A New Concept on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Persian Medicine Viewpoint

Unfortunately, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), is one of the most common and bothering side effects, which plays a significant negative role in participants’ cooperation and even quality of life [1]. CINV has a complex mechanism results from the physiological collaboration and interaction between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and central nervous system (CNS), by the splits of the afferent and efferent vagus nerve [2]. In Persian medicine (PM), nausea is commonly known as “Ghathayan” that means the GI attempt to expel the substances accumulated in the stomach, without success, and vomiting is known as “Ghey” means GI motility in order to repel the accumulated substances through the mouth successfully [3]. Both of these definitions are corresponding to the states of nausea and vomiting in modern medicine [4]. According to the holistic viewpoint of PM, the human body is made up of four main substances called “Humor” (Khelt), each of which has a unique temperament (Mizaj), and, on the basis of temperament, they play certain roles in the body.