The theory stated that, as the universe was made up of the four basic elements - fire, water, air and earth. The body must be made up of the four humours which were all created to digest food. the four humours are - blood, phlegm, black bile and yellow bile.

There was a belief that all of the humours must be balanced and equal. If the mix became unbalanced then you would fall ill. Being careful at maintaining the four humours was really important for preserving good health.

The theory of the four humours was first developed by an ancient Greek physician called Hippocrates.

The theory of the four humours was very detailed and could be used to describe all kinds of illnesses. It was important that the theory covered almost every type of illness that occurred because they didn't have any other explanations for illnesses otherwise. Often physicians twisted what they saw into something that fit to the ideas of the theory.

touching holy relics, such as: a piece of the 'true' cross on which Jesus was crucified or the bones of a saint

presenting offering at shrine- usually image of body part you want to be healed, made from anything from wax to metals and jewels depending on how wealthy you are

lighting a candle proportionaly- as tall or long as the body part you want healed

widley believed theat the king had power to heal certain illness.

during the coronation of the monarch the king would have his hands rubbed with special holy oil

his touch was said to be particularly effective for scrofula, as form of tuberculous

this was taken very seriously and showed their divine right( the idea god had chosen them to be king