TCM Nigeria

Recent Nigerian air operations — reported in Borno, Katsina, Kwara and other states — were described by the military as heavy strikes against ISWAP and other terrorist groups. The strikes are being framed by authorities as necessary to disrupt raids, rescues and mass-killings; in the international arena they have arrived amid a tense debate about whether Nigeria is experiencing targeted religious persecution — claims the Nigerian government rejects while some foreign politicians have amplified them. This is not only a security story. From an alternative-health perspective it is a public-health crisis: long after munitions fall, people, land and community wellbeing carry the scars. ( The Nation Newspaper ) Who is ISWAP — and why are air strikes used against them? ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) is a violent extremist group, a branch of the Boko Haram insurgency active in northeastern Nigeria and neighbouring regions. Their tactics include raids on towns and military convoys, ...

✳️ Introduction Recent global commentary, including remarks by the U.S. President Donald Trump labelling Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged genocide, has reignited old wounds and deep anxieties. Islamic cleric  Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi  swiftly dismissed the claim as “unfounded,” arguing that Nigeria’s tragedy is not genocide but the collapse of security and trust. Yet beneath the politics lies something deeper — a  nation’s emotional and spiritual health  under strain. This post explores Nigeria’s turmoil not as breaking news, but as  collective trauma demanding collective healing. 🕊️ Section 1: Beyond Labels — The Cost of Constant Crisis Whether we call it genocide, terrorism, or insecurity, the truth is the same: communities are hurting. Years of displacement, ethnic fear, and insecurity have caused more than physical harm — they have bred  stress disorders, despair, and disconnection . Families live with  hypervigilance ...

  A few days ago, my car bonnet flew open on the highway, hit the windscreen, and shattered it completely. I stood by the road, heart pounding, watching the damage. I was — stranded, broke, and trying to make sense of it all. But as I stood there, one thing became clear:  our bodies and our lives are not so different from machines . When something breaks, repair is possible — not by panic, but by design, timing, and trust in the process. The same applies to our health and the human brain. Click  here  for more The Early Days of Computer Implants in Medicine Medical scientists have long dreamed of connecting man and machine. As far back as the 1950s, doctors experimented with  pacemakers  — tiny computer-assisted devices implanted in the heart to regulate rhythm. What began as a bulky, external contraption evolved into a life-saving implant that can communicate wirelessly, self-regulate, and even sync with smartphone apps today. However, these devices were n...

  1️⃣ Understanding the New Craze: From BBL to Gastric Bypass In today’s Nigeria, the race for the perfect body shape is more intense than ever. From Lagos to Abuja, women and even men are exploring ways to lose weight or enhance their appearance through surgery. Two major procedures are making the rounds —  the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)  and  gastric bypass surgery . But while BBL focuses on aesthetics and curves,  gastric bypass  is a medical surgery designed to help people lose weight and improve health outcomes, especially for obesity and diabetes. Before you decide which way to go, there are  5 critical facts  you must know — because your decision could affect not just your looks, but your long-term health and even your fertility. 2️⃣ What Happens During a Gastric Bypass Surgery A  gastric bypass  involves reducing the size of your stomach and rerouting part of your small intestine. The goal is to limit how much food you eat and how...

Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its public health journey. In 2025, as the world moves closer to eliminating diseases like malaria and cholera, Nigeria continues to battle deadly outbreaks. The recent cholera outbreak in Bauchi State , one of the country's northern regions, has once again exposed the gaps in health infrastructure and access to basic services like clean water. At the same time, malaria — a disease that is now largely a memory in many parts of the world — continues to claim lives in Nigeria. Why are these preventable diseases still thriving in a country with enormous potential? And what role can vaccines play in changing this narrative? Let’s unpack the issue. 🚨 Cholera Outbreak in Bauchi: A Symptom of Systemic Failure Cholera is a waterborne disease that spreads through contaminated water and food. The bacteria Vibrio cholerae can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration, often leading to death if not treated promptly. The outbreak in Bauchi is not the fir...

The recent news of the passing of the only son of veteran Nigerian actress  Peju Ogunmola  has left many deeply saddened. At 59, she not only faces the grief of losing a child but also the unique trauma that comes with the loss of an  only child . This tragedy sheds light on an important but often overlooked issue—the impact of such a loss on mental health. The Unique Trauma of Losing an Only Child The loss of any child is devastating, but for parents with only one child, the grief carries additional layers of complexity: Sense of Finality:  For many, an only child represents the totality of parenthood. Losing them may feel like losing one’s entire legacy. Complicated Emotions:  Parents may struggle with guilt, self-blame, or questioning why they never had another child. Isolation:  Unlike those with larger families, parents of an only child may feel more alone in their grief. Fear of the Future:  The thought of starting over—especially at an advanced ...

