A video shared by Reuters has drawn global attention to a centuries-old traditional practice still in use across parts of rural Nigeria, where some communities rely on so-called “healing tattoos” a form of therapeutic skin scarring infused with ink made from local herbs to treat a range of ailments.
The footage shows practitioners deliberately scarring the skin and rubbing herbal mixtures into the wounds, a method believers say helps relieve pain, cure illnesses, and restore balance in the body. Supporters of the practice argue that it is rooted in ancestral knowledge passed down through generations and remains an accessible form of healthcare in areas with limited medical facilities.
Residents featured in the report insist they have experienced tangible health improvements, citing relief from chronic pain, infections, and other conditions. For many, the practice is not only medicinal but also cultural, reinforcing identity, spirituality, and trust in indigenous healing systems.
However, medical professionals and public health experts have expressed concern, warning that the practice carries risks, including infections, scarring complications, and the potential spread of blood-borne diseases if done without proper hygiene. They stress that there is no scientific evidence to support the claimed health benefits and urge greater access to modern healthcare services in underserved communities.
The Reuters report has reignited debate over the coexistence of traditional medicine and modern healthcare in Africa, highlighting the challenges faced by rural populations where hospitals, trained doctors, and essential drugs remain scarce.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with healthcare access gaps, the renewed spotlight on healing tattoos underscores a broader conversation about how cultural practices, belief systems, and public health policy intersect in communities navigating survival with limited options.
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