History of Wound Care, Part 5. "Ancient Chinas"

China has a fascinating history of wound care that extends back to ancient times. Herbal medications and wound dressings were the backbone of ancient Chinese medicine. They were used to treat everything from minor cuts to life-threatening illnesses from the time of the Shang Dynasty (17th century BCE to the 10th century BCE). They have devised new ways to help people recover from surgery, like combining acupuncture with other parts of traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese surgeons could treat wounds quickly and accurately by using these methods. China has a long history of dressing wounds that stretches back centuries. Manuscripts from the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), like the "Huangdi Neijing," mention the use of cotton and silk to treat scabies and fractures, among other skin ailments and injuries. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which says that the body should be kept in harmony, Chinese herbal medicines and cloths were often used as bandages to treat wounds and improve healing.

The Chinese culture places a high value on clothing for its multiple functions, which has significantly affected how they treat wounds. Since ancient times, Chinese medicine has focused on taking care of wounds on the outside of the body. Compresses, poultices, bandages, and dressings are often used. Some Chinese bandages, for example, could cover and protect wounds, close wounds, soak up wound fluids, and speed up the healing process, among other things. By adopting traditional clothes as a source of clean and protective wound dressings, the Chinese could keep wounds cleansed, offer proper protection, and foster a sense of comfort and recovery.

As a culture, Ancient Greece contributed to the development of Western medicine. One of the most critical changes in medical history is how wounds were treated during this time. Using treatments such as mud, wine, honey, and cult herbs, Athenian doctors aimed to keep patients' wounds safe and encourage proper healing. In several surgeries, they used hot iron blades to seal wounds and cut away dead tissue. The ancient Greeks are known for their contributions to medicine and wound care.



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