As I sit here in my San Francisco office, gazing out at the bustling city below, I’m struck by how far we’ve come from our roots. The concrete jungle couldn’t be more different from the natural environments our ancestors thrived in. Yet, in our quest for progress, we may have left behind some crucial wisdom about health and wellness.
My journey into ancestral medicine began long before I donned a white coat. As a Classics major in college, I immersed myself in the world of Ancient Greeks and Romans. Little did I know then how profoundly this would shape my approach to medicine.
Ancestral medicine isn’t about rejecting modern advances. Rather, it’s about integrating time-tested practices with current medical knowledge. It’s a lens through which we can examine our lifestyle choices and their impact on our health.
Take our eating habits, for instance. During my time in France on a Fulbright Scholarship, I witnessed a beautiful example of ancestral wisdom in action. In the teacher’s lunchroom, meals were a communal affair. We’d gather around tables, sharing bread and wine (yes, even in a school setting – très français!). The meal unfolded in courses: starting with pâté and a pickle, moving to meat and vegetables, then cheese, and finally fresh fruit for dessert.
This wasn’t just about food – it was a ritual. The communal aspect, the unhurried pace, the variety of nutrients, even the probiotic-rich pickle – all of these elements align with what we now understand about optimal digestion and nutrition. Our ancestors intuitively knew what science is now confirming.
Seasonal eating is another ancestral practice with profound health implications. In our modern world of year-round availability, we’ve lost touch with nature’s rhythms. But there’s wisdom in eating peaches only during peach season. Seasonal foods tend to align with our body’s changing needs throughout the year. Plus, they’re at their nutritional peak and often more affordable.
Sleep is another area where ancestral wisdom shines. Our ancestors rose and slept with the sun, a practice that aligns perfectly with our circadian rhythms. In my own life, I’ve found that avoiding stimulants like coffee (which I don’t drink) and aligning my sleep schedule more closely with natural light patterns has had a tremendous impact on my energy and overall health.
As a physician, I entered this field aware that I didn’t have all the answers. That humility has served me well, allowing me to continually learn and evolve in my practice. Ancestral medicine has taught me to look beyond symptoms and consider the whole person – their environment, lifestyle, and even cultural background.
It’s important to note that ancestral medicine isn’t about romanticizing the past or rejecting modern medical advances. It’s about finding a balance, incorporating the best of both worlds. We can leverage our ancestors’ wisdom while benefiting from today’s medical knowledge and technology.
In my years of practice, I’ve seen remarkable transformations in patients who’ve embraced ancestral health principles. From improved digestion to better sleep, increased energy to reduced chronic pain – the benefits are wide-ranging and often profound.
As we navigate the complexities of modern health, let’s not forget the wisdom that’s encoded in our very DNA. Our ancestors’ lived experiences have much to teach us about resilience, adaptability, and holistic well-being. By reconnecting with these ancestral practices, we can often find simple, effective solutions to many of our modern health challenges.
Remember, health isn’t just about treating illness – it’s about creating an environment where wellness can thrive. And sometimes, the best way forward is to take a step back and learn from those who came before us.
