Treating Disease Flashcards
What was one of the major treatments?
One major treatment was prayer. This was because it was believed that the cause of disease was punishment for sinning. Therefore, people believed if they repented, they would learn from their sins and be healed by God.
What were flagellants?
Flagellants were people who whipped themselves in public in order to display their repentance in front of God.
Outline three popular treatments.
Bloodletting - if someone was thought to have too much blood in them they would be cured through the removal of blood.
Herbal Remedies - monks and healers would use herbs and spices to cure illnesses.
Purging - this was the practice of removing fluid from the body to help balance out the four humours.
What was a physician?
A physician was a male doctor who trained at university for 7+ years. They read texts as well as writings from the Islamic world but their role contained very little practical work.
What was the role of a barber surgeon?
Barber surgeons would do bloodletting, cupping, amputation and pulling teeth.
What was the main purpose of hospitals?
The main purpose of hospitals was not to treat disease but to care for the sick and elderly.
Who worked in hospitals?
Monks and nuns.
