Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM)
The use of alternative medicine among Iranians far outweighs its usage in the West, partly because of the culture and partly because of the availability of such alternatives.
Iranian traditional medicine or Tibb Sunnati is based on the four humors and temperament theory adopted by ancient Greek & Roman physicians and developed by one of the Fathers of Medicine — Ibn Sina (Avicenna), the great Iranian polymath and philosopher of the 10th century. This theory suggests that a person’s temperament, health and personality are governed by the balance or imbalance of the four humors (the vital bodily fluids); phlegm, blood, yellow bile and black bile. A person normally has one of these fluids dominating the others. Accordingly, there are 4 fundamental temperaments: phlegmatic (balghami), sanguine (damwi), choleric (safrawi) and melancholic (saudawi). Other less common temperaments include hot, cold, moist, dry and balanced.
ITM focuses on accurately identifying a person’s temperament followed by a treatment plan to rectify any imbalances through dietary & lifestyle changes and herbal medication. Since ITM prioritises health maintenance and disease prevention over treatment, even healthy individuals will often visit an ITM specialist for advice and guidance.
Dr. Romella Haider and Dr. Mojdeh Pourhoseini are two recommended specialists in this area, both located in the same clinic on Shahid Karimi Boulevard, Alley 20.
Islamic Medicine
In contrast to ITM, Islamic medicine (Tibb Islami) uses the traditions and narrations of the Holy Prophet (s) and the Ahlul Bayt (a) as a basis to treat illness and disease. Although there is some controversy over the reliability of such practices, proponents of Islamic medicine do exist and offer advice & treatment options for various medical issues.
Hijamah
Hijamah, or wet cupping, is a process where blood is drawn out of the body by vacuum from small skin incisions applied on the back or other areas. It is one of the oldest and most effective methods of releasing toxins from the body’s tissues and organs and is a technique practiced by the Holy Prophet (s) and the Ahlul Bayt (a).
Imam al-Baqir (a) is reported to have said: “The Messenger of Allah (s) never complained of any pain except that he sought refuge in hijamah.” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 17, pg. 33).
The Holy Prophet (s) is also reported to have said: “On the night when I was transported to the Heavens (i.e. during miraj), I did not pass by any crowd of angels, save that they said to me ‘O Muhammad, command your ummah to do hijamah.” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 59, pg. 300).
This form of alternative medicine is very popular in Iran and people of all ages, including children, can be seen having hijamah performed for a variety of ailments or as prophylactic therapy.
While hijamah has been highly recommended, it may not be suitable for everybody at all times, and one should ideally consult with a qualified physician prior to engaging in this procedure.
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