Ottoman Medicine and Healthy Living
"Every person should take responsibility for their own health"
"A good physician is one who treats before illness appears"
"The time-tested tradition of the ancient world, proven through experience"
The roots of Ottoman medicine are based on an ancient understanding that considers the human body as a whole, not only in its physical but also spiritual and environmental dimensions. This training program, shaped by the principle "A good physician is one who treats before illness appears," aims to guide participants toward a balanced, nature-compatible, and conscious life by examining in detail the eight fundamental factors of healthy living and five traditional purification methods.
Training Content
MODULE 1 – AIR FACTOR
This module will address the effects of air on human health. Seasonal air characteristics, the importance of breathing, the effects of winds, and important considerations in clothing and home arrangements will be covered in detail.
MODULE 2 – EATING AND DRINKING FACTOR
Nutrition is the foundation of health. This section will emphasize the importance of the "eating less" principle; topics such as selecting the right foods according to age, season, and temperament, cooking and eating methods, and water consumption will be addressed.
MODULE 3 – MOVEMENT AND EXERCISE FACTOR
The role of movement in health and proper exercise practices will be explained in this module. Movements suitable for different age groups, starting and ending rules of professional sports, as well as massage techniques for body relaxation will be shared.
MODULE 4 – SLEEP FACTOR
Sleep provides rest for the body, mind, and emotions. This session will cover ideal sleep duration and positions, causes of insomnia, and solution methods.
MODULE 5 – EMOTION AND THOUGHT FACTOR
This module will discuss the effects of emotions and thoughts on physical health. The impact of negative emotions such as fear, anger, sorrow, and anxiety on the body, and methods to maintain emotional balance will be explained.
MODULE 6 – BODY PURIFICATION
In the final module, ancient methods used for purifying the body from impurities will be introduced. Practices such as purgatives, enemas, emetics, bloodletting, cupping, baths, and sexual purification will be properly transmitted.
Target Audience
This training is especially suitable for healthcare professionals:
- Physician
- Pharmacist
- Physiotherapist
- Dietitian
- Psychologist
- Nurse
- Other healthcare professionals
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this training, participants will:
- Learn the preventive medicine approach of Ottoman medicine
- Understand the effects of air, seasons, water, and food on health
- Recognize traditional purification methods
- Acquire applicable health principles for daily life
- Gain life consciousness that considers body and soul balance
Program Schedule
Instructor
Prof. Dr. Ayten Altıntaş
Medical History and Ethics Specialist
Istanbul University Faculty of Pharmacy graduate
Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Department of Medical History and Deontology
Professor since 1996
Prof. Dr. Ayten Altıntaş has been involved in Medical History studies since 1975. She primarily conducts research on Turkish Medical History. Treatment in Ottoman medicine, the place of fragrant rose in Ottoman medicine, and the Healthy Living rules of Ottoman physicians are the products of these studies.
She has 240 research articles and 9 books on Medical History and Ethics. She has written works such as "Health Rules of Ottoman Physicians", "Rose and Rose Water: Their Place in History, Treatment and Tradition", and "ROSE: The Most Beautiful of Medicines".
She currently continues her work at Istanbul Medipol University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical History and Ethics.