Bonesetting

/ˈboʊnˌsɛtɪŋ/ noun

Definition

The practice or technique of treating broken or displaced bones, historically performed by people without formal medical training.

Etymology

Gerund form of 'boneset,' derived from 'bone' + 'setting' (the present participle of 'set'). The term reflects medieval medical practices predating modern orthopedic surgery.

Kelly Says

Bonesetting as a practiced skill reveals something fascinating: people figured out that you could manipulate bones back into alignment and they would heal, long before anyone understood X-rays or anatomy—pure observation and trial-and-error!

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