25 articles tagged with traditional medicine
When my anthropology research led me to Brazzaville last fall, I expected to find interesting connections between traditional Congolese medicine and local brewing practices. What I didn't expect was to discover one of Africa's most underrated cultural destinations. The Republic...
The moment my feet touched Mahajanga's rust-colored earth, I felt that familiar sensation—the one that signals I've arrived somewhere with ancient wisdom to share. This coastal gem on Madagascar's northwestern shore isn't just a waypoint on the tourist map; it's...
Standing at the foot of the iconic Macroplaza, with the rusty-hued mountains of the Sierra Madre Oriental framing the skyline, I couldn't help but feel the contrasting energies of Monterrey. This northern Mexican city, often overlooked by tourists heading to...
The mist rises slowly over the hills surrounding Kandy as I sip my morning Ceylon tea on a small guesthouse balcony. It's been five years since I first visited this sacred city nestled in Sri Lanka's central highlands, drawn by...
The northern reaches of Madagascar represent a fascinating confluence of African, Arab, and French colonial influences that manifest not just in the regional dialects but in the hands of local artisans. As a dermatologist who's spent years documenting traditional medicinal...
When my sister announced she was planning her first solo international trip to Puerto Vallarta, I immediately started compiling everything I've learned from my travels there. Having visited multiple times—including once when I helped a fellow traveler navigate a minor...
The morning air in Durban carries a symphony of scents – cardamom, cloves, curry leaves, and the unmistakable oceanic breeze that reminds you you're in a coastal city. As I step into Victoria Street Market, I'm struck by how this...
When my daughter fell ill during our Thailand trip years ago, I never imagined it would spark a lifelong passion for exploring traditional medicine across Asia. That journey led me to Xi'an, China – a city where ancient wisdom and...
The first time I heard the haunting call of the Indri lemur echoing through Andasibe's misty forests, I experienced what locals call *tavy mahery*—goosebumps so intense they're considered a physical manifestation of spiritual connection. As a dermatologist who's spent years...
The ancient cobblestone streets of Veliko Tarnovo whispered stories to me as I wandered through Bulgaria's medieval capital last fall, my wallet surprisingly untouched. After my fifth trip to Eastern Europe, I've finally found what might be the continent's most...
When I landed in Puerto Plata with my anthropology classmates last winter, I was immediately struck by the dichotomy of accommodation options. Massive all-inclusive compounds with their wristband-wearing guests stood in contrast to charming boutique hotels nestled in colonial buildings....
Five years ago, I found myself in Ella by accident. My research on plant-based medicines had led me through various parts of Sri Lanka, but it was in this misty hill station where I truly began to heal. The therapeutic...
The scent hit me first—a complex symphony of dried herbs, rosewater, and ancient stone warmed by the spring sun. Standing in a quiet courtyard away from Shiraz's main tourist arteries, I felt that familiar tingle of discovery that keeps drawing...
When I tell fellow travelers I'm heading to Peru, they immediately assume I'm bound for Machu Picchu or Cusco. But after my third visit to this magnificent country, I've discovered that Peru's northern regions hold treasures just as valuable but...
The pulse of Shanghai beats differently when you step away from the neon glow of the Bund and the towering skyscrapers of Pudong. As someone who's spent years navigating emergency situations, I've developed a sixth sense for finding the heart...
