Persian Traditional Medicine (PTM), or Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM), is a holistic healing system with over 3,000 years of history, deeply rooted in the humoral theory developed by Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and earlier Greek philosophers. It views health as a balance between the body, mind, and spirit, emphasizing prevention through lifestyle modification. PTM focuses on correcting imbalances in the body's constitution, known as Mizaj (temperament), rather than simply treating symptoms.
Core Principles of Persian Medicine
The Four Humors (Akhlat)
Health is maintained by balancing four bodily fluids, each associated with specific temperaments:
- Dam (Blood): Hot and Moist (Sanguine)
- Balgham (Phlegm): Cold and Moist (Phlegmatic)
- Safra (Yellow Bile): Hot and Dry (Choleric)
- Sauda (Black Bile): Cold and Dry (Melancholic)
Mizaj (Temperament)
Every person has a unique, innate constitution (hot/cold, dry/wet).
Setah Zaroriah (Six Essential Principles)
Health depends on managing: Air, Food/Drink, Physical Activity/Rest, Sleep/Waking, Emotional State, and Elimination/Retention of body waste.
Persian Traditional Diseases (Imbalance Disorders)
Diseases in PTM are viewed as imbalances—either an excess or deficiency—of one of the four humors.
Hot/Dry Imbalances (Yellow Bile Excess)
- Symptoms: Intense thirst, dry mouth, acne, rapid pulse, restlessness, and excessive energy.
- Common Disorders: Gastritis, burning sensations, high blood pressure, and skin infections.
Cold/Moist Imbalances (Phlegm Excess)
- Symptoms: Lethargy, slow metabolism, obesity, puffiness, and white tongue coating.
- Common Disorders: Digestive issues (slow digestion), respiratory congestion, and joint pain.
Cold/Dry Imbalances (Black Bile Excess)
- Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, dry skin, and obsessive thoughts.
- Common Disorders: Chronic constipation, skin cancer, or severe mental health struggles (melancholy).
Hot/Moist Imbalances (Blood Excess)
- Symptoms: Rosy skin, heavy limbs, and high blood pressure.
- Common Disorders: Cardiovascular diseases and headaches.