Ancient Egyptian Healing and Magic

1. Ancient Egyptian Healing and Magic

2. The definition of Kemetic is Egyptian. Kemetic physicians were the first to use trail and error in creating useful medical treatments. A myth has been told that Egyptians believed in superstitions like the devil or curses were causing sickness and pain, however this is not true. The theories of magical influence on medical needs and healing were not spoken of in the early Kemetic times. This superstition was believed by very few people. The Egyptian physicians were not so ignorant to think magic was the only way to heal, they used other methods, too. The process of tending to the patients in ancient Egyptian history is as follows: A chant would be said over the person, or written on papyri as a magic charm. Evidence of this papyri has been found and proven to have been used with a spell. This would be worn on the neck for protection. This symbolized the magical process, but was not always used when attempting to restore the persons physical condition. Sometimes Egyptians would blame a spirit or dead relative for cursing illness on a person, and would send them a letter requesting them to stop all the cursing. Ancient Kemetic Medicine

3. Theoretically, Egyptians have found surgical methods by performing autopsies. The Edwin Smith Papyrus was also used, and this helped with fixing bones correctly in the case of dislodgment. In some cases, injuries and illnesses were unpreventable and the priests and physicians realized this, the would identify this situation as "An affliction for which nothing can be done". These cases were hard for the Egyptians to cope to, as it would be for doctors in the current time. 58 cases have been recorded of surgical treatment, 16 of these were a failure, and no treatment was attempted. This means 47 cases have been successfully treated by the physicians of the early ancient Egyptian time. The Egyptians also used dentistry back in the ancient times. They drilled a jaw to drain teeth, and used gold wire to keep them straight. Teeth were filled using cement, and disease in the mouth was prevented with antiseptic herbs. Prescriptions were made of natural substances like plants, animals, and minerals. Also, they used various animal droppings for curing illness. Crocodile feces was often used for birth control in the ancient Egyptian times. Different Cures Egyptians Used Included: Aloe Vera- stops headache and skin ulcers Basil- good for the heart Balsam Apple- used as a laxative Bayberry- takes away diarrhea and insect repellent Licorice-soothes the liver Mint- refreshen breathe Onion-causes perspriation and prevent cold Poppy- relieves insomnia

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