Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (Jul 2020)
Endogenous Gases or Wind as Important Etiology of Diseases in Persian Medicine
Abstract
Background and purpose: Sometimes, some symptoms do not respond to usual treatments, or are not justified by classical medicine. In such cases, Persian Medicine can be helpful to better understand and treat the diseases. Endogenous gases (wind or Rih) are among the causes that should be investigated. The purpose of this study was to introduce endogenous gases and etiology of their production in the body as one of the pathological causes of diseases (alongside compound dystempraments) in Persian medicine. Materials and methods: A qualitative study (summative content analysis) based on authentic Persian Medicine books was carried out using library and electronic resources. Results: The concept of wind is also found in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine, but in Persian medicine it is a gas-like substance produced in the body and its useful form facilitates physiologic processes such as defecation, erection, etc. The harmful type of wind is one of the main causes of up to 90 diseases, including certain kinds of headaches, dizziness, epilepsy, dyspnea, and pain in joints, kidneys, and bladder, etc. In this study, the definition, causes, types, symptoms, and signs of wind were explained. Conclusion: According to Persian medicine and the concept of gasotransmitter in modern medicine, many diseases are caused by wind or gas. Therefore, all physicians should consider their role in diseases and use appropriate treatments.
