健康與永續生存的方法，亙古通今是人類研究的議題，從各式樣的古法來看，古人們研究大自然法則，認為保持健康意味著與地球密切聯繫，他們以崇敬的心，讓身體與自然相通，與環境和諧相處。生活在都市的人們有多久沒有接觸自然？
我們 90% 的時間都待在鋼筋水泥的室內，似乎已經與自然脫節，也遠離了古人的傳統療法。但有趣的是，在醫學的突飛發展之下，古老的健康療法正逐步被驗證中。今天，我們就用在現今仍適用的傳統療法來滋養身心與靈魂吧！
“隨大環境的波動，讓身心調理成為不退燒的熱題！現代醫學幫助我們更科學、有系統地延長收壽命，然而，在提高生活質量的同時，我們也能發現傳統療法仍能與現代生活相結合，更溫和而平穩的保持身心靈的健康。”
① Earthing 接地運動：
今天開始，做一個接地氣的人吧！
原始古人在地面睡眠、赤腳行走、用雙手耕耘，他們的身體大面積的與地面接觸，吸收來自地面的能量，與待在室內，平躺於床上的我們大相徑庭。
聽起來有點荒繆，但是在《環境與公共衛生雜誌》上發表的研究指出，當皮膚與地球接觸時，身體會吸收來自地球的自由電子，又稱離域電子，它們可以作為抗氧化劑，並可能有助於中和會導致發炎和疾病的過量自由基，還可以幫助減少慢性疼痛，並改善睡眠。
什麼是接地運動？就是讓身體與地面接觸，我們可以通過赤腳行走於草地、泥土、岩石來練習。從明天開始，規劃一段時間來試驗看看吧！
② Forest Bathing 森林浴：
深深呼吸，感受大自然的洗禮。
根據文獻，日本在 20 世紀 80 年代展開森林浴療法（ Shinrin-yoku）。而其實世界各地的祖先們早已就知道在森林中過日子的好處。森林浴是在森林樹木間行走，透過吸收森林中空氣間的分子，以獲得平靜、恢復活力和恢復性的好處。
我們都知道吸收森林芬多精讓人神清氣爽，而且這已經科學化，研究人員已經發現，森林浴真的對健康有好處，如提高免疫系統，改善心臟健康，減少焦慮和抑鬱症等。不仿開始計劃今年的年度旅遊吧！就從森林浴開始！
③ Public Athhouses 公共澡堂 ：
自內而外，活絡身心！
我們可能會與朋友在餐酒館或商街度過週末，但在古代文明中，大家都會在公共澡堂聚會、談天和放鬆。公共澡堂在奧斯曼帝國、希臘帝國、羅馬帝國及日本、印度尼西亞、中東和南亞都廣泛流傳，直至今日，我們仍可以在歐洲及亞洲多處發現公共浴場的蹤跡。
在台灣就是大家都熱愛的天然溫泉，結合了桑拿、蒸汽室、按摩和放鬆療法，除了超級放鬆外，還對有益於健康。研究發現，桑拿浴可以減少血管疾病的風險，如高血壓和心血管疾病，神經認知疾病，肺部疾病和精神健康障礙，還能治療皮膚病、關節炎、頭痛和流感。
而且公共澡堂，還提供了一個很好的社交機會，這是心理健康的一個重要組成部分呢！
④ Reflexology 反射療法 ：
適當施壓，舒緩神經。
古中國人和埃及人靠反射療法作為一種治療方式。什麼是反射療法呢？就是按摩手、腳和耳朵。根據記載，身體的這些部分與器官相連，施加適量的壓力可以治療內部系統。
據 Healthline 報道，這種類型的療法從外周神經的四肢向中樞神經系統發送一種平靜的感覺。因此，在按壓的當下大腦會傳遞信號，舒緩神經緊張，減少疼痛。該療法有利於血液循環、呼吸、內分泌、免疫和神經肽系統，除身體健康外，反射療法還可能緩解壓力和焦慮，減緩心理情緒症狀。
⑤ Herbal Remedies 草藥療法：
食藥同源，永續自然。
隨健康飲食趨勢抬頭，全世界對於草本植物的食譜持續發燒中！西方諺語 You are what you eat 也就是「人如其食」，在東方古書也記載著「食藥同源」的道理，吃得好不如吃得巧，針對性的機智飲食則可以打造健康的身體，更可以預防相關疾病，如心臟病、中風、糖尿病和癌症等。
草藥療法已延續數千年，最早記錄可追溯到 5000 多年前的蘇美文化。在古代無論是中國人、埃及人和美洲原住民都把草藥作為治療方法。以現代醫學而言，臨床研究證明，使用草藥來預防和治療疾病能有直觀的效果，例如：人參可以抵制虛弱和疲勞；姜黃可以治療炎症和關節疼痛。
擁有數世紀歷史的印度阿育吠陀系統，便發展了對草藥和適當飲食的應用，以「適應元」的概念，實現身體內的平衡。花點時間研究食補吧！經過時間的累積之後，或許會有意想不到的效果！
在沒有高度文明，缺乏系統知識的古人世界裡，養身保健也是一種潮流。從古中國的神農氏到印度的阿育吠陀，無論在何處的古文明世界中，都擁有自己養身法則。
從現在起回歸自然，創造神清氣爽的新生活態度，就從與祖先建立聯繫開始吧！
你有特別尊崇的古法養身，或是了解過有趣的特殊保健療法嗎？在觀察種種現代養生療法後，還有哪些是傳承自古代的智慧呢？歡迎留言分享你的觀點！
Ancient Wellness Practices for Modern Life
Throughout history, humans have sought ways to maintain health and sustainable living. Ancient peoples studied natural laws, believing that good health meant maintaining a close connection with Earth. They approached their environment with reverence, seeking harmony between body and nature. How long has it been since urban dwellers truly connected with nature?
