By Seed SistA, Kaz
Language is a powerful tool that shapes our beliefs and perceptions. When we consistently use warlike metaphors in medical language to describe illness, we may inadvertently create a mindset that views the body as a hostile environment. This can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and alienation from our own bodies, which can negatively impact healing.
Research has shown that language can affect patient outcomes. A study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine found that patients who were given more holistic, supportive language by their healthcare providers reported better health outcomes than those who were subjected to more clinical, detached communication. This suggests that the words we use to discuss health and illness are not just descriptive—they can also be prescriptive, shaping the way we experience and respond to illness.
Personal Experience
At 27, I was diagnosed with a liver disease called Hepatitis C, and it felt like I was suddenly thrust into a war. The doctors talked about “fighting” the virus, “attacking” it with medication, and having to prepare for the “battle” ahead.
It was overwhelming, as if my body had become a battleground and every part of me was under siege. This language made me feel like I was in conflict, not just with the virus, but with my own body. I began to see my liver, my blood, and even my daily habits as enemies to be controlled or defeated. The stress of this internal warfare took a toll on my mental health, adding anxiety and fear to an already difficult situation.
The aggressive terminology used by healthcare providers mirrored the aggressive treatments they wanted to prescribe, leaving little room for gentleness, compassion or understanding. 
Luckily I was at University studying Herbalism at the time of my diagnosis, surrounded with alternative ideas —those that viewed my body as something to be nurtured, not battled against.
My experience isn’t unique; it can apply to anyone facing any illness or disease. When we frame our health challenges in the language of war, it can lead to a mindset where we see our bodies as adversaries rather than allies. This mentality can make the healing process feel like a relentless struggle, filled with fear and tension. Whether it’s cancer, diabetes, or chronic conditions, like arthritis, the emphasis on “fighting” the illness can create an atmosphere of conflict that drains our emotional and mental reserves.
Shift the Narrative of Medical Language
We can shift the narrative—start thinking of our bodies as partners in healing rather than enemies—we can foster a more compassionate, supportive approach to managing illness. This change in perspective can help us find strength not in combat, but in collaboration, allowing us to work with our bodies and minds towards recovery and well-being.
The language of modern medicine is riddled with military metaphors: we “fight” diseases, our immune systems “battle” infections, and we seek out “magic bullets” in the form of drugs to “target” specific problems, reflecting the mechanistic view of the human body.
Views of medical language from other systems and cultures
In Eastern traditions, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, the body is often seen as a dynamic system of energies that need to be balanced rather than a battlefield.
In TCM, illness is viewed as an imbalance between the opposing forces of yin and yang, or a disruption in the flow of qi (vital energy). The language used to describe treatments in these systems focuses on restoring harmony and ensuring the smooth flow of energy within the body.
Similarly, in Ayurveda, the focus is on balancing the three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—which govern the body’s physiological processes. The language in these traditions tends to be more about nurturing, harmonising, and cleansing, rather than fighting and attacking.
Indigenous cultures’ views of health are deeply intertwined with nature and spirituality. Among many Native American tribes, for instance, health is considered a reflection of balance and harmony within the individual, as well as between the individual and the broader environment, including the community and the natural world.
Illness is not merely a physical ailment but a sign of disharmony that needs to be addressed holistically—through ritual, community support, and connection with nature. The language used in these cultures tends to emphasise interconnectedness and wholeness, with terms that reflect a relationship of care and stewardship rather than conflict.This perspective invites us to reconsider how we speak about and approach health, potentially leading to more compassionate, inclusive, and effective ways of caring for ourselves and others.
The Language of Western Medicine
We are interested in how the language of medicine, rooted in historical developments and influenced by profit-driven policies, has shaped our understanding of health and healing.
By examining the origins of these terms and considering alternative approaches, we can open new ways of thinking about medicine—ways that prioritise a more integrated, whole-person approach to health.
The Historical Roots of Medical Language
The militarisation of medical language is not a recent phenomenon. It has deep historical roots, intertwined with the development of Western medicine. The very word “disease” comes from the Old French desaise, meaning “lack of ease” or “discomfort,” but it has since evolved into something that we actively “combat.”
The shift towards viewing the body as a battleground can be traced back to the mechanistic philosophies of the 17th century, particularly the work of René Descartes. Descartes famously described the body as a machine, an idea that laid the groundwork for modern medicine’s focus on diagnosis and treatment as if repairing a malfunctioning engine. This perspective was reinforced by the scientific advancements of the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly the germ theory of disease, which framed pathogens as invaders to be destroyed.
Germ Theory
Germ theory, which became the cornerstone of modern medicine in the late 19th century thanks to pioneers, like Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch, revolutionised our understanding of disease by identifying microorganisms—germs—as the primary cause of many illnesses. This theory led to incredible advancements in public health, sanitation, and the development of vaccines and antibiotics, all aimed at “fighting” these microscopic invaders. However, this focus on germs as external enemies has also contributed to the militarised language of medicine, reinforcing the idea that the body is constantly under attack.
Terrain Theory
The concept of “terrain theory” offers a different perspective, suggesting that the health of the body’s internal environment—the “terrain”—is what truly determines susceptibility to disease. Proponents of terrain theory, such as Antoine Béchamp, argued that a balanced, healthy body is less likely to be affected by pathogens, emphasising the importance of nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional well-being. While germ theory has driven much of our medical progress, integrating the principles of terrain theory can lead to a more holistic approach, where the focus is on nurturing the body’s natural defences and maintaining overall balance, rather than solely targeting and eliminating external threats.
The Influence of Profit-Driven Policies
The language of war in medicine is not just a matter of metaphor; it reflects deeper systemic issues, particularly the commercialisation of healthcare. In many countries, the healthcare system is profit-driven, with pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers operating within a competitive market. This environment encourages a focus on treatments that can be marketed and sold, often at the expense of preventive care or holistic approaches.
Moving Towards a Wholesome View
We can adopt medical language that reflects cooperation rather than conflict. Instead of “fighting” disease, we might speak of ‘restoring’ balance or ‘supporting’ the body systems, ‘cleaning’ out pathogens.
We can encourage people to view their bodies as resilient and capable of healing, rather than as battlegrounds, empower them and contribute to better health outcomes.
Instead of viewing the body as a battlefield, we could see it as a garden that requires care, nurturing, and periodic restoration to maintain health. Illness, in this metaphor, is like an imbalance in the garden—a patch that needs attention, a weed that needs to be gently removed, or soil that needs replenishing. The focus shifts from fighting to restoring harmony within the body, tending to its needs with the understanding that, like a garden, our bodies are resilient but require mindful care to thrive.
These blog articles are herbal education resources, produced by the Seed Sistas. Gain insights and join us in the evolution of healthcare, please do leave a comment or question. Wellbeing empowerment for all…
Thank you!..It is so revealing to become aware of the commonly dominant language that keeps us entwined within a narrative that deeply mistrusts body and plant wisdom. It reminds us also look at the words we use about other aspects of life, and…the way we talk to ourselves with our inner critic. It’s fascinating.
I remember being taught about Louis Pasteur and germ theory , antibiotics and so forth when at school at 12 years old. I found it interesting, but I was aware even then that this was not the whole story. It seemed all about men thinking they knew it all, developing grand theories which they then applied to everything, forcing everything into one-size-fits-all. I remember the text book, which I found obnoxious and wanted to tear up. That fire is still raging within me.