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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]

Objectives: Massage therapy has been used since ancient times for many diseases. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of massage therapy on the symptoms and complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: Three electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched from January 1, 2000 to May 13, 2018 using relevant keywords, followed by identifying all relevant randomized controlled trials. The study design, interventions, controls, primary outcome measures, follow-up, and main results were extracted and methodological quality was evaluated using the Jadad Scale by two authors independently. Results: Significant results were obtained, including a decrease in blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels while an improvement in neuropathic pain and diabetic foot ulcer in the related articles. Conclusions: From this review, massage therapy can affect the clinical and laboratory symptoms and complications of the DM. However, various conditions such as the quality and quantity of pressure and duration, as well as the number of sessions, the type of massage, and the psychophysical state of patients can change the results of massage therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low-back pain is one of the most common human morbidities worldwide, which is damaging individually, socially and economically. Recent studies have shown that its prevalence is rising. Most of the low-back pains are non-specific though specific ones need more complicated and more expensive treatments. Sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy is one of these specific low-back pains and is explained in Iranian traditional medicine textbooks in detail. Massage is one of the therapeutic modalities, advised for sciatica. Due to different aspects of sciatica in modern medicine, massage is not indicated as treatment, but it is advised in Iranian traditional medicine. In Iran, many patients resort to traditional massage for sciatica and are satisfied. Thus, the effectiveness of one type of Iranian traditional massage "Kermanshahi family" and conventional treatment were compared based on three outcomes of pain, disability, and quality of life score., Methods: A total of 50 patients were observed in two groups (25 per group) of case (massage) and control (classic treatment) in a non-randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients suffering from lumbar radicular pain for 8 weeks or longer, before referring to each center (neurosurgery or traditional massage clinic), were enrolled continuously. In the case group, patients underwent traditional massage sessions whereas in the control group they were prescribed as routine. Three outcomes were observed during three periods of before intervention, 1-month, and 3-month after intervention., Results: The mean difference of pain severity decrease in both groups was meaningful (P=0/007). The mean difference of disability decrease in both groups was meaningful (P=0/003). However, the mean difference of quality of life increase in both groups was not meaningful., Conclusion: Iranian traditional massage may be useful for the treatment of non-acute sciatica, but more studies are required to confirm and clarify the protocols.