Traditional Iranian Medicine: A Historical Legacy

Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM) is one of the world’s oldest and most influential medical systems, with roots stretching back more than 2,500 years. Emerging from the cultural and philosophical traditions of ancient Persia, TIM emphasized the balance between body, mind, and environment. From the earliest times, Persian healers developed theories of health based on natural elements and the interaction of humors, linking wellness to harmony within the human body and with nature.

The system flourished especially during the Sassanid era with the establishment of the Academy of Gundishapur, a world-renowned medical and scientific center. Here, Persian, Greek, and Indian knowledge merged, creating a foundation for future developments. Great scholars such as Rhazes (al-Razi) advanced clinical observation and medical experimentation, while Avicenna (Ibn Sina) produced The Canon of Medicine, a monumental text that remained central in European universities for centuries. These contributions placed TIM at the heart of the Islamic Golden Age and global medical history.

Even today, TIM continues to inspire both research and practice. Iranian physicians still draw on the insights of Avicenna, Razi, and Jorjani while combining them with modern medical knowledge. Its emphasis on preventive care, nutrition, lifestyle, and natural remedies resonates strongly in an age seeking holistic approaches to health. As a result, TIM remains not only a proud heritage of Iranian culture but also a living tradition with relevance for global health today.

📘 One-Year Comprehensive Program in Traditional Iranian Medicine

Credential: Doctoral-Equivalent Certificate in Traditional Iranian Medicine
Duration: 12 months (3 terms)
Format: Theoretical lectures + classical text studies + modern research + practical workshops + final thesis
Total Hours: ~800

📚 Core Sources

Classical Sources

1. Canon of Medicine (Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb) – Avicenna (Ibn Sina, 11th century)

   • History: One of the most influential medical encyclopedias worldwide, used for centuries in Europe and the Islamic world.

   • Content: Physiology, pathology, diagnostics, treatments, herbal medicine.

   • Use in course: Foundation of Iranian medical philosophy and diagnosis.

2. Al-Hawi (Comprehensive Book of Medicine) – Rhazes (Al-Razi, 9th–10th century)

   • History: Combines Greco-Persian knowledge with Razi’s clinical observations.

   • Content: Diseases, pharmacology, surgery, case studies.

   • Use in course: Core reference for pharmacology and clinical methods.

3. Zakhireye Khwarazmshahi – Jorjani (12th century)

   • History: First Persian medical encyclopedia.

   • Content: Lifestyle, nutrition, diseases of organs, preventive medicine.

   • Use in course: Basis for health, wellness, and preventive medicine.

4. Qarabadin (Pharmacopoeias, e.g., Qarabadin Kabir)

   • History: Traditional pharmacopeias recording medicinal recipes.

   • Content: Herbal, mineral, and compound drug formulations.

   • Use in course: Training in traditional pharmaceutics.

Modern Sources

• WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy (World Health Organization)

• Traditional Medicine in Iran – Comparative modern studies

• Research in Phytotherapy & Integrative Medicine

• Bernard Jensen, Iridology: The Science and Practice

  📘 Curriculum – One-Year Doctoral-Equivalent Program in Traditional Iranian Medicine

  ---

  1. Fundamentals of Traditional Iranian Medicine

  • Sources: Canon of Medicine (Avicenna), Zakhireye Khwarazmshahi (Jorjani)

  • Description: Introduction to the principles of humoral theory, temperaments, and the philosophical foundations of Iranian medicine.

  • Objectives: Students will learn the four humors, body temperaments, and basic health principles of TIM.

  • Hours: 80

  ---

  2. Diagnostics & Clinical Examination

  • Sources: Avicenna, Razi (Al-Hawi)

  • Description: Classical diagnostic tools including pulse reading, tongue analysis, and observation.

  • Objectives: Students will acquire skills in traditional examination methods to identify imbalances.

  • Hours: 70

  ---

  3. Pharmacology & Qarabadin (Materia Medica)

  • Sources: Qarabadin Kabir, Al-Hawi (Razi)

  • Description: Study of medicinal plants, minerals, and animal-derived remedies, along with preparation methods.

  • Objectives: Students will be able to identify, prepare, and prescribe traditional formulations.

  • Hours: 100

  ---

  4. Hygiene, Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine

  • Sources: Zakhireye Khwarazmshahi (Jorjani), Canon of Medicine (Avicenna)

  • Description: Exploration of TIM approaches to diet, sleep, exercise, and daily routines.

  • Objectives: Students will learn how lifestyle and nutrition maintain health and prevent disease.

  • Hours: 60

  ---

  5. Treatment of Diseases in TIM

  • Sources: Canon of Medicine (Avicenna), Zakhireye Khwarazmshahi (Jorjani)

  • Description: TIM strategies for diagnosing and treating common disorders in different body systems.

  • Objectives: Students will learn to apply TIM treatment protocols for digestive, respiratory, neurological, and systemic illnesses.

  • Hours: 100

  ---

  6. Traditional Medicine & Modern Medicine

  • Sources: WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy, integrative medicine research

  • Description: Comparative study of TIM with modern biomedical sciences.

  • Objectives: Students will be able to critically analyze traditional practices in light of scientific evidence.

  • Hours: 60

  ---

  7. Practical Workshop in Traditional Pharmaceutics

  • Sources: Qarabadin texts, modern phytotherapy resources

  • Description: Hands-on training in preparing syrups, oils, ointments, and herbal remedies.

  • Objectives: Students will gain practical skills in traditional drug formulation and safety standards.

  • Hours: 80

  ---

  8. Capstone Thesis / Research Project

  • Sources: Supervised independent study using classical and modern references

  • Description: A research project integrating classical TIM texts with contemporary findings.

  • Objectives: Students will conduct scholarly research and present an applied or academic contribution to TIM.

  • Hours: 120

  ---

  9. Cupping Therapy (Hijama)

  • Sources: Al-Hawi (Razi), modern WHO and medical research

  • Description: Study and practice of wet and dry cupping methods.

  • Objectives: Students will learn indications, contraindications, and safe application techniques.

  • Hours: 50

  ---

  10. Phlebotomy (Fasd / Venesection)

  • Sources: Canon of Medicine (Avicenna), Zakhireye Khwarazmshahi (Jorjani)

  • Description: Classical methods of therapeutic bloodletting.

  • Objectives: Students will understand the rationale for venesection and acquire basic procedural skills.

  • Hours: 40

  ---

  11. Iridology (Anabiyah-Shenasi)

  • Sources: Bernard Jensen (Iridology: The Science and Practice), Iranian research studies

  • Description: Diagnostic method based on iris patterns and colors.

  • Objectives: Students will interpret iris features and integrate findings with TIM assessments.

  • Hours: 40

  ---

  12. Leech Therapy (Hirudotherapy)

  • Sources: Al-Hawi (Razi), modern biomedical research on Hirudin

  • Description: Study of leech therapy for vascular and inflammatory conditions.

  • Objectives: Students will learn therapeutic applications, safety, and hygiene in leech therapy.

  • Hours: 50
    

    🎯 Program Learning Outcomes

    Graduates of this program will:

    • Master the foundations of Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM).

    • Diagnose illnesses using traditional methods (pulse, tongue, lifestyle assessment).

    • Prepare and prescribe herbal and compound medicines.

    • Apply cupping, venesection, iridology, and leech therapy in clinical settings.

    • Integrate traditional and modern medical knowledge in a responsible way.

    • Conduct independent research in TIM and contribute to academic and clinical fields.