Explanation of Dry Liver Dystemperament (sue-mizaj) Concept in Iranian Traditional Medicine (Persian Medicine): A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Temperament (mizaj), prakruti and zheng are equivalent basic concepts in different traditional medical schools. In Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM), Liver distemperament is one of the liver diseases not yet objectively defined. Objectives: The present study aims to explain the concept of dry liver dystemperament in Iranian Traditional Medicine. Methods: This study is a qualitative research based on a hybrid model of concept analysis. In literature review, 11 major academic textbooks of PhD students of ITM as well as, recent investigations were reviewed. In addition, 16 ITM experts were interviewed to collect empirical data. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA10 software and categorized based on conventional content analysis. Result: Here, dry dystemperament of the liver was classified into three main themes of systemic, local, and Para-clinical symptoms and 10 categories. Phenotypic features, skin color, dryness or stiffness in mucus, skin and subcutaneous tissue touch, general or gastrointestinal dysfunction; especially thirst and systemic impressibility speed were the most important clinical diagnostic criteria. Conclusion: In this study, a new definition was presented for dry liver dystemperament. Based on the results, there were some scattered symptoms in textbooks, which were of the same importance. However, in empirical phase, the experts of traditional medicine stated that in clinical diagnosis, some signs or symptoms are more important for them. The concept of dry liver dystemperament was classified into 10 categories which were the same as dysfunction in 10 categories that mentioned for general temperament.