The gruesome treatments and macabre practices of Aztec medicine

The Aztec civilization has become famous for its horrific practice of human sacrifice and its many unusual gods. To many, this culture was extremely religious in ways we find hard to comprehend.

Aztec medicine also drew heavily from their religious beliefs. They believed that the gods played a significant role in a person’s health and had the power to ‘defeat’ disease.

As a result, the Aztec thought illnesses often resulted from supernatural causes or divine displeasure. For example, the god Tlaloc was believed to control rain and fertility, which influenced agricultural success and, consequently, public health.

Additionally, the goddess Tlazolteotl was associated with purification and curing diseases.  

The Aztec healer often assumed the role of a spiritual guide, who mediated between the human and divine realms. As such, they offered to perform complex rituals that were designed to appease gods like Tlaloc and Tlazolteotl, and seek their favor to cure diseases.

It appears that through these rituals, the Aztecs believed they could restore balance and health. Many of these ceremonies involved offerings and sacrifices, which were considered vital for effective healing.

In some cases, this involved bloodletting and human sacrifice. For instance, the priests of Xipe Totec performed flaying ceremonies to cure skin diseases, symbolically shedding the old skin for new health.   

In addition, the Aztecs believed that certain illnesses had supernatural origins, caused by curses or malevolent spirits.

Healers could use special amulets and charms, which were often inscribed with sacred symbols, to protect and cure patients.

For example, the use of jade amulets was very common, as jade was considered to have protective properties. It was thought that by wearing these charms, individuals could ward off evil influences and enhance their well-being. 

Even though the Aztecs saw health in religious terms, it didn’t prevent them from experimenting with the healing properties of the plants and natural elements around them.

Over the centuries, they had developed a wealth of botanical knowledge for their medical practices. In fact, they used hundreds of plants for their healing properties, which are still detailed in codices such as the Badianus Manuscript from 1552.

This document was created after the Spanish conquest and provides a valuable record of various Aztec medicinal plants and how they were to be used.  

Based upon this advice, the Aztec would combine different plants to create complex treatments for various ailments.

When someone had a health problem that required surgery, the Aztec healers had a limited array of procedures they could use.

They developed methods for setting broken bones and suturing wounds, using tools made from obsidian and other sharp materials.

In the event of serious injuries, they performed trepanation, where a portion of the skull was removed to relieve pressure or treat head injuries.

These practices were proof that they had some understanding of human anatomy.  

The Aztec did not have doctors as we know them today. Instead, they were similar to all ancient cultures, in that the people who were in charge of healing the sick were a combination of doctor, priest, and mystic.

Medical knowledge was passed down through families who produced generations of healers.

Healers held a respected position in society since they were often associated with the priesthood. Because of their dual roles, they could perform both spiritual and physical healing.  

The ticitl were the most well-known kind of healer and they underwent training in herbal medicine and human anatomy.

Their training began at a young age, and they would learn their skills from older family members or through apprenticeships.

For instance, a prominent ticitl named Tlacaelel was known for his expertise in treating wounds and fevers. Moreover, different types of healers specialized in various aspects of medicine.

The temazcalero, for example, operated the temazcal or ‘sweat bath’. This was a place for physical purification but also for spiritual renewal.

The temazcalero conducted rituals within this ‘bath’, during which they invoked deities to cleanse the body and spirit.

Because of the intense heat and steam, participants experienced a deep sense of purification. However, it also appears that the Aztec had an understanding of the therapeutic benefits of steam. 

Additionally, the teixiptla acted as a medium for deities and provided spiritual guidance alongside physical healing.

Furthermore, noble families often employed private physicians who catered to their specific needs. These physicians, such as Cuauhtli, a healer for the royal family, had access to rare and potent medicinal plants.

They provided personalized treatments and closely monitored the health of their noble patrons. In addition to these practitioners, midwives, known as tlamatlquiticitl, played a crucial role in childbirth.

Specifically, they provided guidance and support throughout pregnancy and assisted during labor. The midwife's expertise included administering herbal remedies to ease labor pains and prevent complications.

For example, they used the herb zoapatle to induce labor safely. 

Like every society throughout human history, the Aztec faced a wide range of common ailments. One of the most frequent issues was gastrointestinal problems caused by parasites and poor sanitation.

To combat these, Aztec healers used the herb epazote, known for its ability to expel intestinal worms. This was effective because of the herb's potent properties, and it could be combined with other plants to enhance its potency. 

Another common ailment was skin infections, which could arise from cuts, insect bites, or poor hygiene. The Aztecs treated these with a variety of topical applications made from plants like the maguey and aloe vera.

These plants had natural antiseptic and soothing properties, which made them ideal for treating skin conditions like this.

In severe cases, they performed bloodletting rituals mentioned before to appease gods believed to cause such diseases.  

Fevers and related symptoms often plagued the Aztec population. To reduce fevers, healers used a plant called tepozán, which had cooling properties.

They prepared it as a tea or poultice, which was applied directly to the patient.  

In Tenochtitlan, the capital city, a sophisticated system for managing waste and clean water was developed over time.

The city was built on a series of artificial islands in Lake Texcoco, with a network of canals providing drainage and transportation.

This strategic layout allowed for efficient water management and contributed to the city's cleanliness.  

To do this, they constructed aqueducts that transported fresh water from springs to the city. This provided a reliable source of clean drinking water.

Because of this infrastructure, residents could maintain better hygiene and health.  

Also, the Aztecs implemented a clever method for waste disposal. They developed a network of canals and causeways to do this.

Waste collectors, known as tlanamacac, transported refuse to designated areas outside the city limits. Through this efficient system, they kept the streets and public spaces clean.