TCM Nigeria

In early 2026, the world watched closely as new cases of the deadly Nipah virus were identified in India—prompting heightened surveillance, cross-border screening, and renewed international attention to this high-fatality pathogen. While Africa has not yet experienced a major Nipah outbreak, the lessons emerging from Asia’s experience are highly relevant to the continent’s ongoing efforts to prepare for and respond to infectious disease threats. ( Reuters ) What Is Nipah Virus and Why It Matters Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus —originating in animals but capable of infecting humans—that can cause severe respiratory and neurological disease, including brain inflammation (encephalitis). It is primarily transmitted from fruit bats (natural hosts) to humans, often through contaminated food or close contact with infected animals or people. Human-to-human transmission has been documented in healthcare and household settings. ( World Health Organization ) The virus’s case fatality rate ran...

Emerging infectious diseases continue to challenge global health systems, but not all threats operate in the same way. Some spread rapidly with relatively low fatality rates, while others remain rare yet devastating when they occur.   Nipah virus (NiV)   belongs to the latter category. When juxtaposed with   Ebola virus disease (EVD)   and   COVID-19 , Nipah reveals why public-health risk is not defined by mortality alone, but by a complex interaction of transmissibility, severity, preparedness, and prevention. Understanding Nipah Virus Nipah virus is a  zoonotic pathogen  first identified during an outbreak in Malaysia in 1998–1999. It is naturally hosted by  fruit bats (Pteropus species)  and can spill over to humans either directly or through intermediate animals such as pigs. Human-to-human transmission has been documented, particularly in healthcare and caregiving settings. Clinically, Nipah infection often begins with  non-specific...

Male reproductive health is influenced by a complex interaction of hormones, blood flow, oxidative stress, nutrition, and lifestyle. Across traditional medicine systems and modern nutritional science, several plant-based foods and botanicals have gained attention for their potential to support fertility, libido, and overall reproductive function. This article explores five widely discussed natural ingredients— Ashwagandha, Maca root, Pomegranate, Pumpkin seeds, and Tribulus —and how they may contribute to male reproductive health when used as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. 1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Ashwagandha is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine, often classified as an adaptogen —a substance that helps the body adapt to physical and psychological stress. Potential benefits for male reproductive health: Hormonal balance: Research suggests Ashwagandha may help support healthy testosterone levels, particularly in men experiencing stress-related hormonal dis...

In conversations about health, we often focus on the body—diet, exercise, blood pressure, or disease prevention. Yet some of the most destructive health crises begin in the unseen interior world of the human heart. Long before actions manifest, patterns of thought, desire, repression, and denial are already shaping outcomes. This article explores the idea of shadow work—the hidden parts of the self—through a biblical and mental health lens, using the story of David and Bathsheba as a case study. We also address, with clarity and responsibility, how unchecked inner darkness can lead to devastating harm, and why some impulses must be confronted, restrained, and put to death rather than ignored. What Is Shadow Work in Health Terms? In psychology, shadow work refers to becoming aware of the repressed, denied, or unacknowledged parts of ourselves. These are often emotions, desires, or impulses we find shameful or frightening. From a health perspective: * Suppressed impulses do not disappear...

In holistic health spaces today, shadow work is often presented as courageous, therapeutic, and liberating. It promises healing through self-exploration and wholeness through integration. For many, especially those wounded by trauma or disillusioned by shallow religion, it feels like honesty at last. But Scripture gives us categories that are sharper and more sobering than modern therapeutic language. When examined biblically, shadow work is not merely a neutral psychological tool, nor is it simply a misguided attempt at healing. It represents something far more serious: The affirmation and cultivation of the flesh after the rejection of God’s authority. To understand why, we must stop borrowing language from psychology and allow Scripture to name the issue itself. What Shadow Work Actually Does Shadow work teaches that human brokenness is best healed by: * Identifying suppressed desires, impulses, and traits * Exploring them without moral judgment * Integrating them into one’s identit...

 Obesity is often discussed as a personal failure, but modern science tells a very different story. Body size is influenced by a complex interaction between genetics, metabolism, environment, and lifestyle choices . Understanding this interaction — especially through the lens of Body Mass Index (BMI), nutrition, exercise, and fasting — can help individuals improve their body structure and long-term health without extreme or unsustainable methods. This article breaks down the science clearly and practically, offering an evidence-based path toward healthier body composition. Understanding Body Size: The Role of Genetics Human bodies are not created equal — and that’s not a flaw. Genetics influence: Basal metabolic rate (BMR) — how many calories you burn at rest Hormonal regulation — appetite, satiety, and fat storage Fat distribution — whether weight is stored around the abdomen or hips Muscle fiber composition — affecting strength and endurance Studies estimate that 40–70% of b...

Stress is often spoken about as a mental experience — worry, anxiety, overthinking. But long before stress announces itself emotionally, it begins its damage physically . Chronic stress does not shout. It drains, weakens, and exhausts — quietly. This article explores how prolonged life stress affects the body, using a hypothetical but realistic scenario many adults silently live through. A Hypothetical Case: The Weight of Prolonged Uncertainty Imagine a middle-aged professional who once lived independently and confidently. Over time, a series of life events begin to overlap: A long-running legal dispute over property Financial strain caused by blocked income An attempted relocation that required selling most personal belongings Returning home with fewer resources than before Dependence on aging parents for shelter Pressure to “level up” professionally despite lacking basic tools Encounters with law enforcement while trying to survive through informal work Individually, these challenges...