We spend 90% of our time indoors, surrounded by concrete and steel, seemingly disconnected from nature and traditional healing methods. Interestingly, as modern medicine advances, these ancient wellness practices are being scientifically validated. Today, let's explore traditional healing methods that remain relevant for nourishing our body, mind, and soul!
"As our environment continues to evolve, wellness has become an ever-pressing topic. While modern medicine helps us extend our lives through scientific and systematic approaches, we're discovering that traditional healing methods can still complement contemporary living, offering gentle and stable ways to maintain holistic health."
① Earthing:
Become grounded, starting today!
Our ancestors slept on the ground, walked barefoot, and cultivated land with their hands. Their bodies maintained extensive contact with the Earth's surface, absorbing its energy—quite different from our modern lifestyle of sleeping in beds and staying indoors.
While it might sound peculiar, research published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health indicates that when skin contacts the Earth, our bodies absorb free electrons from the ground. These electrons act as antioxidants, potentially neutralizing excess free radicals that cause inflammation and disease. This practice may help reduce chronic pain and improve sleep quality.
What is earthing? It's simply making direct contact with the ground. We can practice this by walking barefoot on grass, soil, or rocks. Why not schedule some time to try it starting tomorrow?
② Forest Bathing:
Breathe deeply and experience nature's cleansing power.
According to records, Japan introduced forest bathing therapy (Shinrin-yoku) in the 1980s. However, ancestors worldwide have long known the benefits of spending time in forests. Forest bathing involves walking among trees and absorbing forest molecules through the air to gain tranquility, revitalization, and restorative benefits.
We all know how refreshing it feels to breathe in forest phytoncides, and this has been scientifically proven. Researchers have discovered that forest bathing genuinely benefits health, such as boosting the immune system, improving heart health, and reducing anxiety and depression. Why not start planning this year's vacation? Let's begin with forest bathing!
③ Public Bathhouses:
Revitalize body and mind from within!
While we might spend weekends with friends at bars or shopping streets today, in ancient civilizations, people gathered at public bathhouses to socialize, chat, and relax. Public bathhouses were widespread in the Ottoman Empire, Greek Empire, Roman Empire, and throughout Japan, Indonesia, the Middle East, and South Asia. Even today, we can still find public bathhouses throughout Europe and Asia.
In Taiwan, natural hot springs are beloved by all, combining saunas, steam rooms, massage, and relaxation therapies. Beyond being incredibly relaxing, they offer numerous health benefits. Research shows that sauna bathing can reduce the risk of vascular diseases such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive disorders, lung diseases, and mental health issues. It can also treat skin conditions, arthritis, headaches, and flu symptoms.
Moreover, public bathhouses provide excellent opportunities for social interaction, which is an essential component of mental health!
④ Reflexology:
Gentle pressure for neural relief.
Ancient Chinese and Egyptians relied on reflexology as a treatment method. What is reflexology? It's the practice of massaging hands, feet, and ears. According to historical records, these body parts are connected to various organs, and applying appropriate pressure can treat internal systems.
According to Healthline, this type of therapy sends calming signals from the peripheral nerves in the extremities to the central nervous system. Therefore, when pressure is applied, the brain transmits signals that soothe nerve tension and reduce pain. This therapy benefits blood circulation, respiratory, endocrine, immune, and neuropeptide systems. Beyond physical health, reflexology may also alleviate stress and anxiety, reducing psychological and emotional symptoms.
⑤ Herbal Remedies:
Food as medicine, naturally sustainable.
With the rise of healthy eating trends, herbal recipes are gaining popularity worldwide! The Western saying "You are what you eat" aligns with the Eastern concept of "food and medicine share the same source." Rather than just eating well, eating smartly with specific purposes can build a healthy body and prevent various diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.
Herbal remedies have continued for thousands of years, with the earliest records dating back over 5,000 years to Sumerian culture. In ancient times, Chinese, Egyptians, and Native Americans all used herbs as treatment methods. In terms of modern medicine, clinical studies have shown direct effects of using herbs for disease prevention and treatment. For example, ginseng can combat weakness and fatigue, while turmeric can treat inflammation and joint pain.
The centuries-old Indian Ayurvedic system developed the application of herbs and proper diet, using the concept of "adaptogen" to achieve balance within the body. Take some time to study nutritional therapy! After accumulating knowledge over time, you might discover unexpected benefits!
Even in the ancient world, without advanced civilization and systematic knowledge, wellness and health maintenance were trending. From China's Shennong to India's Ayurveda, every ancient civilization across the world possessed its own principles of health maintenance.
Starting now, let's return to nature and create a refreshing new lifestyle attitude, beginning with connecting to our ancestors' wisdom!
Do you have any particular ancient wellness practices you respect, or have you learned about interesting special therapeutic methods? After observing various modern wellness therapies, what other wisdom has been inherited from ancient times? Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
