HX25 Sacred skin: the Aztec and Mayan approach to healing

Abstract This insight delves into the natural healing practices of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, focusing on their remedies for skin conditions. Both cultures demonstrated an extensive knowledge of herbal medicine and attributed skin diseases to supernatural forces. The Aztecs believed that rashes and skin eruptions were linked to Xipe Totec, the flayed god of renewal and transformation, whose image of shedding old skin symbolized regeneration. Understanding the cause of a disease was crucial for identifying which deity needed to be honoured in order to receive healing. Similarly, the Mayans integrated spirituality into their medical practices, often combining herbal treatments with ritualistic ceremonies to restore balance between body and spirit. To investigate these healing methods, historical texts and previous research in medical journals have been analysed to identify the natural ingredients and techniques used in ancient Mesoamerican dermatology. The Aztecs treated skin diseases with various plant-based remedies, such as aloe vera for burns and wounds, honey for infections and the bark of the Mimosa tenuiflora tree (tepezcohuite) for its regenerative properties. Herbal baths infused with marigold and copal resin were believed to cleanse the skin and ward off disease. Additionally, pulque, a fermented agave beverage, was sometimes applied to wounds for its antibacterial effects. The Aztec medicinal approach also included prayers and offerings to Xipe Totec, seeking renewal and relief from dermatological conditions. The Mayans, known for their advanced knowledge of botany, employed similar treatments for skin diseases. They used cacao butter for hydration, chaya leaves for inflammation, and achiote seeds to protect against sunburn and irritation. Honey was a staple in Mayan medicine due to its antimicrobial properties. Mayan healers often conducted rituals alongside these remedies, believing that spiritual forces influenced the success of the treatment. Their holistic approach emphasized the connection between physical and spiritual wellbeing, mirroring the beliefs of the Aztecs. The sophisticated medical knowledge of the Aztecs and Mayans was ahead of its time. Their traditional healing practices demonstrate how natural remedies were integrated with religious beliefs. Many of these treatments, such as the use of aloe vera, remain relevant in modern dermatology. By examining these ancient practices, we gain insight into their legacy and contributions to contemporary skin health.