Mersin Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Lokman Hekim Tıp Tarihi ve Folklorik Tıp Dergisi

Öz

In ancient civilizations, “medicine” was considered an occupation which requires certain skills and is respectable. When “medical” activities in ancient civilizations are examined from a broader perspective sense, the following conclusions can be reached: there was a hierarchy among doctors; most of them were males although a few females were also practicing medical treatments and examinations; and they were paid according to the quality of the service they provided and their hierarchical status. While treating the patients in ancient civilizations, a comprehensive and holistic approach was used. Scientific treatments were applied to those who did not prefer certain rituals, spells and magic to recover from their illnesses. Treatments of psychological problems involved mainly magic, spells and treatment-specific rituals. However; most of the treatments were successful only through the application of both types of treatment, and when “belief” is used to support these treatment methods. The first healers in the history were clergymen who mainly used psychotherapy method for treatment purposes. Although there is a fine line that distinguishes doctors from clergymen, they have collaborated to treat patients from time to time in the history. Patients also agreed to accept these practices applied for diagnosis purposes before the treatment. Even they prayed and took part in religious rituals by following their leaders. When this situation is considered, it is possible to find evidence showing that the patients of ancient times were treated by applying a holistic treatment approach. Holistic nursing philosophy mainly focuses on individuality, which suggests that there is a firm relationship between body, mind and spirit. It also emphasizes that each dimension of individuals is unique but at the same time related to each other. While integrity value is considered to be significant for personal development and health in today’s world, healing and treating through a holistic approach dates back to Hippocrates, the founder of medicine. In addition, it suggests that not only physical problems, in which holistic approach to individual is important, but also diseases should be examined with regards to their effects on our psychology. The aphorism stating “it is more important to know what kind of person is ill rather than what kind of disease an individual has” is a clear explanation for holistic approach. Highly respected and valued in ancient civilizations and defined as spiritual nursing / approach in today’s world, the fact that healers, prayers and beliefs have been involved in treatment processes according to the needs of the individuals are crucial in medicinal practices. Einstein states: “dealing with integrity requires that the question should be focused on with respect to the system. However; it is possible to perceive life and other connections to it with this approach, which might be considered as “being healed”