Group 9

BSN1-C
INTUITIVE PERIOD OF NURSING
Narrator:

Nursing is a profession which requires specialized knowledge and

training, as well as compassion and dedication to others. It has become
one of the professions with lots of opportunities not only in the country
but most especially all over the world. It has evolved dramatically even
before the time of Florence Nightingale until todays modern period.
The intuitive or medieval period was when Nursing was instinctive and
untaught. It was performed out of compassion for other and wish to
help especially performed by women. It originated from the intuitive
approach of caring for the sick members of the family.
Now lets look back to its history and witness some of the health
practices of those times.

Scene with a shaman

Narrator:
The medicine man or witch doctor called shaman had the
power to heal through the use of white magic, charms, dances,
incantation, massages and herbs.
Child:

Mother I am not feeling well.

Mother:

Why whats the matter?

Child:

My back really hurts.

Mom:

Let me try massage your back.

Narrator:

The pain got worse so a shaman was called.

Shaman:

The evil spirits are causing this.

Narrator:

The shaman started chanting and the child felt better after.

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Egypt
Narrator:

Mummification is a process in which the skin and flesh of a

corpse can be preserved. The process can occur either naturally
or it can be intentional. Intentional mummification was common
in ancient Egypt, especially for burying Egyptian pharaohs.

(An experienced embalmer teaching his helper)

Embalmer:

Hand me the rod. This will break up the brain into pieces then
we will take it out.

Helper:
Embalmer:

Yes master.
Next we will make a hole to remove the organs

Helper:

Next we put the spices?

Embalmer:

Yes

Narrator:

After 40 days the body was wrapped with linen bandages.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Greece
Narrator:

The early Greeks are known for their practice of worshipping

gods and goddesses, all of whom were strong, beautiful,
powerful and as sources of health and healing.

(A man experiencing severe stomach pain)

Man:

God Aesclepius I am asking for your healing. Aid me in the

recovery of my illness.

Aesclepius: You are healed.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
China
Narrator:

Acupuncture is a traditional method of producing analgesia by

inserting wire-thin needles into specific areas on the body.
Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a
technique for balancing the flow of energy known as chi. By
inserting needles into specific points, acupuncture practitioners
believe that your energy will re-balance.

(A woman seeks the help of an acupuncturist because of severe headache.)

Woman 1:

My head is aching and I dont know whats causing this.

Acupuncturist:
I will just insert a needle in the part that protrudes when
you press your thumb and finger. This should make feel better.
(After the procedure, the woman was relieved of her headache)

Narrator:

Nursing was based on instinctive actions and was not acquired

from formal education. It did not require an evidence of training
or education and was solely based on observation and
experience.
------ End of play -----