Approaches to Prevention and Treatment

Approaches to Prevention and Treatment

Prevention and treatment of disease in the Middle Ages was based on rational and religious methods as well as traditional remedies.

Rational treatments in connection with the Four Humours

Bloodletting was the most common treatment for an imbalance of humors. It was either done by cutting a vein, using leeches or by cupping. Different points in the body were used for different illnesses. Occasionally bloodletting was performed by physicians, but usually, it was done by barber surgeons or non-medical persons.

Purging was another…