Body & beauty

A Beginner’s Guide to Traditional Persian Medicine

Shery Adhami, Founder of The East To West Lifestyle Co, explains all you need to know about Traditional Persian Medicine

What is Traditional Persian Medicine?

Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) combines the philosophies of Greek, Egyptian, Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine. It places equal emphasis on the preservation of health and beauty and the treatment of disease. Proponents believe that a healthy person can become healthier and delay chronic illnesses linked to lifestyle-related diseases by following the practice.

Followers say that TPM principles allow for a better understanding of the causes of disease and the application of a treatment that addresses the symptoms and the underlying causes. The practice encourages a lifestyle that combines the science of natural medicine with the art of care.

Understanding Traditional Persian Medicine

Traditional Persian Medicine is a holistic medical system that views each person as unique and emphasises the importance of balance in maintaining health. TPM is based on the concepts of the Four Temperaments (Mizaj) and the Four Humors (Akhlaat), essential in understanding an individual’s constitution and health needs.

The Four Temperaments

TPM categorises people into four primary temperaments, each characterised by a blend of heat, coldness, moistness, and dryness. These temperaments influence physical, psychological, and emotional traits:

Melancholic (Cold & Dry): Thoughtful, reserved, and analytical individuals.

Choleric (Hot & Dry): Ambitious, passionate, and quick-tempered.

Sanguine (Hot & Moist): Lively, sociable, and energetic individuals who thrive on interaction and activity.

Phlegmatic (Cold & Moist): Calm, steady, and relaxed individuals with a laid-back demeanour.

The Four Humors

Health in TPM is maintained by balancing the Four Humors, produced by the liver during digestion and circulated throughout the body, providing nutrition and energy. An imbalance in these humors can lead to illness:

Blood (Hot & Moist): Nourishes and energises the body.

Yellow Bile (Hot & Dry): Aids digestion and metabolic processes.

Black Bile (Cold & Dry): Necessary in small amounts, it contributes to bodily functions but can cause problems when in excess.

Phlegm (Cold & Moist): Maintains moisture and lubrication within the body.

The Six Persian Lifestyle Principles (Setah Zaroriah)

TPM also incorporates Six Persian Lifestyle Principles to align lifestyle habits with one’s temperament, promoting balance and health:

Environmental Air & Breathing: Adjusting to weather qualities (Hot/Cold/Dry/Moist). For example, a hot climate can aggravate a Choleric temperament.

Food & Drink: Choosing foods that balance your temperament is essential. For instance, ginger (heating) might benefit a Phlegmatic person, while cucumber (cooling) suits a Choleric individual.

Movement & Rest: Balancing physical activity and rest is important. Exercise increases heat, which benefits cold temperaments.

Sleep & Wakefulness: Proper sleep hygiene is vital. Sleep has a cooling effect, counteracting the drying effect of wakefulness.

Emotions and Feelings: Managing emotions to maintain balance is crucial. For example, anger increases heat, which can disturb a Choleric person.

Elimination: Ensuring proper waste elimination is necessary. Vomiting or diarrhea can cause dryness, impacting the balance of humors.

Elemental qualities in TPM

TPM integrates the elemental qualities of nature, which interact with human temperaments and humors, influencing overall health:

Earth (Cold & Dry)

Water (Cold & Moist)

Air (Hot & Moist)

Fire (Hot & Dry)

Practical applications

Understanding and applying these principles helps individuals balance their temperament and qualities of heat, moisture, dryness and coldness and ultimately create a lifestyle tailored to their unique constitution. For example:

Melancholic individuals (Cold & Dry): Should avoid cold and dry foods like ice cream and prefer warm, moist foods.

Choleric individuals (Hot & Dry): Should consume cooling, moist foods like cucumbers and avoid excessive heat and spicy foods like ginger.

TPM is believed to help individuals achieve a balanced lifestyle by adhering to these guidelines, promoting health and preventing disease.

What are the diagnostic tools of TPM?

Diagnosis in TPM is a multifaceted process. Practitioners known as ‘Hakims’ consider a patient’s medical history, physical examination, pulse diagnosis and even urine and stool analysis to identify imbalances in the humors, leading to a personalised treatment plan. Treatments often involve:

Dietary Therapy: TPM emphasises the importance of food as medicine. Hakims recommend specific foods based on an individual’s constitution and health status. For instance, someone with excess heat might be advised to consume cooling foods like cucumber and yoghurt.

Herbal Medicine: A cornerstone of TPM, herbal remedies play a vital role in treatment. Many plants address various conditions, from saffron for mood disorders to barberry for digestive issues.

Lifestyle Modifications: TPM recognises the crucial role of lifestyle choices in maintaining health. To promote balance, Hakims may recommend adjustments to sleep patterns, exercise routines, and stress management techniques.

Manual Therapies: Practices like massage (dalan), cupping therapy (hajama), and bloodletting (fasd) are employed to improve circulation, address pain, and remove toxins from the body.

Why do supporters believe TPM is so effective?

Proponents of TPM believe its effectiveness lies in its holistic approach. By addressing the root causes of imbalances rather than just symptoms, it aims to create long-lasting improvements in health. The emphasis on preventative measures and healthy lifestyle choices further enhances its effectiveness. Additionally, TPM utilises natural remedies, often with minimal side effects compared to some conventional medications.

Is there any research proving its effectiveness?

While TPM has a long history of successful use, modern scientific research on its efficacy is still evolving. However, there are promising studies on the effectiveness of specific TPM practices. For instance, research suggests that certain herbs used in TPM may benefit conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure

Key treatments involved in Traditional Persian Medicine

Hijama (Cupping Therapy): Cups are applied to the skin to create suction, promote blood flow and relieve pain.

Dalan (Massage): Various massage techniques improve circulation, loosen muscles, and promote relaxation.

Aromatherapy: Essential oils are inhaled or applied topically to promote relaxation, improve mood, and alleviate pain.

Dietary Therapy: Specific dietary recommendations are based on an individual’s temperament i.e. cooling or heating foods

In conclusion, I believe Traditional Persian Medicine offers a unique and holistic approach to healthcare. Its emphasis on balance, natural remedies, and personalised care makes it a compelling alternative or complement to modern medical practices. TPM continues to be a valuable resource for those seeking a more natural and individualised path to health and wellness.

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Shery Adhami is the founder of The East To West Lifestyle Co. To find out more, or for more tips and recipes to maintain and restore your wellbeing, go to etwlife.com or follow Sherry @etwlife