What is the oldest method of treating diseases?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Sticking pointy objects into people.

rogue · Answer

In ancient times, humans didn't regard death and disease as natural phenomena.  Common maladies like colds or constipation were accepted as a part of existence and were treated with herbal remedies.  However, diseases were thought to be due to witchcraft and magic.  A prehistoric treatment for diseases was the practice of trepanning  (making a 2.5-5 cm hole in the patient's skull).  Trepanning was believed to be pushing the "evil" or demons out of the patient's body.

In addition to trepanning, some say that acupuncture was the oldest method of treating disease. Early Chinese medicine focused around the concept of Yin-Yang. Acupuncture was popular as people thought the points at which they inserted the needles affected a person’s balance and health.

kayne · Answer

@Blaze, here's an interesting paper about how the old civilizations used to use plants to treat diseases: http://tdl.libra.titech.ac.jp/z3950/eespdf/00319422/V0056I03/00006246/00006246.pdf

anonymous · Answer

Thanks to both of you especially @Kayne

kayne · Answer

You're welcome @Blaze :)