Book SummaryAfrican Holistic Health, by Llaila Afrika

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of African Holistic Health

The book presents insights and methodologies that are rooted in Africa's traditional healing customs.

African medicine is distinguished by its holistic approach.

Afrika emphasizes the holistic nature of African medicine, viewing the spirit, mind, and body as interconnected components, and perceives time as a seamless continuum encompassing past, present, and future. The core tenets of indigenous African medicinal practices recognize that an individual's holistic health can be influenced by a disturbance in any one component.

The interconnectedness of the body's internal systems and its interaction with external factors.

Afrika explains that the appearance of the skin is affected by the internal organs, which also extend their nerve endings to the surface layer. Changes in skin color, texture, or the appearance of spots, rashes, and bumps may signal an underlying issue or dysfunction in an internal organ associated with the particular area of skin affected. For instance, a particular skin eruption on the arm might signify a problem related to the respiratory system, as there is a meridian connecting that region of the skin with the corresponding internal organ.

Skin "accidents" should be seen as indicators of potential issues within the body's internal mechanisms.

Afrika maintains that within the sphere of traditional African healing practices, events transpire intentionally. The belief was that organ dysfunctions associated with specific areas of the face could account for the appearance of various marks, such as scratches and bruises, on the skin. A disruption in the energetic equilibrium of an organ may result in skin deterioration. The body emits these signals to indicate a necessity for restoration in the corresponding organ.

Evaluating physical health by using skin complexion as a diagnostic tool.

Practitioners of African medicine diagnose by assessing the skin tone and applying finger pressure to specific points on the body. Differences in coloration, texture, or sensitivity to pain may signify imbalances in the organs. For example, experiencing pain when applying pressure to a discolored area on the foot may suggest a problem in the corresponding kidney region.

Using reflexology charts and dividing the body assists in the process of diagnosis.

Afrika divides the human anatomy into three specific areas, each associated with certain organs and systems. Reflexology charts are useful for identifying and addressing health issues by linking specific areas on the hands and feet to the related internal...

African Holistic Health Summary Strategies for maintaining holistic well-being and ensuring the preservation of health.

It is essential to follow the principles of Maat in matters of health.

Afrika emphasizes the necessity of embracing values such as truth, justice, righteousness, harmony, balance, order, propriety, compassion, and reciprocity, which are fundamental to achieving holistic health. He proposes that these principles lay the groundwork for conscious choices and nurturing a balanced connection with oneself, the surrounding community, and the cosmos.

Applying Truth, Justice, Righteousness, Harmony, Balance, Order, Propriety, Compassion, and Reciprocity principles to dietary and lifestyle choices

Afrika encourages people to evaluate their dietary and lifestyle choices based on the concept of balance and harmony. For instance, when pondering the concept of "Truth," individuals might contemplate the authenticity of their hunger as opposed to consuming food merely to fulfill emotional desires. Our food choices ought to be steered by the concept of "Justice," emphasizing the importance of providing our bodies with essential nutrients to promote better health.

Assessing the desire for particular foods and their psychological ties to eating by applying the principles of...

African Holistic Health Summary The conventional medical practices in the West are steeped in inherent biases and societal disparities.

Europeans set out on journeys aimed at discovering plants with medicinal properties in Africa.

Afrika uncovers the historical dependence of Europe on Africa for its healing knowledge and the continent's abundant natural resources. He criticizes the detrimental effects of European colonialism, highlighting its adverse effects on African social structures, the environment, and traditional healing practices.

Europe's historical quest to acquire traditional African healing practices and the methods used to secure them.

Afrika provides a historical analysis of Europe's persistent need for African knowledge and resources, particularly medicinal herbs. He argues that European societies, grappling with diseases, sought to enhance their well-being by adopting the knowledge from Africa and making use of the continent's abundant resources. The gathering of this knowledge by different methods led to the diminishing strength of communities throughout Africa, which consequently precipitated the forced subjugation and extensive displacement of millions.

The colonization and agricultural techniques introduced by Europeans have significantly shaped the ecosystems and...