Justin Timberlake — the voice behind unforgettable hits like Cry Me a River , Mirrors , and Can't Stop the Feeling — has not only shaped modern pop music but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of Millennials and Gen Z alike. From his early days with *NSYNC to his Grammy-winning solo career, Timberlake has been a symbol of artistic evolution, talent, and charisma. But recent news of his Lyme disease diagnosis has left fans shocked and deeply concerned. As supporters of the pop legend, and as people who grew up dancing to his beats, it's crucial we understand what he's going through. Lyme disease may not be widely understood, but it's very real — and it's affecting more people than we may realize. 🦠 What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused primarily by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi , transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected black-legged tick (commonly known as a deer tick). At first, symptoms might see...

In recent years,  autophagy  has become a buzzword in the world of health and wellness—but it’s far more than a fad. It’s a scientifically recognized, vital cellular process that your body uses to repair, cleanse, and rejuvenate itself. When combined with a  100-hour water fast , autophagy may reach powerful levels that offer numerous health benefits—from detoxification to anti-aging effects. 🧪 What Is Autophagy? Autophagy  (from the Greek  auto  meaning “self” and  phagy  meaning “eating”) literally means “self-eating.” It’s the body's way of  cleaning out damaged cells, toxins, and dysfunctional components , and  recycling them  to regenerate newer, healthier cells. This is not a bad thing—autophagy is essential to survival. It's your body's way of performing internal housekeeping. 🧭 How Is Autophagy Triggered? Autophagy is most active when your body is under  metabolic stress , such as: Fasting Calorie restriction Exercise...

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed the passing of some of its most iconic traditional rulers and political figures—many of them at remarkably old ages , by our national standards. The Alaafin of Oyo – passed in 2022, aged 83 The Olubadan of Ibadan – passed in 2022, aged 93 The Soun of Ogbomoso – also passed in 2022, aged 95 Former President Muhammadu Buhari – died in 2025, aged 82 The Awujale of Ijebu – reported just recently to have passed, aged 91 Another Olubadan of Ibadan – again in 2025, at a ripe old age This pattern raises a powerful question: What are they doing that many ordinary Nigerians are not? Why do so many die in their 50s, while others push well into their 80s and 90s? At TCM Nigeria Blog , we believe it’s time to shift that conversation from mystery to method . A big part of it starts at age 40 . 🧠 Why Age 40 is a Turning Point for Your Body At 40, the body begins to shift. Muscle mass starts to decline. Hormonal balances begin to...

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, Muhammadu Buhari—Nigeria’s former President, both military and civilian—passed away in London at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness. While his political legacy continues to stir debate, his longevity—especially by Nigerian standards—offers us an important opportunity to reflect on health, aging, and the pursuit of a fruitful life . At TCM Nigeria Blog , our platform was born out of a deep-seated desire to see more Nigerians live longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives . In a nation where average life expectancy hovers between 53 and 55 years , the passing of an octogenarian like Buhari—despite years of visible health challenges—reminds us of what is possible and what is at stake. Why We Exist: Extending Lifespan the Natural Way We don’t just talk about TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) here, even though that is where the name comes from. Our deeper philosophy is rooted in the belief that nature provides for the body, if only we would listen . W...

In today's fast-paced, high-stakes world, it's not always a bullet or a bridge that takes a life. Sometimes, it's silence. It’s the unseen weight of despair, guilt, and shame that burrows deep within, eroding the will to live. This is what many mental health professionals refer to as mental suicide —a psychological state where a person emotionally and cognitively detaches from life, even if they remain physically alive. Who Was Joseph Grant? Joseph Grant, once a promising entrepreneur, took out a bank loan to expand his small business. He had dreams of stability, independence, and providing for his family. But Grant developed a compulsive gambling habit—what started as stress relief turned into a destructive addiction. Within months, he had not only lost the bank's money but also his confidence, credibility, and mental composure. His story is not about a man who took his own life in a dramatic, final act. Instead, Joseph disappeared into what many close to him call...

In the journey of life, disappointment is often seen as a common detour—something everyone experiences at one point or another. But for some, disappointment becomes more than a momentary setback. It becomes a mental health crisis. This was the case for Basola , a young graduate from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), who almost lost his life—not to illness or an accident, but to hopelessness. After completing his studies, Basola looked forward to serving his country through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) —a step that would validate years of sacrifice and open doors to future opportunities. But when the mobilization list was released, his name was missing. The reason? An unresolved issue with his Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) entrance details. A technicality. A bureaucratic snag. Something that could have been resolved early on, had the system worked efficiently. For Basola, it felt like everything had fallen apart. After four years of s...

In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, patience can feel like a lost virtue. We expect instant results, from food delivery to emotional healing. But beneath the cultural push for urgency lies a powerful truth: patience isn’t just a personality trait—it’s a tool for better mental health. What Is Patience, Really? Patience is the ability to stay calm and composed in the face of frustration, delay, or adversity. It’s not passivity. It’s active self-regulation—choosing to pause, breathe, and proceed thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. This ability isn’t only helpful in traffic jams or long queues; it’s deeply tied to how we handle stress, setbacks, and even our own emotional states. How Patience Enhances Mental Health 1. Reduces Chronic Stress Impatience activates the body’s stress response, increasing cortisol levels and contributing to anxiety, irritability, and even burnout. Patience, on the other hand, helps deactivate that fight-or-flight mechanism, fostering a c...