History of nursing/Antiquity

In the third millennium BC, the first state body with a developed culture began to be created even on the territory of China in the basin of the Chuang-che River. The influence of cultism did not play a significant role, so it did not greatly affect the care of the sick in ancient China. This was based on "natural healing" and the use of medicinal plants. Anatomical findings were quite poor, autopsies were not performed. Priests were called to treat and heal the sick, because only they know the mysterious wishes of the gods and are mediators between them and man.

The Chinese recognized two principles: Diseases arise when these two principles are in disharmony. When the yang took over, the disease arose to take over the functions of the organs. Due to the predominance of "yin", the disease arises from the reduced function of the body's organs. The treatment was also based on this - fever was treated by cooling.
 * yin, feminine principle - death, darkness, weakness, cold, softness
 * 'yang, male principle - life, sun, sky, light, strength, heat, hardness

A peculiar investigation method was 'pulse palpation. The Chinese knew and recognized more than 150 types of pulse, each specific to certain diseases. The tongue and all the body openings (mouth, nose, ears) were also important for the diagnosis.

Caring for the sick consists in administration
 * herbal medicines' – laxatives, emetics …
 * mineral medicines' - arsenic, iron ...

A special method was acupuncture, i.e. sticking needles into vital points of the body. There were 360 of them. After the injection into the points, the defect in the flow of energy through the body was supposed to be removed. 'Moxa (moxibustion) is the burning of the patient's body with burning twigs of medicinal plants and herbs. The 'first prophylactic intervention was introduced - rubbing powder from smallpox scabs into the noses of healthy children.

Strict hygiene rules in ancient China were based on the fact that disease enters the body through the mouth. The rules imposed regularity in work, rest, sleep, food. In all moderation was recommended. According to the opinions of this time, a person was responsible for his health not only to himself, but also to the whole society.

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