Obscure Healing Methods
Healed by Spit
When we think about Thailand, what comes to mind are probably beaches, exotic places, tropical fruit, sightseeing, and maybe even Thai massage but this healing miracle has nothing to do with any of the above. All cultures in the world have some system of healing. People have always had problems with their bodies due to disease, injuries or accidents, and that will never change. Healers of some kind have always been a necessity for any society. Such healing systems range from shamanic approaches to modern medicine with innumerable varieties in between. Even in western societies which have officially subscribed to modern medicine as the only healing system, there is a huge subculture of alternative approaches. Older traditional cultures have relied on such methods for thousands of years since there were no other means available. All of these methods have merit and work sometimes, but not all the time – just like modern medicine.
Here is the true story of a rather unusual healing that happened in Thailand. Jang was a 14 year old girl who lived in the southern province of Songkla in Thailand. She developed a serious case of skin ulcerations that spread around her belly and back. Several visits to doctors and hospitals provided no relief and no cure. This kind of disease is well known in the rural areas of Thailand and can be fatal in severe cases. Jang exhausted all her options with modern medicine and she came close to dying. In desperation her parents took her to a local healer, an old man who was known for his healing powers. He took a look at her and proclaimed that he could cure her. Next he put something in his mouth which according to Jang seemed to be betel nut and leaves, but she could not be sure. Betel nuts are chewed by many Asians for their stimulating effect. It looks pretty gruesome since it turns teeth and gums red and black and the people who chew it constantly spit out streams of blood red saliva mixed with betel.
The healer chewed for a while and then spit the blood-red substance on her belly and back, and rubbed it in while blowing on it and uttering some kind of chant. There is no way of knowing what exactly he was doing, but after three days of these treatments, Jang totally recovered from the life threatening disease. The scars are still clearly visible on her skin 25 years later, but the disease never came back. The old shaman accomplished a healing miracle while the doctors had given up on Jang. He asked for a modest payment of a couple of chickens and 100 baht which is about US$ 3.00. Before you say that this is a ridiculous story – how can spitting on someone cure anything – I would like to remind you that one of the most famous healers in history, Jesus, healed a blind man by spitting into his eyes (Mark 8,28). What makes this particular case quite authentic is that Jang is not a fictitious person or someone I heard about, but she is my wife. I have been living with her for many years, and I have seen the scars. There are strange healing stories everywhere in the world. We call them miracles, but that only means that we don’t understand how they work. However the people practicing these methods see nothing miraculous in them. The old man in Jang’s village had been healing people for decades, and for him it was just his job. The villagers can attest too many of his successes. He probably could not heal everyone of everything, but he did save Jang’s life.
An Irish Bath
In the Republic of Ireland, using Seaweed Baths in help of nourishment and healing can be traced back to the 12th century. This treatment was most popular in the 19th century, when about 300 Seaweed bath houses were operational across the country. Although, its popularity has experienced a dip, the Seaweed Baths are making a recovery and it should not be too difficult to organise a trip to a bath house if you are visiting Ireland. While a slimy Seaweed Bath may not sound the most attractive thing, the provided health benefits are backed by science. Seaweed is a natural moisturiser and is perfect for the skin and hair. Seaweed contains natural anti-ageing qualities, and it is also reported that it can provide a detoxifying effect on our bodies.
Dried Lizard Soup
Yep, you read it correctly! Dried Lizard Soup! This special broth is Hong Kong’s answer to all our medicinal demands. You wouldn’t expect that this tasty soup dish should heal you and at the same time satisfy your taste buds, and be honest there aren’t that many medicines being able to do that! Dried lizards are boiled in a broth containing onions, dates and yams, dates. Fans of this soup are convinced that it aids to soothe chesty coughs, sore throats, and provides your body with a boost of energy. They also firmly believe that Lizard soup is effective in the protection against future viruses. For optimal results, make sure the soup is boiled with both a female and male lizard!
Fish Doctors
One of the modern era’s most well-known natural treatments is the use of red garra (Also known as doctor fish) to aid heal skin issues. The fish nibble off dead skin bits, leaving it revitalised and healthier. This natural treatment to skin disorders can be dated back to 19th century Turkey, and they’re now utilised far more widely. If its skin issues that you need treatment for, then this might be just what doctor fish ordered.
Mustard Bath
The Mustard Bath is one of England’s most loved and oldest traditional remedies. Not solely do believers claim that a decent mustard bath can be detoxifying, but they also assume that a good mustard soak can relieve flu and cold symptoms, muscle soreness, and even help our bodies with circulation.
Train Track Therapy
The ultimate alternative, somewhat weird, and by no means advisable remedial craze is the method known as Train Track Therapy. In Indonesia, using railway tracks as remedy for a number of health issues, from diabetes to hypertension, is becoming more and more popular. Persons seeking the alternative electrical shock therapy have to lie down on the tracks, with their feet and legs on one rail and the top half of their body on the other. Then they wait for a train rattling past on the opposite tracks. Once the train passes by they absorb the tiny electric current passing through the rails. While there are people claiming that this really does aid their symptoms, there’s no solid proof of this, and there’re definitely better available alternatives — better avoid this one!
Hay Bath
In Northern Italy’s region of South Tyrol, a Hay Bath is an ancient healing practice first introduced by Tyrolean farmers. According to numerous people, a Hay Bath can aid relieve many aches and pains all over our bodies by revitalising the muscles and getting rid of all unwanted toxins. The Hay Bath can also help to stimulate our bodies’ metabolic processes and it is even believed by many that it has the ability to strengthen our immune systems. If you ever explore Tyrol’s hills, go and give it a try!
