Methods and Protocols Ancient Greeks considered diseases to be penalties sent by gods. Indeed, the English word “pain” has its origin in the Greek word poine (“penalty”). The word analgesia is derived from the Greek adjective analgetos (“not sensing pain”) that, in turn, stems from the verb alego, meaning “to care, look after”. Modern medical dictionaries define analgesia as (1) absence of sensibility to pain, or (2) the relief of pain without loss of consciousness.