Inscribed marble votive stele from the Epidauros Asklepeion. Marcus Iulius Apellas from Karia, who suffered from indigestion, expresses his gratitude to Asklepios and recounts the healing proces he underwent in the healing sanctuary at Epidauros. 150-200 AD [2560×1703]

At the instigation of Asklepios, Apellas travelled to Epidauros, where his course of treatment included diet, exercise, and the use of natural therapeutic sunstances. The diet was based on bread and cheese; he had to accompany it with celery mixed with letuce. He also had to drink citron juice mixed with watter, as well as milk mixed with honey. Apellas’ bath was combined with clay therapy. Exercise included running, walking and study in the sanctuary’s library – but study led to headaches. Apellas’ treatment also included wetting himself with wine to smooth the skin, a mustard and salt rub which causes hyperaemia, along with taking dill with olive oil for headaches. Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus.