Asclepiades
Asclepiades of Bithynia
Asclepiades of Bithynia (124 – 40 bC) was the first physician to establish Greek medicine in Rome, categorize diseases by chronic and acute, and is considered the father of molecular medicine. His practice was influenced by Epicurean philosophy, a belief that unrestrained indulgence should be avoided, but pleasure was the highest good. That moderation through the pursuit of virtue was the path to ataraxia and aponia, the freedom from worry and the absence of pain. He also believed in the atomic theory, that the human body is composed of molecules and voids, and that their alteration causes disease.
As the father of molecular medicine, Asclepiades challenged Hippocrates’ doctrine of the four humors. He instructed his patients to pursue a healthy diet, participate in physical exercise, and receive regular massage. He emphasized the importance of providing patients with pleasant, painless, friendly, and sympathetic treatments. Due to his empathetic diligence, Asclepiades is considered to be the progenitor of the humane approach to mental illness and the pioneer of modern physical therapy.
In massage school, significant attention is given to Hippocrates for his contributions to modern medicine. More attention should be invested in understanding the wisdom and teachings of Asclepiades. As massage therapists, our goals align with his, which are to provide our clients with peace, ease, and pain relief. If students were introduced to his teachings, more philosophy, and modern pain science, therapists would serve as better guides when helping their clients live their best lives.
This Page Was Updated On 8/18/2025