The Review of Indices of Mizaj-e-Damagh (Temperament of Brain) Identification in Persian Medicine

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In Persian medicine (PM), total physical, physiological and psychological properties of individuals are known as “general Mizaj (temperament)”, whereas particular signs of each organ is known as “organ Mizaj”. 9 categories of Mizaj (temperament) have been introduced and each individual belongs to one category according to dominance of a specific quality. To present proper health care directives for each individual, it is necessary to identify his general Mizaj or the Mizaj of important organs of body such as brain, liver and heart. The purpose of this study is to survey and summarize the views of PM references regarding diagnostic signs of Mizaj-e-Damagh (temperament of brain). METHODS: In this review article, we searched online databases such as SienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Magiran as well as PM references for some key words such as “brain”, “termperament”, “Mizaj” and their Persian equivalent. Articles related to Mizaj-e-Damagh were surveyed and summarized. FINDINGS: Out of total 181 articles, 170 articles were related to psychological views on personality types and only a few articles were dedicated to Mizaj in PM. No article was found to be directly related to indices of Mizaj-e-Damagh. Various signs were noted in these books regarding Mizaj-e-Damagh identification, but no reference has been made to the accurate methods of evaluation and their role in Mizaj identification. Condition of touch and hair, condition of sleep and wakefulness, nasal secretions level and psychic functions were the common points in these references regarding intended indices. CONCLUSION: Considering the results of this research, conducting clinical studies to identify the extent and intensity of relationship between diagnostic signs of Mizaj-e-Damagh and Mizaj from the viewpoint of PM scholars is advised