Why is the Medical Symbol a Snake?

Journal Title: Istanbul Medical Journal - Year 2019, Vol 20, Issue 2

Abstract

Currently, health-related professions and institutions are symbolized with an illustration of a snake wrapped around a branch of a tree, a stick or a rod. In this article, we will try to find out why the snake, which has influenced the humankind since the ancient ages and has been given place in legends and mythologies, has been depicted in ancient age reliefs, statues and coins, and has taken part in written texts, is accepted as the symbol of health and medicine in the light of ancient archaeological coin images.

Authors and Affiliations

Ekrem Güner, Kamil Gökhan Şeker, Şebnem İzmir Güner

Keywords

Related Articles

Protective Effects of Imatinib and Ginkgo Biloba on Cisplatin-induced Ovarian Damage in Rats

Introduction: In our study we aimed to observe the protective effects of imatinib and ginkgo biloba (GB) on cisplatin (CP)- induced ovarian damage in rats. Methods: Thirty-two female rats were included and assigned to f...

The Effect of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents on Platelet Aggregation in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Introduction: Erythropoietin (Epo) is a hormone that is synthesized in the kidneys and that stimulates the erythropoiesis in the bone marrow. Epo has effects apart from the erythropoiesis. In chronic renal failure (CRF)...

The Platelet/Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Ischemic Stroke Treated with Intravenous Thrombolysis and Its Relationship with Mortality, Disability, and Prognosis

Introduction: The platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has been studied frequently to determine the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases, and malignancies. Particularly, the PLR is an indicator...

An Evaluation of the Factors Affecting Exclusive Breastfeeding

Introduction: Breast milk is not only the ideal nourishment for babies, but is also unique in terms of its health benefits for mothers and economic benefits for the society. The World Health Organization and United Natio...

A Rare Complication of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: Asymptomatic Small Bowel Perforation

A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a standard treatment option for the treatment of hydrocephalus. Small bowel perforation is a rare complication of VP shunt placement. We describe a case and image findings of a 15-yea...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP549095
  • DOI 10.4274/imj.galenos.2018.65902
  • Views 156
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Ekrem Güner, Kamil Gökhan Şeker, Şebnem İzmir Güner (2019). Why is the Medical Symbol a Snake?. Istanbul Medical Journal, 20(2), -. https://europub.co.uk./articles/-A-549095