The Fundamental Differences between Iranian Traditional Medicine and Popular Medicine

The complete system of Iranian traditional medicine, which is distinct from conventional medicine, is one of the significant systems of traditional medicine that developed at the birthplace of human civilizations. This article presents a logical and philosophical analysis of the distinctions between Iranian traditional medicine and conventional medicine. In this analytical-descriptive review study employing online and library resources, the fundamentals of conventional medicine and Iranian traditional medicine are contrasted. Nature, which governs the functioning of all organs and eventually the whole human body without the participation of any form of mind, is the primary distinction between Iranian traditional medicine and mainstream medicine. The second factor that distinguishes these two schools is the general attitude of Iranian traditional medicine towards humans, whereas conventional medicine takes a completely mechanical approach to humans and their health, and in this school, they attempt to go as deeply as possible into the cells and even the molecules to locate the defective point. Thirdly, in traditional Iranian medicine, individual variations, or temperament, are of crucial significance. In order to compare these two schools of medicine, it is necessary to first reform their basic and fundamental notions. Additionally, in order to produce a proper protocol for the treatment of patients, the combined approach of two traditional and popular medications must be used.