6 UNUSUAL  MEDICAL PRACTICES IN THE PAST #MedicalOddities #HistoricalHealthQuirks
Channel: HEALTHY SCRIPT
Date: 22/01/2024

Bloodletting:

Practiced for centuries, bloodletting involved deliberately draining blood from a patient, often using leeches or lancets. It was believed to balance the body's humors and treat various ailments.
Trepanation:

Trepanning involved drilling or scraping a hole into the skull, sometimes without anesthesia. This practice was believed to release evil spirits or alleviate pressure in the head, treating conditions like migraines or mental illnesses.
Mummy Powder:

During the Renaissance, powdered mummies were considered a potent remedy. The belief was that the ancient Egyptian remains held medicinal properties and could be ingested to treat various ailments.
Urine as Diagnostic Tool:

In ancient Rome, physicians would analyze a patient's urine to diagnose illnesses. This practice, known as uroscopy, involved examining the color, smell, and taste of urine to determine the patient's health.
Lobotomy:

In the 20th century, lobotomies were performed to treat mental illnesses. The procedure involved severing connections in the brain's prefrontal cortex, often resulting in personality changes and severe cognitive impairment.
Mercury Treatments:

Mercury, a toxic substance, was once used as a treatment for various conditions, including syphilis. Patients were subjected to mercury-containing ointments, injections, or vapor baths, leading to serious health complications.
Electric Shock Therapy:

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) involved passing electric currents through the brain to induce controlled seizures. Initially used for psychiatric disorders, its application was often excessive and without proper understanding of its long-term effects.