In Greece, bloodletting was in use in the 5th century BC during the lifetime of Hippocrates, who mentions this practice but generally relied on dietary techniques. Erasistratus, however, theorized that many diseases were caused by plethoras, or overabundances, in the blood and advised that these plethoras be treated, initially, by exercise, sweating, reduced food intake, and vomiting. His student Herophilus also opposed bloodletting. But a contemporary Greek physician, Archagathus, one of the first to practice in Rome, did believe in the value of bloodletting.
In Greece, bloodletting was in use in the 5th century BC durin:g the lifetime of Hippocrates, who mentions this practice but generally relied on dietary techniques. Erasistratus, however, .theorized that many diseases were caused by plethoras, or overabundances, in the blood and advised that these plethoras b.e treated, initially, by exercise, sweating, reduced food intake, and v!omiting. His student Herophilus also opposed bloodletting. But a contemporary Greek physician, Archagathus, one of the first to practice in Rome, did believe in the value of bloodletting.