide a powerful insight into cultural methods.