The Rod of Asclepius can be traced back to the god of medicine in ancient Greek religion and mythology. Asclepius’ symbol is his rod, with a snake twined around it. The meaning of the snake and the rod are much debated. Some contend that the snake represents a rebirth and rejuvenation, because snakes shed their skin. Others suggest that it could represent the healing of snakebites. The rod is said to reference the walking stick associated with traveling physicians, or perhaps it represents a traditional treatment of a parasitic nematode called Guinea worm, which is cause by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis. To remove the parasite, doctors would cut a slit in the skin right in the parasite’s path and, when it poked its head from the wound, they would take a small stick and slowly wrap the worm around it until it was fully removed.
The rod of Asclepius is well recognized and has been used as a symbol of medicine throughout the world for centuries.
See also Asclepius