This document discusses various traditional symbols related to medicine and healing from cultures around the world, including their origins and meanings. It covers symbols such as the Rod of Asclepius, Caduceus, Srivatsa, and depictions of snakes from ancient Egypt, Sumeria, Greece, and other traditions. Common themes are snakes representing rebirth, healing, wisdom, and the life force or energy channels within the body. Some symbols combined healing concepts with attributes of gods or aspects of nature, spirituality, and the divine. The document also notes debates around the correct medical symbol and the origins of some modern usages.