What were the major forms of medicine and healing practices in Ancient Egypt?

In Ancient Egypt, medicine and healing practices were a combination of religious beliefs, magical rituals, and empirical knowledge. The major forms of medicine and healing practices in Ancient Egypt included:

1. Magical and religious rituals: Egyptians believed that diseases were caused by evil spirits or supernatural forces. Therefore, healing involved performing rituals and spells to ward off these spirits and restore balance. Priests and healers would often recite prayers, use amulets, and perform ceremonies to invoke the gods' healing powers.

2. Herbal remedies: Ancient Egyptians extensively used herbal remedies for various ailments. They had a vast knowledge of medicinal plants and their properties. Physicians and healers would prescribe specific herbs, roots, and leaves to treat different illnesses. Some common herbs used included aloe vera, garlic, frankincense, and myrrh.

3. Surgery: Ancient Egyptians had a basic understanding of surgical procedures. They performed surgeries such as setting broken bones, removing tumors, and treating injuries. Surgical tools, such as scalpels, forceps, and probes, were used. However, surgeries were often accompanied by magical rituals to ensure successful outcomes.

4. Diagnosis and prognosis: Ancient Egyptian physicians relied on observation and examination to diagnose illnesses. They would examine the patient's symptoms, pulse, and urine to determine the cause of the disease. Physicians also believed in the concept of prognosis, predicting the outcome of the illness based on their observations.

5. Medical texts: The Ancient Egyptians developed medical texts known as the "Ebers Papyrus" and the "Edwin Smith Papyrus." These texts contained detailed descriptions of various diseases, their symptoms, and recommended treatments. They served as a valuable resource for physicians and healers in diagnosing and treating illnesses.

It is important to note that Ancient Egyptian medicine was deeply intertwined with their religious beliefs and practices. They believed that the gods played a significant role in healing, and therefore, medical treatments often involved a combination of empirical knowledge and spiritual rituals.