Traditional Medicine: History and Practices Across Cultures

Types of Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicine refers to the practices of healers and magicians, often intertwined with religious manifestations and magical thinking. These individuals were among the first independent artisans, holding privileged positions in early social organizations. Traditional medicine predates scientific medical knowledge and was often practiced by lower social classes, a form known as traditional folk medicine, passed down through oral tradition.

General Historical Background

Early medicine relied on primitive religious and magical practices, such as using plants and roots to cure diseases. This "archaic" medicine was generally practiced by priests, sorcerers, and healers. One notable surgical procedure was trepanation, which involved piercing the skull. Imhotep is a significant figure in the annals of medicine, later revered as the god of medicine. The Code of Hammurabi, from the King of Babylon, includes a scale of fees and penalties for medical practitioners. The Mosaic Law is considered the first health code. In India, the sacred Vedas reveal aspects of religious magic and list plants used for various ailments.

In Greece, the art of healing was taught by priests, sorcerers, and healers. It achieved great development due to the contributions of Hippocrates, who provided practical advice on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. The Hippocratic Oath is another testament to his legacy. The Greek physician Galen held significant prestige and was appointed physician to the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.

Traditional Medicine in Spain

During the conquest and colonization, Spanish medicine was rooted in classical Greco-Roman medical knowledge, influenced by the Arabs who dominated Egypt and Alexandria. Poultices were commonly used to relieve headaches and muscle pain.

Traditional Medicine in America

Aztecs

Among the Aztecs, priests and healers held sacred attributes. Disease was seen as the wrath of the gods, and the medicine man, or Tepationi, possessed knowledge of curative practices, as documented in the Badianus Codex.

Incas

The Incas of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, northern Chile, and Argentina had advanced knowledge of anatomy due to their embalming and mummification practices. They performed surgeries to remove small tumors and practiced widespread bleeding. Garcilaso's writings describe the role of women as midwives and healers. Coca played a significant role in Peruvian culture, used by the Incas for its stimulant properties. Despite a law issued by Felipe II to prevent its consumption, Peruvians continued to use it.

Traditional Medicine in Guatemala

Several pre-Hispanic sources, including archaeological materials and Mayan codices, shed light on Mayan medicine. The Mayan god of medicine highlights the sacredness of medicine. The Mayan creator of the world, Hunab Ku, was the father of Itzamná, a deity associated with medicine.