Final answer:
Galen introduced the technique of bloodletting to restore balance to the humoral fluids and treat illness, which was based on the theory that health depends on the balance of the body's four humors. The correct option is (1).
Step-by-step explanation:
The technique introduced by Galen of Pergamon to restore balance to the humoural fluids and thereby heal the body from illness was bloodletting. This medical practice was based on the humoural theory, which posited that the human body was filled with four basic substances, or 'humors': blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. It was believed that an imbalance of these humors would lead to illness, and bloodletting was a method used to correct such imbalances. This practice remained prevalent until the 19th century when medical professionals began to question its effectiveness.
Bloodletting was a common procedure in which blood was drawn out from the patient's body to cure or prevent illness. Galen's adoption of this method was influenced by earlier works, such as those of Hippocrates, who is considered the father of Western medicine. It took a significant amount of time before this practice was widely challenged and eventually phased out in favor of more evidence-based medical treatments as our understanding of human anatomy and pathology evolved.
While Galen's theories on bloodletting no longer hold sway in modern medicine, his work on the holistic system reflects the medical knowledge of his time and the persistence of certain medical theories across centuries. His practices provide a historical perspective on the evolution of medical understanding and treatment. The transition from such theories to the sophisticated systems of medicine based on scientific research and clinical evidence exemplifies the dynamic nature of medical science and the importance of continual questioning and debate in the pursuit of medical advancement and effective healthcare.