Hippocrates had many important ideas and theories, like the theory of the four humours, which was the idea that the body is made up of four liquids known as humours. These four humours are- Phlegm Blood Yellow Bile Black Bile If these humours stayed in balance than a person would stay healthy, but if they became unbalanced then a person would become ill. This theory developed from the theory of the four elements, which was also linked with the four seasons.
Hippocrates carefully observed his patients to see which humour was out of balance, which led to the illness. He noticed that when somebody was ill there was usually a liquid coming out, like phlegm or vomit. Also to find the cause of the illness he would observe the urine, the faeces, feel the temperature, listen to the breathing and ask the patient questions. He encouraged people to look for natural treatments for illnesses rather than going to the gods for help.
His name was associated with the Hippocratic Oath which was an oath taken by physicians entering the practice of medicine. The oath was ascribed to Hippocrates, but modern research has shown that it originated in a Pythagorean sect in the 4th century BC. Many current medical schools require an improved and updated version of the oath as a declaration to which their graduating classes agree. Here is part of the Hippocratic Oath, “I will swear by Apollo, Asclepius and by all the gods that I will carry out this oath. I will use treatment to help the sick according to my ability and judgment but never with a view to injury or wrongdoing. I will not give poison to anybody … whatever I see or hear professionally or in my private life which ought not to be told I will keep secret.”
Hippocrates told his patients to have a good diet, if they were ill then to change their diet and have plenty of rest, then when they were stronger to do some regular exercise.
He believed that diseases were not sent by god, but there was a natural solution for each illness, so they could b treated without the use of any magic. Though he also knew that there were some illnesses he could not cure, in these cases he could not see anything wrong with visiting an Asclepion.
Hippocrates was very important in the history of medicine because even though his theory of the four humours was wrong it lead everyone to do everything in moderation, they made sure they did not eat too much or exercise too much, so he did help everyone keep healthy. Also instead of blaming diseases on the gods, more and more doctors tried to find other natural causes, they tried to explain each illness rationally and eventually found cures. Doctors continued to use Hippocrates’ theories for over 2000 years.