Illnesses have been around for as long as human beings have existed. In ancient times, people had to rely on different methods for treating illnesses.
Interestingly, the methods and techniques used for healing varied from one civilization to another. Let’s take a closer look at who treated illnesses in the ancient times.
Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, priests were often responsible for treating illnesses. They believed that illnesses were caused by evil spirits or demons, and so they would perform rituals to ward off these spirits. Priests also had basic medical knowledge and would use herbs, oils and other natural remedies to treat common ailments.
Ancient Greece
In ancient Greece, physicians were highly respected members of society. Hippocrates is considered the father of modern medicine and is credited with developing the Hippocratic Oath that doctors still take today. Physicians in ancient Greece believed that illness was caused by natural causes rather than supernatural ones.
Ancient Rome
In ancient Rome, medicine was heavily influenced by Greek medicine. Physicians in Rome were often slaves or freedmen who had been trained in Greek medicine. The most famous physician of ancient Rome was Galen, who wrote extensively on anatomy and physiology.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced for over 2,000 years and is still widely used today. TCM includes a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage and dietary therapy. TCM practitioners believe that illness is caused by an imbalance of energy within the body.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine originated in India over 5,000 years ago and is one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world. Ayurveda emphasizes balance within the body through proper diet, exercise and lifestyle practices. Ayurvedic practitioners use herbs, massage and other natural remedies to treat illnesses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, in ancient times, people had to rely on different methods for treating illnesses depending on where they lived and what their beliefs were. From priests in Ancient Egypt to physicians in Ancient Greece and Rome, to TCM and Ayurveda, the methods of healing varied greatly. However, one thing that remains constant is the desire for good health and well-being.