Lessons from past indigenous wellness practices

Cultural Notes

Richard Kinnud

 

“Not feeling well” is something no one likes. People naturally aspire to wellness. Yet, we often hear phrases like, “The workplace is so toxic, but I need the work because that’s where my food comes from.”

Or “Maybe life is short because of the food we eat, the lack of exercise, or the absence of work-life balance.”

Such reflections lead us to think about maintaining a proper diet, embracing proper nutrition, exercising, being mindful of the food we consume, and taking vacations to recharge. People nowadays seek formal wellness programs to avoid not feeling well.  But could a structured wellness program lead us to desired results?  On a recent conversation on this subject, a friend and I arrived to this perspective: people in the past did not have structured wellness programs, yet many of them lived long and healthy lives.

There are studies that suggest life expectancy is becoming shorter.  So, if people of the past indeed lived longer, it implies that wellness practices were embedded in their daily lives, even if unconsciously. This concept of "indigenous wellness" reveals valuable lessons from traditional lifestyles that we can reflect on today.

One is connection to nature and purposeful living.  It is claimed that in earlier times, people lived in harmony with nature. Take, for example, my "lola", who always prepared feed for her pigs the night before. She would slice sweet potatoes and cut the leaves she gathered in the day from the farm and cook them over a fire in the evening, ready for the next day’s fodder for her pigs. You will not call hers a piggery but just simply some native pigs roaming in her fenced compound.   

This simple act of planning ahead reflected a sense of purpose and connection to the natural world.

While cooking the feed, she stayed by the fire (referred to as “anido” in many languages in the Cordillera) where firewood consumption provided warmth aside from its utility. The animals to which these feeds are intended, though raised for eventual consumption, symbolized a closeness to nature and a reminder to care for beings beyond humans. This interaction fostered a sense of responsibility and balance in their environment.

Second, is sense of community and relationships.  Traditional communities, especially here in the Cordilleras, were known for their lavish festivities. These celebrations often involved butchering domesticated animals and inviting neighbors and relatives to feast together. While some criticize these practices as excessive, in a deeper analysis they had a deeper purpose: strengthening community bonds and family ties.

The rituals and ceremonies accompanying these festivities often involved prayers and spirituality, emphasizing gratitude and collective well-being. In today’s world, where economic priorities often overshadow spiritual practices, these traditional events remind us of the importance of nurturing both community and spirit.

Thirdly, there is physical activity.  Traditional lifestyles were inherently active. Tasks such as pounding rice manually required physical effort, which contributed to overall health. Today, we rely on milled rice at the market.  And sometimes when we had something to pound, we would rely on milling machines for convenience.  But this often results in the loss of nutrients in the rice.

Also, people in the past harvested their own food, maintaining a direct connection to their sustenance and engaging in activities that kept them physically fit.  Coupled with this are traditional knowledge about the food they eat that can affect their physical activity.  For instance, when they would prohibit mixing some kinds of vegetables to food served during harvest time, it could be a way to prevent ailments such as arthritis which could be aggravated by dried beans.

These provide lessons we can reflect on as regards modern wellness.  These enjoins us to go back to basics.  Traditional practices highlight the benefits of simplicity. Preparing meals from scratch, engaging in physical activities, and staying connected to nature can enhance overall well-being.

Another lesson is on valuing relationships.  Strong community ties and shared experiences foster emotional and mental wellness. Modern wellness programs could incorporate group activities or community-building initiatives inspired by these traditional practices.

Also, we had to honor spirituality. Spiritual practices in traditional societies providing balance and healing suggest that we indeed needed spirituality as part of wellness.  While contemporary spirituality may take different forms, integrating mindfulness and gratitude into daily routines can positively impact our days.

And a very important one - respect nature.  Living in harmony with nature—whether through sustainable practices, gardening, or mindful consumption—promotes both environmental and personal health.

As we begin a new year, let us reflect on the wisdom of the past and incorporate these insights into our lives. Wishing everyone a year of true wellness, filled with harmony, health, and happiness.