Hippocrates is credited with being the first person to believe that diseases were caused naturally, not because of superstition and gods.

Hippocrates separated the discipline of medicine from religion, believing and arguing that disease was not a punishment inflicted by the gods, but rather the product of environmental factors, diet, and living habits.

This of course was met with great resistance in the ancient city of Ephesus. But never the less, our guide told us that many ancient books full of "witchcraft" and folklore were eventually  voluntarily brought to the town square in front of the ancient Ephesus library, and burned as part of the upheaval that transitioned paganism to Christianity and concurrently gave birth to "medicine".

I learned, and finally fully understood, perhaps for the first time, the difference, and thus the controversy between Hippocrates definition and practice of medicine in 400 or so BC, and the medicine that is practiced today, some 2000 years AD. I want to share with you what I learned while standing within the power site of Ephesus.    

Ancient Greek schools of medicine were split (into the Knidian and Koan) on how to deal with disease. The Kniedian School of medicine focused on specific diagnosis, treating one isolated part, (the symptomatic part) of the patient / body only. The Knidian School consequently failed to distinguish when a disease was superseded by other symptoms, therefore often times missing the cause of the illness. The Hippocratic School or Koan School achieved greater success by applying general diagnoses and passive treatments. Its focus was on patient care, prognosis, and prevention, not solely on diagnosis, and thereby could more effectively not only treat disease, but treat the entire patient as a whole, while also allowing for a greater development of clinical practice at a time when clinical practice was previously and pretty much non-existent.

Likely the first medical clinics / doctors offices ever took shape at this time within ancient Ephesus.

Hippocratic medicine and its philosophy are far removed from that of the modern medicine that is widely practiced today. Now most physicians focus solely on specific diagnosis and specialized treatment, both of which were espoused by the Knidian School.

Hippocratic medicine, in its true origin, was the epitome of holistic medicine, focusing on the entire patient.

Hippocratic medicine was humble and passive.

Hippocrates said that "pleasure is the absence of pain". If you have ever suffered pain, you know that truer words have never been spoken.

This gentle therapeutic approach to medicine was based on "the healing power of nature".

According to the Hippocratic doctrines, the body contains within itself the power to re-balance and heal itself.

Hippocratic therapy focused on simply easing this natural process. 

Yet the Hippocratic oath still perseveres, and it is quite beautiful.

The Oath has been modified multiple times, in several different countries. And while there is currently no legal obligation for medical students to swear a version of the Hippocratic oath upon graduating, 98% of American medical students do swear some form of the Hippocratic oath.

I know, I know. This all sounds a bit far-fetched and surreal to you possibly. But I walked every ancient and slippery marble paved road of the ancient city of Ephesus, and I marveled at the evidence that still remains of this ancient time when holistic medicine reigned.

Were humans more civilized then than we are now? Did they just "get it" better back in that ancient time when gods and goddesses still roamed the earth?

The two photos below were taken at the entrance to the ruins of the medical clinics that existed and still partially remain at Ephesus.  Please note that the ancient symbols of medicine that you see in the photos are still in use today!

Ancient Medical Symbols as photographed by  Gayle Stolove of Wholly Macro at the  Ruins of Ephesus - 2013

I urge you to read more on Hippocrates wisdom if you are interested because its power still permeates, and is at the center of the controversy still remaining today between "western" (Knidian) and "alternative" (Koan) medicine.

It is our wish, that within our lifetime, the two schools of thought finally peacefully merge, for the greater good and unity of all humankind.

We base our dietary practice and healing philosophy here at Wholly Macro in no small part on the ancient knowledge and teachings of Hippocrates, and are grateful to him for his wisdom.

We strive, and feel very sure that all of Hippocrates wisdom that has managed to filter into this time and space in history, from his ancient time and space in history is present for all of us to thrive upon.  Enjoy this wisdom presented within our September 4, 2013 menu below.

Gayle and Jaime / Wholly Macro

The Hippocratic Oath - (Very) Ancient Version:

To hold him who has taught me this art as equal to my parents and to live my life in partnership with him, and if he is in need of money to give him a share of mine, and to regard his offspring as equal to my brothers in male lineage and to teach them this art - if they desire to learn it - without fee and covenant; to give a share of precepts and oral instruction and all the other learning to my sons and to the sons of him who has instructed me and to pupils who have signed the covenant and have taken an oath according to the medical law, but to no one else.

I will apply dietetic measures for the benefit of the sick according to my ability and judgment; I will keep them from harm and injustice.

I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody if asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect. Similarly I will not give to a woman an abortive remedy. In purity and holiness I will guard my life and my art.

I will not use the knife, not even on sufferers from stone, but will withdraw in favor of such men as are engaged in this work.

Whatever houses I may visit, I will come for the benefit of the sick, remaining free of all intentional injustice, of all mischief and in particular of sexual relations with both female and male persons, be they free or slaves.

What I may see or hear in the course of the treatment or even outside of the treatment in regard to the life of men, which on no account one must spread abroad, I will keep to myself holding such things shameful to be spoken about.

If I fulfill this path and do not violate it, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and art, being honored with fame among all men for all time to come; if I transgress it and swear falsely, may the opposite of all this be my lot.

The Hippocratic Oath - A Much More Modern Version:

I do solemnly swear by that which I hold most sacred;

That I will be loyal to the profession of medicine

and just for the good of the sick to the utmost of my power.

That I will exercise my art solely for the cure of my patients whatsoever I shall see or hear of the lives of others.

These things I do promise and in proportion as I am faithful to this, my oath, may happiness and good repute be ever mine - the opposite if I shall be forsworn.