The evolution of ancient healing practices: From shamanism to Hippocratic medicine: A review.
Medicine (Baltimore) July 1, 2024 Chukwuka Elendu 59 citations
Ancient healing traditions, particularly shamanic and Hippocratic practices, continue to influence modern healthcare by contributing holistic health approaches, diagnostic techniques, and ethical standards. The Hippocratic tradition, with its emphasis on observation and clinical experience, laid the groundwork for Western medicine, while shamanic practices highlight the spiritual and psychological dimensions of healing. Cross-cultural exchanges, such as those along the Silk Road and during the Islamic Golden Age, facilitated the integration of medical knowledge from Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and indigenous systems. Contemporary healthcare is seeing a resurgence of holistic and integrative medicine, validation of herbal remedies, and challenges around cultural appropriation and scientific validation. Integrating ancient wisdom with modern practice promises more inclusive, patient-centered care.