Medical science has progressed a lot in the world today. But whenever a symbol is used for medical science, the symbol of a snake wrapped around a stick is used. Now the question is why is a snake wrapped symbol used for medical science and what is its connection with the snake. Today we will tell you where and how the symbol of a stick with a snake came from for medical.
Medical Science
Medical science has progressed a lot in the last two decades all over the world. Today, medicines and vaccines for diseases like major surgeries and corona virus are available in the market all over the world. All this has been possible only because of medical science. But whenever you go to any medical center, you get to see a symbol associated with snake and stick there. Not only this, you get to see the same symbol even on doctor’s prescriptions, ambulances, pharmaceutical companies and employees’ uniforms. It is also seen in the logo of the World Health Organization (WHO). But do you know where it came from and what is the connection of snakes with medical science?
Snake
Snake is considered to be the most dangerous and poisonous animal in the world. Some snakes are so dangerous that if a person does not get timely treatment after their bite, then the person can die. But in the medical symbol, two snakes are wrapped on both sides of a stick and there is a wing on top. According to the information, the symbol showing a snake wrapped around a stick has come from Asclepius, the ancient Greek god of medicine and treatment. It is called the Aesculapian rod.
According to Greek myth, he could heal the seriously ill and even bring the dead back to life. It is believed that Asclepius had a deep connection with snakes. That is why they became his universal symbol. Ancient Greeks believed that snakes were sacred creatures with healing powers. This was because their venom had healing powers. While their ability to shed their skin seemed like an act of regeneration, rebirth and renewal. Hence the snake was called the god of healing.
Treatment method learned from snakes
According to Greek mythology, Asclepius learned some of his healing powers from snakes. According to one story, he deliberately killed a snake, after which he wanted to see how another snake revives it using herbs. From this, Asclepius learned how dead people can be brought back to life. According to another story, Asclepius was successful in saving the life of a snake. After this, the snake quietly whispered in Asclepius’ ear and told him its healing secrets. The Greeks also believed that Asclepius had the ability to heal people from deadly snakebites. There were lots of snakes in ancient Greece, so this skill came in handy.
