Best quote from Why We Lost Our Ancestral Health Knowledge
We’ve gone from an autonomous member of a community to a consumer in a system, trading our ancestral autonomy for a subscription model of health.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
In my view community knowledge through generations is more beneficial than the modern knowledge which is commodified. As individualism becomes higher we will lose all those knowledge and rely solely on the new knowledge which would eventually benefits capitalists. For example anyone getting sick can no longer be treated at home because we lost all that old knowledge. The new knowledge has a lot of disadvantages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Epistemicide refers to the systematic destruction of a group’s knowledge system. In the context of healthcare, this occurred as Western biomedicine was used as a tool of colonial power to dismiss traditional healing as "primitive" or "unscientific." By convincing populations that their ancestral wisdom was invalid, the modern system created a manufactured dependency where people transitioned from autonomous community members to consumers in a commodified market.
The loss of traditional knowledge carries a measurable "health tax." Research on the Tsimane’ people in the Amazon showed that children with "plant-savvy" mothers were significantly healthier, with fewer infections and better growth. Conversely, children of parents who had lost this traditional data showed higher levels of C-reactive protein, a biological marker for frequent stress and infection. This suggests that ancestral knowledge acts as a biological buffer and a form of community-owned insurance against illness.
Decolonizing healthcare involves moving toward a "pluriversal" model where different ways of knowing coexist without one being superior to the other. It involves reclaiming "health sovereignty" by valuing lived experience and community wisdom alongside modern science. Practical steps include documenting family remedies, fostering "intercultural dialogue" with healthcare providers, and recognizing that Western medicine is excellent for acute care while traditional systems often excel at holistic wellness and community resilience.
Cameroon recently enacted Law No. 2024/018, which officially recognizes traditional medicine as a legitimate part of the national healthcare system, allowing healers and doctors to collaborate. In India, traditional healers often serve as the "first point of contact" and "escorting agents," helping patients navigate the intimidating bureaucracy of modern hospitals. These models move away from the "individualism trap" by centering health as a relational, community-based practice rather than a private, anonymous transaction.
Discover more
Modern lifestyle harms health
Modern lifestyle harms health
Our bodies evolved over millennia for environments vastly different from today's world of processed foods, sedentary habits, and constant digital stimulation. This learning plan helps anyone feeling disconnected, exhausted, or unhealthy understand the root causes of modern health challenges and implement practical solutions.
Adopt modern health improvement strategies
Adopt modern health improvement strategies
Modern health science has evolved dramatically, yet most people still rely on outdated advice or trendy fads that don't deliver lasting results. This learning plan is ideal for anyone who wants to cut through the noise and build a personalized, evidence-based approach to health—whether you're looking to optimize your current routines, prevent future health issues, or simply gain the knowledge to make informed decisions about your wellbeing for the long term.
Health
Health
This learning plan provides a holistic approach to health that goes beyond quick fixes, offering science-backed strategies for sustainable wellbeing. Ideal for anyone looking to take control of their health journey, whether they're beginners seeking foundational knowledge or individuals wanting to optimize their existing wellness practices.
Explore Health, Culture, Habits & Psychology
Explore Health, Culture, Habits & Psychology
This plan bridges the gap between biological foundations and practical lifestyle design to help you regain control over your choices. It is ideal for anyone seeking to understand the 'why' behind their actions while building science-backed habits for long-term wellness.
Women's wellness channel
Women's wellness channel
This learning plan is designed for women who want to take control of their health and wellbeing through evidence-based knowledge rather than conflicting advice. Whether you're struggling with hormonal imbalances, feeling disconnected from your body, or ready to step into a more confident version of yourself, this comprehensive approach addresses the interconnected aspects of women's wellness that are often overlooked in traditional health education.
Health Dos & Don'ts: Causes and Effects
Health Dos & Don'ts: Causes and Effects
In an era of health misinformation, understanding the biological foundations of wellness is essential for longevity. This plan is designed for individuals seeking to transition from health trends to evidence-based lifestyle choices that prevent disease and optimize daily performance.
How to get a healthy life
How to get a healthy life
Living a healthy life requires more than willpower—it demands understanding the science behind what makes habits stick and how our bodies truly thrive. This learning plan is ideal for anyone seeking to move beyond quick fixes and temporary diets to build a sustainable, evidence-based approach to wellbeing that lasts a lifetime.
Study Wellness, Mind, Body & History
Study Wellness, Mind, Body & History
This learning plan provides a comprehensive bridge between historical healing traditions and modern health science. It is ideal for individuals seeking a holistic approach to wellness that integrates mental clarity, physical vitality, and emotional resilience.
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
