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How did temples of Asclepius treat sick people in ancient Greece?

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Temples of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, functioned as early healing resorts or hospitals. The primary treatment method was a ritual known as incubation, or temple sleep.1

Patients would stay in a dormitory within the sacred precinct, known as an abaton, where they slept in the hope of being visited in a dream by Asclepius or his priests. It was believed that these divine encounters provided the necessary healing or medical advice, after which patients would often depart cured.213

Beyond this spiritual practice, these temples incorporated holistic elements that served as prototypes for modern health resorts. Treatment regimens included:1

Dietary adjustments1
Baths1
Physical exercise1

The temple complexes were typically situated in peaceful environments featuring gardens and fountains, and they often included amenities such as theaters for amusement and stadiums for athletic contests to support the patient's well-being. While inscriptions at sites like Epidaurus record many successful cures, these records notably omit mentions of failures or deaths.1