Alternative Medicine

Iranian Traditional Medicine, Islamic medicine and the popular practice of hijamah (wet cupping) — widely used and easily accessible in Qum.

The use of alternative medicine among Iranians far outweighs its use in the West, partly cultural and partly because such alternatives are so readily available.

Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM)

Iranian Traditional Medicine, or Tibb Sunnati, is based on the four humours and temperament theory adopted by ancient Greek and Roman physicians and developed by one of the fathers of medicine, Ibn Sina (Avicenna) — the great Iranian polymath and philosopher of the 10th century. The theory holds that a person’s temperament, health and personality are governed by the balance (or imbalance) of the four humours, the vital bodily fluids: phlegm, blood, yellow bile and black bile. One fluid normally dominates, giving four fundamental temperaments — phlegmatic (balghami), sanguine (damwi), choleric (safrawi) and melancholic (saudawi) — with other, less common ones such as hot, cold, moist, dry and balanced.

ITM focuses on accurately identifying a person’s temperament and then correcting any imbalances through dietary and lifestyle changes and herbal medication. Because it prioritises maintaining health and preventing disease over treating it, even healthy people often visit an ITM specialist for advice. Dr. Romella Haider and Dr. Mojdeh Pourhoseini are two recommended specialists, both in the same clinic on Shahid Karimi Boulevard, Alley 20.

Islamic medicine

In contrast to ITM, Islamic medicine (Tibb Islami) draws on the traditions and narrations of the Holy Prophet (s) and the Ahlul Bayt (a) as a basis for treating illness. While there is some controversy over the reliability of such practices, proponents do exist and offer advice and treatment options for various conditions.

Hijamah

Hijamah, or wet cupping, is a process in which blood is drawn from the body by vacuum through small skin incisions, usually on the back. It is one of the oldest and most effective methods of releasing toxins from the body’s tissues and organs, and a practice of the Holy Prophet (s) and the Ahlul Bayt (a).

This form of alternative medicine is very popular in Iran, and people of all ages — including children — have hijamah performed for a variety of ailments, or as preventative therapy. While highly recommended, it may not suit everybody at all times, so ideally consult a qualified physician before undergoing the procedure.