5 Ancient Healing Practices Making a Comeback

Modern medicine has come a long way, but some of the oldest healing techniques are proving they still have a place in today’s world. You may ask why are these age-old practices making a resurgence? The answer is simple: It’s because they work. 

Science is catching up to what our ancestors already knew — natural healing methods offer powerful, effective, and complementary therapies to modern medicine, according to the Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Explore the ancient healing practices reclaiming their rightful place in people’s wellness routines today.

Herbalism

Before pharmacies and drug stores, the ancients turned to Mother Earth for healing. The leaves, flowers, roots, and bark of plants contain rich healing properties, and many of them are used in modern medicine today. 

According to Healthline, ancient herbal remedies can have powerful healing effects. Like echinacea, a flowering plant used by Indigenous Americans for thousands of years said to prevent cold symptoms. Or, Ginkgo biloba, one of the oldest tree species used in ancient Chinese medicine that could support heart and brain health. So, when it comes to feeling your best, turn to the earth; many medical plants and herbs offer hidden healing benefits known for centuries, if you do a little research.

Cupping

Cupping therapy involves using suction on the skin to increase blood flow. People in China and West Asia have practiced this ancient therapy for thousands of years, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Today, you can find cupping therapy available in spas and traditional clinics around the world. Cups, often made of glass or plastic, draw blood from specific areas in your body. Many believe that this type of healing practice can help with aches and pains in the targeted area. 

Bathhouses

When it comes to healing practices, you can’t get much more ancient than bathhouses. According to Babbel, one of the earliest bathhouses dates back to 2500 BCE in the Indus Valley. From ancient Rome to Japan, cultures across the world have visited bath complexes complete with relaxation rooms, saunas, and pools of different temperatures. They even have rooms to socialize, relax, and drink tea.

Today, many cultures continue to visit public bathhouses, particularly in places like Japan, South Korea, and Russia. And, you don’t have to go to a public bathhouse like they did back in the Roman days. Transform your next bath into an at-home healing treatment. Candles, bubble bath, and epsom salts can turn a simple bath into luxurious relaxation.

Massage Therapy

You’ve likely had a massage or two in your life. Or, perhaps you treat yourself to this healing practice often. What you might not realize is that this popular form of relaxation dates back thousands of years. According to a blog on the Natural Healers website, evidence of using touch as a healing method started in approximately 3,000 BCE, or possibly earlier! 

Ayurvedic texts from ancient India in 1500 and 500 BCE mention massage therapy, and the ancient Egyptians and Chinese started practicing massage between 3000 and 2500 BCE. Today, many styles of massage exist, like Swedish, hot stone, and deep tissue. So, why not get a little inspiration from the ancients and treat yourself to one?

Meditation

Today, meditation has become a major trend, and devoted apps, centers, and festivals have become extremely popular in the last few decades. As Positive Psychology points out, meditation has been around for much longer than that. Some believe that the ancients practiced meditation around the campfire between 200,000 and 150,000 years ago! 

The earliest written records of meditation come from the Hindu Vedas around 1500 BCE. These practices come in many forms, from mindful breathing exercises to active meditation, like yoga or tai chi. Experiment with different styles to find what resonates with you. You’ll benefit from a calmer mind, better focus, and less stress — and who doesn’t need a bit of that?