Traditional medicine has always been known in the world. Persian physicians have been capable to cure many diseases by using the medicinal plants in different regions of Iran and neighboring countries. Until the 5th century AD, the traditional medicine had progressed rapidly. Some historians believe that it influenced some principles of Greek medicine.
Traditional medicine gained more power by the rise of Islam. There were a lot of tradition about the advantage of cupping, hygiene and other medical tips. Also, Great scholars such as Muhammad ibn Zakaria al-Razi and Ibn Sina emerged. At the same time in Europe which was governed by church, treatments were limited to prayer therapy.
Iranian traditional medicine uses four humors and temperaments described like the features of classical elements (dryness, wetness, coldness and hotness). Ancient Persian physicians proposed many recipes, and lifestyle tips to keep the humors in balance. Iranian traditional medicine focuses on healthy lifestyle and preventing diseases much more than treatments.
What are the therapeutic techniques in traditional medicine of Iran?
Greater Iran had hospitals and medicinal universities according to literatures [1] [2]. Persian magi were the first physicians of Iran. A Persian physician knew these traditional therapeutic techniques and treated patients. Here, a brief introduction of famous methods is expressed:
Herbal medicine (phytotherapy)
The treatment of various physical and mental illnesses with herbs is called “herbal medicine”. One of the oldest methods in the world is herbal medicine. Persian sages believe in that God has placed the cure of all pains in nature. Nature is the servant of nature.
Massage therapy
Therapeutic properties of massage include treatment of musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, headaches, stress and depression, improving blood flow and increasing oxygen delivery to tissues.
Shiatsu
Pressing vital parts of the body with fingers is called shiatsu that is another technique of traditional Iranian medicine. A healthy and effective technique that is more preventive and is used as physiotherapy for some diseases. This is how patients get their stored energy and people who suffer from stress, tension and depression or insomnia can be treated with this method.
Cupping
Cupping is another treatment technique in traditional medicine. Dry cupping is without razor and bleeding, but wet cupping is accompanied by blood. Ibn Sina has proposed cupping as a therapeutic pillar. Cupping is used to prevent and treat diseases such as asthma, drug addiction, indigestion, migraine and nerve headaches, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, and skin diseases.
Dry cupping
It is creating suction in different parts of the body in order to expand the body’s arteries and diverting the material from a specific point. Cupping and rotating a glass on the body of a person who paralyzed by a stroke or heart attack will be useful.
Fasd
Fasd is one of the blood sampling methods in traditional medicine. This action causes the excretion of many toxins in the body, it removes waste products that build up in the blood. It must be done by skilled and expert people. Reducing sciatica back pain and gastrointestinal diseases are the most important applications of Fasd.
Hydrotherapy
It is one of the methods of traditional medicine that, with or without herbal essential oils, improves healing, skin lesions, joint pain, sciatica, vitality and muscle strengthening, and body pore repair, warming and increasing body moisture.
Today like before, the techniques are prescribed by physicians after diagnosis and done by experts to reduce symptoms of diseases or cure them.