Ancient medical understanding was dominated by the Hippocrates theory of disease and the concept of the 4 humors of Hippocrates, which persisted through medieval times.
The foundation of early medicine rested on Hippocrates' contribution to medicine, which introduced the idea that diseases had natural rather than supernatural causes. His most enduring legacy was the Hippocratic Oath, which established ethical principles for medical practice that are still relevant today. The Humoral theory proposed that the human body contained four key substances: blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile humor. These humors were thought to influence both physical health and personality traits, leading to the development of the Hippocrates and Galen personality theory.
During the Medieval period, Medieval treatments combined this humoral understanding with both natural and supernatural approaches. While Medieval supernatural medical treatments often involved prayers, charms, and religious ceremonies, physicians also attempted to restore health by balancing the four humors through bloodletting, purging, and dietary changes. The Four humours theory in medieval medicine remained influential until the Renaissance, when anatomical discoveries began to challenge these ancient ideas. Medieval Medicine GCSE studies highlight how this theory influenced medical practice for over 2000 years, though it was eventually proven wrong through scientific advancement. The theory's influence extended into the Renaissance, where Renaissance medicine treatments still incorporated aspects of humoral balance while gradually embracing new scientific understanding. This transition marked a crucial shift from medieval to modern medical practices, though some aspects of the four humors theory persisted well into the 18th century. Understanding how to balance the four Humours was considered essential medical knowledge, with specific treatments prescribed based on which humor was believed to be in excess or deficit.
