10 Outdated and Bizarre Medical Treatments Still in Use Today
Medical treatments have come a long way over the years with advancements in technology and research leading to cures and treatments for illnesses that were once considered incurable. However, despite these advancements, there are still some medical treatments that seem outdated and bizarre in the modern world. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 medical treatments that you won’t believe are still used today.
10. Leech Therapy
One of the most bizarre and ancient medical treatments still in use today is leech therapy. Some parts of the world still use leeches to treat various ailments by placing them on the affected area to suck out blood and remove toxins from the body. Despite its popularity for centuries, there is little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness.[10]
9. Trepanation
Trepanation is an ancient medical practice that involves drilling a hole in the skull to treat a variety of conditions like migraines, epilepsy, and mental illness. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians used this practice, and it dates back to the Neolithic era. Although it is rare today, some people still believe in its therapeutic benefits. [9]
8. Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) involves passing an electric current through the brain to induce a seizure. ECT was once a popular treatment for mental illness but fell out of favor due to potential side effects like memory loss. Despite this, ECT is still used today for severe cases of depression and other mental illnesses. [8]
7. Bloodletting
Bloodletting is a medical practice that involves withdrawing blood from a patient to cure various illnesses. This ancient practice dates back to ancient Greece and was also popular in medieval Europe. Although it is rarely used today, some practitioners still believe in its therapeutic benefits.[7]
6. Cupping
Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create a suction effect. The cups can be made of glass, bamboo, or silicone, and they are often heated before being applied to the skin. While cupping is often used as a form of alternative therapy, there is little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. [6]
5. Urine Therapy
Urine therapy involves using urine to treat a variety of ailments. Although it has been used in many cultures throughout history, there is little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. Urine therapy can also be dangerous, as urine contains waste products and toxins that can be harmful to the body.[5]
4. Mercury Therapy
Mercury therapy involves using mercury to treat a variety of ailments, including syphilis, tuberculosis, and even mental illness. While it was once a popular treatment, it fell out of favor due to its toxicity and potential for causing serious side effects. [4]
3. Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat various ailments, but many of them are unproven and potentially dangerous. Some herbal remedies can interact with prescription medications, and others can cause serious side effects.[3]
2. Faith Healing
Faith healing involves using prayer and religious rituals to cure various ailments. While it is often used as a form of alternative therapy, there is little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. [2]
1. Shock Therapy
Shock therapy involves inducing a state of shock in the body to treat various conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Although it is still used today, it is often considered a last resort due to its potential for causing serious side effects.[1]
While some of these medical treatments may seem bizarre and outdated, it’s essential to remember that they were once considered cutting-edge and revolutionary. As medical technology continues to evolve, we will undoubtedly see more treatments come and go. It’s up to us to stay informed and make informed decisions about our health and well-being.
