A Brief History of Medical Tourism
Medical tourism's lineage can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Japanese. The earliest destinations of people on health pilgrimages were mineral-rich thermal springs, natural resources which have been utilized for their therapeutic qualities for eons. As early as 4000 BC, Sumerians were constructing health facilities around hot springs. It was the ancient Greeks, however, who built the first major medical tourism sites.
The Asclepia Temples, which were erected to honor the Greek god of medicine, were some of the world's first health centers. By the year 300 BC, therapeutic temples had sprung up throughout the Greek domain. The facility at Epidaurus (or Epidauria), which boasted a gymnasium, snake farm, and a dream temple as well as the usual hot baths, was the most famous. As the Roman Empire expanded, people traveled from the entire known world to seek treatment in the Mediterranean. In Cairo, the Mansuri Hospital was constructed in 1248 AD, becoming the largest and most advanced hospital the world had ever seen. The hospital's promise to serve anyone, regardless of race, religion, or wealth, drew health travelers from far and wide.
Asia is also a historical medical tourism destination. Mineral springs in Japan called onsen have been popular for their healing properties with travelers for 1000 years. Since the practice of yoga gained popularity 5,000 years ago, India has been visited by a constant stream of health travelers seeking to heal themselves through alternative medicine.
Medical Tourism Articles