PERIOD : Pro-Hippocratic Medicine (Mythological 3.000 b.C., Homeric – Asclepian 1.300 b.C.- 500 b.C.) Beginning and evolution of the MEDICINAL ART

Α. OLYMPIAN “DIVINE WORK” MEDICINE APOLLO (Sun – Olympian God)

PAEEON As healer of Ares (god of war) and Ades (wound from Amphitryon – Aristolochia)

«…τω δε επί Παιήων οδυνήφατα τα φάρμακα πασών ηκέσατ’..» (ακέω/θεραπεύω) Ιλιάς Ε, 402.

MYTHO-DIVINE PLANTS

1. Aristolochia sp Pharmaceutical (toxic), haemostatic. Therapy for injuries and snake bites [Theophrastus].

2. Paeonia Mascula T he name comes after the healer Paeona, trainee of Asclepius (identification with God Apollo). Haemostatic, odenefaton (pain reducer) [Homer]. Therapy for epilepsy [Galen].

Β. MYTHICAL “CHIRONIAN” MEDICINAL ART

CENTAUR CHIRON

-Divine offspring: Titan Cronus + Oceanis Nymph Philyra. Symbol of pro-Olympian wisdom.

-Mythological “hybrid archetype” of self-awareness (consciousness over irrational mind).

-Teacher: Apollonian Arts = Music, Poetry, Healing, Clairvoyance, Archery, Horse riding.

-Training: HEROES (Hercules, Jason, Achilles, Patroklos, Theseus, Machaon).

-“As wounded healer” (by Hercules’ poisoned arrow).

-Investigates the Phytotherapy : Pelion mountain (Magnesia), seeking his own therapy too.

-Successor of “Chironian” Medicine is Asclepius, saved by his “spiritual” Father (God Apollo) [Coronis myth].

“Homonym” medicinal herbs

1. Centaurium erythrea Chironias, the “medicinal” herb of his wound. Theriakon (snake bites and other) [Theophrastus].

2. Opopanax chironium (Chironion panakes). Helianthemon [Theophrastus]. Helianthemon [Theophrastus] One of the 4 “panakes” types : a. Asclepius’ p., b. Herakleon p., c. Syriakon p. “Anti-iovolikon”. therapy for injuries. Komeoretine (meraepseke).

3. Asclepias tuberosa “ suits malignant tumor in breast and uterus” [Dioscorides, Galen]. Therapy for influenza, pneumonia.

C. SACRED “ASCLEPIAN” MEDICINE

ASCLEPIUS: “Ο ποιών ήπια τα ασκελή νοσήματα.”

HERBAL MEDICINE the “incessant” medicinal art.

ASCLEPIUS: Collection and ointments of herbs : Kerketion mountain (Trikki).

385 SANCTUARIES OF ASCLEPIUS (ASCLEPEION) (Apollonian worship – Therapeutic Centers and “plagues”). Those of major importance:

  • TRIKKI “the most ancient” [Stravon],
  • EPIDAURUS “the most notable” (Asclepius’ grave),
  • KOS “the most famous” medically [Hippocrates],
  • PERGAMON [Galen],
  • TARSOS [Dioscorides].

EPIGRAMS: CURES (miracles): blind and paralysed people, infertile women, resurrections [Hippolytos and others].

DISEASES: “dyskrasika”, “fthisika”, dermatological, psycho-neurological etc.

RITUAL THERAPY

A PHASE: PRO-THERAPY: hydro cleansing, rubs, exercise and treatments in nature, reading in the library, participation in musical competitions, entertainment (theater). HERBS e.g. thredax (lettuce) (dietary – calming), glechon (laxative). IAMA – APELLAS : dill with oil used for headache.

B PHASE : PRO-INCUBATION (NOMIZOMENA – PROENKEMESIS) a. depressants, b. fumigations / aromatic (scents), c. anesthetics (Hellebore), d. sleep-inducing means (Papaver Somniferum).

C PHASE: INCUBATION (ENKEMESIS) – ASCLEPIAN epiphany in dreaming state (AVATON) – HOLISTIC THERAPY (spirit, soul, body).

Diligence & Translation: Marina Christi, Holistic healer / English Teacher.