Final answer:
Hippocrates, known as the 'father of Western medicine', promoted the idea that diseases have natural causes and established foundational texts and ethical standards for the practice of medicine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Greek physician Hippocrates (460-375 BC) made significant contributions to the field of medicine and bodywork, and is often referred to as the 'father of Western medicine'. He was a pioneering figure who asserted that diseases had natural causes, which could be understood through careful observation and rational analysis, rather than attributing illness to supernatural forces.
The Hippocratic Corpus, a collection of texts believed to be authored by Hippocrates and his followers, constitutes some of the oldest surviving medical books and includes discussions on various topics related to medicine and health practices.
Moreover, the Hippocratic Oath, which emphasizes the ethical practice of medicine, is traditionally taken by physicians as a pledge of their commitment to diagnose and treat illnesses without causing additional harm to patients.