The Development of Medical Technology in the Golden Age of Islamic Civilization
Tauhid Nur Azhar
The development of medical science and technology that we know today is inseparable from the history of Islamic medical civilization, which rapidly developed after the spread of the Iqro spirit and was absorbed into the corners of the hearts of Muslim scholars of the time.
The steadfastness of faith and spiritual fervor that places the mind in the theta and delta wave areas during the performance of ritual worship, whether obligatory or supererogatory, can become a natural anesthetic method, as the focused mind is in the ocean of pure love that can negate one’s ego and encourage the body’s cells to perform repair and regeneration processes, as well as stimulate the secretion of endorphins that can reduce pain.
The theta wave itself is one of the five types of electrical waves produced by the brain. The theta wave has a frequency of 4–8 Hz and occurs when we are sleeping soundly, dreaming, or in a deep state of relaxation.
Neuroscientists believe that the theta wave plays a role in processing information and forming memories. The theta wave also has a close relationship with memory or recall, as well as the level of awareness and natural sleep cycle of the body.
The theta wave can be observed in the hippocampus and other brain structures in many mammalian species, including rodents, rabbits, dogs, cats, and birds. In humans, the theta wave is recorded as cortical theta rhythm, which is a component of the EEG scalp frequency.
Sometimes, during the performance of rituals such as qiyamul lail or during recitation and self-reflection, the formation of delta waves also occurs while awake (not in a state of sleep).
The delta wave is the slowest brain wave, with a frequency of 0.1–3.9 Hz. The delta wave is related to deep sleep and unconsciousness, and can occur in humans of all ages, from developing infants to adults.
The delta wave can trigger feelings of empathy and create a sense of calm and relaxation.
The delta wave is important for physical recovery, as the body uses this time to repair and regenerate tissues, produce hormones, and regulate the immune system.
Furthermore, if we delve deeper into the contribution of Islamic medicine in the context of modern medical technology, we must discuss several important medical domains in the domain of curative medicine, including the discovery of analgesics, anesthesia methods, and surgical techniques.
Analgesics, or pain-relieving drugs, have been used since ancient times, but their use became more systematic and scientific during the golden age of Islamic civilization. One of the important figures in the use of analgesics is Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi (865–925), known in the West as Rhazes.
Al-Razi is known for his work Al-Hawi (Liber Continens), a large medical encyclopedia in which he compiled various treatment methods, including the description of analgesic use.
Al-Razi also explained the use of opium as one of the effective analgesics. He also developed methods to reduce the side effects of opium by mixing it with other substances. In addition, the use of plants such as mandragora and henbane has been recorded as analgesic agents.
Meanwhile, the use of anesthesia in surgery during the golden age of Islam was very impressive. One of the important figures in the development of anesthesia is Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi (936–1013), known in the West as Abulcasis. In his famous work, Kitab al-Tasrif (Medical Learning Book), al-Zahrawi explained various surgical techniques and the use of anesthesia.
Al-Zahrawi formulated a herbal mixture called the soporific sponge or sleeping sponge. This sponge was soaked in a mixture of opium, mandragora, henbane, and other substances, then dried. The sponge was used to induce sleep before surgery by placing it under the patient’s nose.
The development of surgical techniques by Muslim scholars was very advanced for its time. Al-Zahrawi, once again, played a significant role in this. In his book Kitab al-Tasrif, he provided detailed descriptions of various surgical procedures and surgical instruments.
This book consists of 30 volumes and covers various fields of medicine, including general surgery, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and dentistry.
Al-Zahrawi himself created many surgical instruments that are still used to this day with modern modifications.
Some of these instruments include, among others, scalpels, forceps, and speculums. He also explained the technique of surgical suturing using animal intestines, which is the precursor to modern suturing techniques.
Another important figure is Ibn Sina (980–1037), known in the West as Avicenna. In his monumental work, Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb (The Canon of Medicine), Ibn Sina discusses various aspects of medicine, including surgery. He provides detailed guidelines on diagnosis, treatment, and surgical procedures that must be followed to ensure patient safety.
From the above presentation, it is hoped that it can provide an overview of the significant contribution of Muslim scholars’ discoveries to the development of modern medical science today.
It is also hoped that with the same spirit, after we have reviewed the achievements of Islamic medicine during the golden age of civilization, the current generation of Muslim medical scholars can make breakthroughs that are no less significant.
