Anthropogenic illness and harmony in nature: Redefining health in modern Vietnam

Abstract

The Vietnamese public increasingly attribute the rise in cancer and chronic diseases to factors such as environmental pollution, food safety issues and contemporary lifestyles. This article examines these perceptions through interviews with individuals living with chronic conditions, their caregivers, and adherents of a macrobiotic diet − an alternative health approach. The study reveals a prevailing belief that illnesses manifest anthropogenic impacts within the human body, signifying the detrimental effects of human-induced environmental changes. The advocated solution, encapsulated in the macrobiotic diet, is viewed as a ‘return’ to more natural living. This approach is not merely dietary but also symbolizes a broader philosophical shift towards ‘de-anthropogenizing’ – a concerted effort to cleanse the body of environmental impurities caused by human actions. The macrobiotic practice, therefore, represents more than a health strategy; it embodies a profound desire to realign human activities with natural processes. This study underscores an emergent narrative in Vietnam where health recovery and environmental stewardship converge, advocating for a respectful, harmonious coexistence with nature. The findings highlight the complex interplay between public health, environmental consciousness and the search for alternative solutions in the face of mounting concerns over the impact of modernization on individual and collective well-being.