Especially renowned were the Khevsur akimni, who were witch doctors that could perform the most complicated operations, including trepanation of the skull. The local akimni kept their medical art confidential, handing it down to future generations. Natural therapeutic agents (honey, beeswax, plants and different parts on animal bodies, urine, stones, etc.) were used in their treatments. As an anesthetic, the doctors would used a special bitter vodka called tsintsarakali.