Let’s take a minute to explore one of history’s most fascinating tales: the ancient and remarkable Egyptian civilization. Ancient Egypt is renowned for its impressive pyramids, mysterious hieroglyphics, and majestic pharaohs. These incredible men and women laid the foundations of health, wellness and medicine—with principles and practices that lived on throughout the ages. We all owe them for being a people who respected life, balance, and yes—even women!
So, strap on your self-care seatbelt and join me for a journey into how the Egyptians became the original health and wellness kings and queens of the world.
Egyptian Medicine: A Head Start in Healing
Imagine a world over 5,000 years ago where Egyptian doctors—yes, doctors—were already diagnosing diseases, performing surgeries, and creating remedies from plants and minerals. They were far ahead of their time, turning science into an art of healing.
Surgery Like You’ve Never Imagined
Egyptian physicians didn’t just patch wounds; they performed surgical procedures with tools that will remind you of modern ones. From treating broken bones to stitching up cuts, their surgical knowledge was so advanced that other civilizations eventually borrowed their techniques.
Ancient Remedies That Work Even Today
Got a burn? The Egyptians used honey to heal wounds because they knew it killed bacteria (science later proved them right!). Feeling feverish? Willow bark—an ancient aspirin—was their go-to. They cataloged these remedies in medical texts like the Ebers Papyrus, which is essentially an ancient how-to guide for staying healthy.
Learning Through Mummies
Fun fact: Mummification wasn’t just for preservation; it also allowed Egyptians to learn about human anatomy. They learned about organs, how diseases spread, and, upon these foundations, ushered in a new era of surgery.
Wellness, the Egyptian Way
Aside from curing illnesses, the Egyptians also had concern for health and harmony of life. Their approach to wellness embraced a fusion of science and spirituality in all its glory.
Food as Medicine
The Egyptian diet was a potent mix of nutrition. Imagine lentils, barley, figs and dates, even garlic (a heart-healthy superfood the ancient Romans loved). They knew that “you are what you eat” long before it was cool.
Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
The Egyptians were nuts about hygiene—and the best kind of nut there is. They bathed daily with natural oils and even created the world’s first toothpaste to keep their smiles pearly white! It was not only a habit but also their way of getting rid of diseases through personal hygiene.
Physical Fitness Through Fun
They loved to keep fit, whether that was by swimming or dancing or hunting. These weren’t just survival or entertainment activities—they were integral ingredients in their recipe for fitness and happiness.
Spiritual Wellness
The Egyptians had a very strong belief in healing the mind with spirit and body. Temples were places of both worship and healing, where people sought to clear their karma through wishes, blessings, and treatments.
Science and Innovation: Egypt’s Secret Sauce
The Egyptians did not think outside the box; they invented the box! Their success in health and wellness came down to their incredible brilliance in engineering and science!
Astronomy Meets Wellness
The Egyptians studied the stars to create calendars that helped them plan their farming seasons, making sure they always had enough food to stay healthy and nourished. Their way of keeping time was so brilliant that we’re still benefiting from it today!
Water and Health
Egyptians reclaimed desert land using ingeniously created irrigation systems, channeling surrounding water above ground under challenging conditions to irrigate soil and grow plants. They were ahead of their time in recognizing that good hygiene, supported by access to clean water and sanitation, could help prevent disease.
Temples of Healing
Ever heard that some Egyptian temples were actually like ancient wellness retreats? These spas were managed by priests, who often doubled as healers, and people visited them to experience both spiritual and physical rejuvenation.
Egypt’s Respect for Women: A Lesson for the World
If you think women were just bystanders in ancient history, think again! In Egypt, women were celebrated as equals and vital contributors to society, especially in health and wellness.
The First Female Physicians
Women like Peseshet, one of the first-ever recorded female doctors, were true trailblazers in medicine. They took care of everything from delivering babies to performing surgeries and treating kids, setting the bar high for medical care even back then!
Masters of Maternal Health
Egyptian women developed groundbreaking pregnancy tests and treatments for childbirth. They were trusted guardians of the next generation’s health and well-being.
Empowered and Respected
Unlike in many ancient cultures, Egyptian women could own property, run businesses, and practice medicine. Their contributions weren’t just welcomed—they were celebrated.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
This gave the Egyptians more than just monuments to leave behind—it provided a blueprint for living well. And their medical lore made its way to Greece and Rome, creating the foundations of Western medicine. Even Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, learned from Egypt.
Timeless Remedies
The Egyptians relied on ingredients like ginger, aloe vera (still used today), and garlic—one of the most commonly used natural remedies in modern medicine. It was the kind of wisdom that survives across time.
Holistic Healing
The Egyptians knew that health is more than just the prevention of diseases; it is the balance and harmony between mind, body, and spirit. Sound familiar? A lot of what is practiced in modern wellness movements stems from their old philosophy.
A Lasting Influence
The Egyptian way of thinking about health and well-being was not only ahead of its time but also a game changer. Their works continue to influence and guide the world in the modern era.
A Civilization Like No Other
The Egyptian civilization was more than amazing—it was a revolutionary force. They were head and shoulders above other civilizations in health, wellness, and medicine by many centuries. Maybe it was their extraordinary respect for balance, equality, and life.
Whether we are working toward a healthier, happier life today or tomorrow, it is in part thanks to these giants. The Egyptians taught the world that holistic wellness is about more than just physical health. For that, the world should be eternally grateful.
Cheers to the early Egyptians—the original health and wellness influencers! 🌟