Crisis Hippocrates

illustration of hippocratic bench, date unknown

hippocratic medicine humble , passive. therapeutic approach based on healing power of nature ( vis medicatrix naturae in latin). according doctrine, body contains within power re-balance 4 humours , heal (physis). hippocratic therapy focused on easing natural process. end, hippocrates believed rest , immobilization [were] of capital importance. in general, hippocratic medicine kind patient; treatment gentle, , emphasized keeping patient clean , sterile. example, clean water or wine ever used on wounds, though dry treatment preferable. soothing balms employed.

hippocrates reluctant administer drugs , engage in specialized treatment might prove wrongly chosen; generalized therapy followed generalized diagnosis. generalized treatments prescribed include fasting , consumption of apple cider vinegar. hippocrates once said eat when sick, feed sickness. however, potent drugs used on occasions. passive approach successful in treating relatively simple ailments such broken bones required traction stretch skeletal system , relieve pressure on injured area. hippocratic bench , other devices used end.

one of strengths of hippocratic medicine emphasis on prognosis. @ hippocrates time, medicinal therapy quite immature, , best thing physicians evaluate illness , predict progression based upon data collected in detailed case histories.