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Background: Gastric disorders are one of the most common human ailments, which impose a huge economic burden on countries. In Persian Medicine (PM), it is possible to predict the susceptibility to gastric diseases with diagnosis of gastric Mizajes (temperaments) and dystemperaments. The semiology of gastric dystemperaments has been investigated in PM textbooks, although the value of each sign and symptom is not mentioned. Consequently, this research is designed to determine the major and minor criteria for classifying gastric dystemperaments on the basis of valid manuscripts and with the help of PM specialists in the present era. Methods: This was a consensus-based study consisting of four phases. In the first phase, reference PM textbooks were studied. Symptoms and signs of gastric dystemperaments were collected and listed in four groups. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews with a sample of PM experts were carried out. Phase three included a focused group discussion with experts. Eventually, findings were integrated from the three study phases in a two-day meeting in Sari City. Results: Selected criteria included eight major and eight minor criteria for hot-cold dystemperament, as well as six major and eight minor criteria for wet-dry gastric dystemperament. Conclusion: Modern lifestyles and the interfering factors are responsible for some changes in diagnostic signs and symptoms according to PM. This was the first step to coordinate PM diagnostic criteria for gastric dystemperaments. Further studies are recommended to reach a unique protocol in the field of PM diagnostics. The next step includes design and validation of national diagnostic tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Uterus is one of the most important organs of a woman which purifies the blood and carries a fetus and its function is related to the main organs like the brain, heart, liver, kidneys, and stomach. Uterine distemperaments are among the most important diseases of this organ and various symptoms are mentioned for them in Persian medicine (PM). Accordingly, the evaluation of these symptoms will help the diagnosis and treatment of different types of disorders related to the female reproductive system. Materials and Methods: This concept analysis qualitative study was conducted to collect and classify the symptoms of uterine distemperaments using a hybrid method and included theoretical, fieldwork, and analysis phases. In the theoretical phase, the resources of PM were reviewed, followed by interviewing the experts of PM and patients with uterine distemperament in the fieldwork phase. Finally, the guidelines were provided for diagnosing uterine warm and cold distemperaments. Results: The signs and symptoms of uterine distemperaments were classified into 5 general categories including menstrual blood characteristics (i.e., volume, consistency, color, smell, temperature, and outgoing speed), uterine discharges, pubic hair characteristics, other characteristics related to the female reproductive system, and the general symptoms. Eventually, the most important concepts were converted to a guideline of "Major and Minor Diagnostic Criteria for Uterine distemperaments". Conclusions: In general, the recognition of the symptoms of uterine distemperaments facilitates the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of different types of gynecologic disorders. The results of the current study can be an appropriate basis for designing and standardizing diagnostic tools for uterine distemperaments and related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]