Galen

Galen of Pergamon

Who is Galen of Pergamon, and what were his contributions to modern neuroanatomy and neurophysiology?

In addition to Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, other great minds have shaped modern neuroscience. One of the most influential contributors was Galen of Pergamon. A Greek philosopher-physician (129 A.D. – 200 A.D.), who served emperor Marcus Aurelius, and published over half of all Greek medical literature available today. He transformed medicine through his anatomical observations, topographic approach to disease, and experimental investigations. As a leading authority, he transformed the study of neuroscience for centuries.

Encephalocentric Theory

While many scientific authorities of his age supported the cardio-centric beliefs of Aristotle and the Stoics, Galen followed the encephalocentric theory. This is the belief that the brain is the hegemonicon, or principal organ that controls the human body. It is also responsible for cognition, volition, memory, fantasy, sensation, emotion, thinking, understanding, and motor control.

Galen’s Medical Contributions

In Galen’s medical literature within the field of neuroanatomy, he described the cranial nerves, corpus callosum, tectum, formix, epiphysis, sympathetic chain, anterior and posterior roots of the spinal nerves, great vein of the brain, recurrent laryngeal nerve, and ventricular system of the brain.

In the field of neurophysiology, Galen contributed to our understanding of spinal cord function and column structure. He also discovered that transverse sectioning of the spine led to paralysis and anesthesia.

Galen’s Massage Contributions

Galen Massage Therapy

Galen researched the philosopher-physicians and gymnasts who came before him. He developed an approach that would become the foundation of therapeutic massage for thousands of years.

What is the ancient Greek definition of gymnast? The term “gymnast” has been a rollercoaster of definitions. In the modern era, it is a strong, lithe, and flexible athlete who trains on bars, rings, and beams. During the 1800s, it was a professional hybrid of a personal trainer and physical therapist. To the ancient Greeks, they were military men and athletes who exercised naked and practiced a holistic discipline that emphasized strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Galen’s Massage Methods and Techniques

The body must be warmed up. If you are a massage therapist, you have heard this phrase; now you know its origin. In modern massage therapy, this process intends to prepare the muscles and nervous system for the massage and help reduce the body’s natural tendency to guard against touch. Galen believed it helped the body absorb the oils used in a massage. The process entailed using repetitive techniques of medium speed and pressure.
The skin must turn red. Galen believed that once the skin turned red, it was an indication of good health and the patient was ready to receive treatment. This belief is also common among modern massage therapists. Many believe the redness of the skin is due to reactive hyperemia, a temporary increase in blood flow to an area. It is taught in many schools that the flushing of the skin is an indication that fresh red blood cells are healing the tissue. A similar belief is held regarding trigger point therapy, which uses ischemic compression with the intent of denying an area of oxygen to trick the nervous system into sending more blood and oxygen to a location. The redness caused by rubbing is likely not due to ischemic compression, but rather an axon reflex flare response, characterized by vasodilation.
They must be in natural positions. Galen places emphasis on the patient should never be placed in unnatural positions. We are taught that the client needs to be comfortable, and their body should never be moved in a way that could be injurious.
Massage should start slowly, then increase in pressure. He continues by stating that every area of the body should receive firm pressure once or twice throughout the session. This aligns with the theory of deep tissue massage. This is the belief that pressure should begin light and steadily increase in pressure to safely and comfortably reach deep muscle structures. It also aligns with the general application of massage. If we jump into a massage with ice pick fingers, the client is guaranteed to have a negative response to our touch.
The massage should be balanced. Galen states that the techniques should move in multiple directions and be balanced in their application.
Movements should follow anatomical structures. The massage should take into account the anatomical structure of the body and massage it according to how it naturally moves. The muscles must be massaged harmoniously and in each way with varying pressures. As massage therapists, this is something we all know and is the cornerstone of anyone who provides corrective and pain-relieving services.
A massage should be modified to address specific needs. Galen teaches that the techniques used in a massage are not the same for everyone, and must be customized to address a patient’s specific ailment.

Inspire Yourself With History

Galen is an important figure in the history of medicine. He, like many great minds throughout the ages, influenced our lives in unseen ways. When we take the time to dive into the accomplishments, discoveries, and passions of the past, it reminds us of the influence one person can have on the forever- future.

If you have a dream that breaks away from the accepted mold of the way people think, consider exploring it further. It may be the spark that leads to a conflagration of goodness and health that enriches the lives of many.

Citations

Pain Management Massage

Return Home