18th century French illustration Even with all of the advances in modern medicine, the earliest known surgical procedure is still practiced today. Trepanation dates back 10,000 years and involves drilling or scraping a small hole in the skull while leaving the membrane around the brain intact. The technique was thought to exorcise demons and calm the mentally ill. Today's trepannees believe the procedure allows arteries and capillaries in the brain to expand with blood, leading to improved mental functions and perhaps a higher level of mental consciousness. Because the operation is illegal in the U.S. and Europe, many devotees travel to Mexico. So the next time someone says, "You need that like you need another hole in the head," they might just be on to something ... or not. Suggested Sites... Trepanation Guide - from details of the procedure to the pros and cons. Trepanation Interview by Bryan Henderson - details the surgery of a trepannee. Not for the faint of heart. International Trepanation Advocacy Group - research group currently arranging surgeries in Mexico.

Directory categories: Trepanation, Alternative Medicine, Surgical Procedures

Archived under: Health, History, Medicine

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