15 Weird Medical Practices Around the World

Globally, diverse cultures have unique or peculiar health practices. Though most are replaced by modern medicine, some persist due to tradition or belief.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy, an ancient Chinese alternative medicine technique, uses heated cups to create suction on skin, improving blood flow and healing various ailments.

Leech Therapy

Leech therapy has been used for millennia to treat various illnesses. It's still utilized in modern medicine for blood circulation and clot prevention.

Trepanation

Trepanation, the act of drilling a hole into the skull, was an ancient remedy for headaches, mental issues, and spiritual enlightenment, still used in some cultures today.

Cow Urine Therapy

In Hindu culture, cow urine is sacred and believed to have healing properties. It's used in traditional medicine for ailments like skin diseases, digestive issues, and even cancer.

Snake Massage

Snake massage lets non-venomous snakes crawl on bodies for a calming, therapeutic effect that helps relieve stress and muscle tension.

Bee Venom Therapy

Apitherapy, or bee venom therapy, is an alternative treatment using controlled bee stings. It's been noted for potential in treating arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Lyme disease.

Ayahuasca Healing

Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogenic plant, is used in South American indigenous healing traditions. It's considered to have medicinal and spiritual benefits, possibly curing mental illnesses.

Grounding Therapy

Earthing or grounding therapy involves barefoot walking on earth to absorb nature's energy. Its supporters claim it reduces inflammation and improves sleep, but there's no scientific proof.

Milk Transfusion

Milk transfusion, an ancient practice predating blood transfusions, replaced lost blood with milk. This risky method declined with the advent of blood transfusion techniques.

Chloroform Therapy

Chloroform, a popular 19th-20th century anesthetic for surgeries due to its ability to induce unconsciousness and eliminate pain, had potential side effects like liver and lung damage.

Frog Skin Therapy

Frog skin therapy utilizes the Giant Monkey Frog. The frog's skin secretion is said to enhance strength, increase resistance to illnesses, and boost overall well-being.

Halotherapy

Halotherapy, a.k.a salt therapy, involves inhaling dry salt in a controlled environment. It's known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, especially for respiratory issues.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling, originating from Indian medicine, involves swishing oil in the mouth to remove toxins and boost oral health. Globally popular, some claim it cures illnesses like asthma and headaches.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a key part of traditional Chinese medicine, involves inserting needles into the body to enhance energy flow, alleviate pain and treat conditions, now widely accepted globally.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion, a classic Chinese medicine practice, uses burned mug wort near the skin to stimulate acupuncture points for pain relief, digestive issues, menstrual cramps, and better circulation.

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