Hot and Cold Theory: The Path Towards Personalized Medicine (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 1343)

This book is about the theory of Hot and Cold, a mutual fundamental base of traditional medicines all around the world. The theory describes the dynamic balance state of the body on the axis of hot and cold for each individual and proposes the fact that deviation from this equilibrium is a predisposing factor for diseases. Such an approach helps practitioners to provide treatments tailored to the patient’s condition, not the disease. This book, for the first time, has gathered native descriptions of Hot and Cold theory in different traditional medicines, including traditional Chinese medicine, Persian (Humoral, Unani) medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and Latin American and Caribbean medicines. After defining the common ground, contemporary research - in nutrition, pharmacology, physiology and systems biology - has been explored using scientific methodology. This work is the result of an international collaboration of more than 30 scientists and scholars with high reputations in their fields. Hot and Cold theory, as a holistic individualized approach in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, can be merged into the novel fast-paced concepts in systems biology and precision medicine. Through this bridge, the authors propose that the Hot and Cold theory should be revisited more deeply by medical scientists, who are the main audience of this book, to pave the way towards integrated holistic personalized medicine. Foreword Preface Why did I Start This Project? Who is the Target Audience? How did I Select the Contributors? About the Book Acknowledgements Contents Editor and Contributors Abbreviations 1 Introduction: Hot and Cold Theory, the Path Towards Personalized Medicine Abstract References Definitions and Beliefs 2 Principle of Hot and Cold and Its Clinical Application in Traditional Chinese Medicine Abstract 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Methods 2.3 Case Presentation 2.4 The Concept of Qi 2.5 Yin and Yang Theory 2.6 Five Elements 2.7 The Concept of Heat and Cold in Chinese Medicine 2.7.1 Cold and Heat According to Yin–Yang Theory 2.7.2 Cold and Heat as Pathogenic Factors 2.7.3 Cold and Heat, According to the Nature of the Herbs 2.7.4 Cold and Heat in Acupuncture 2.8 Discussion 2.9 Conclusion Acknowledgements References 3 Principle of Hot and Cold and Its Clinical Application in Persian Medicine Abstract 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Methods 3.3 Case Presentation 3.4 History 3.5 Definition 3.5.1 Elements 3.5.2 The Concept of Mizaj 3.6 Types of Mizaj 3.7 Identification of Mizaj 3.8 Factors Affecting Mizaj 3.8.1 Age 3.8.2 Gender 3.8.3 Seasons 3.8.4 Region 3.8.5 Foods 3.8.6 Drugs 3.9 Role of Mizaj in Disease Prevention and Treatment 3.9.1 Climate 3.9.2 Food and Drink 3.9.3 Sleep and Wakefulness 3.9.4 Body Movement and Repose 3.9.5 Mental and Emotional States 3.9.6 Retention of Healthy Matters and Excretion of Waste Matters 3.9.7 Role of Mizaj in Disease Diagnosis and Classification 3.9.8 Mizaj Diagnostic Tools 3.9.9 Case Discussion 3.10 Conclusion Acknowledgements References 4 Principle of Hot (Ushna) and Cold (Sheeta) and Its Clinical Application in Ayurvedic Medicine Abstract 4.1 Ayurveda and Its Fundamentals: A Brief Introduction 4.2 Methods 4.3 Theory of Panchamahabhuta and Tridosha 4.4 The Emergence of Hot and Cold as a Cause of Disease and Treatment Modalities 4.5 Principle of Opposing Therapies 4.5.1 Therapeutic Applications of Heat and Cold in Ayurveda: The External Usage 4.5.2 Therapeutic Applications of Heat and Cold in Ayurveda: Internal Usage 4.6 Human Prakriti and Its Association with Sheeta and Ushna Properties 4.7 Acquainting with Hot and Cold Precepts: Examples from Ayurvedic Clinical Practice 4.8 Translational Value of Ushna and Sheeta in Disease Diagnosis and Management: A Few Case Examples 4.9 Conclusion Acknowledgements Textual References References 5 Principle of Hot and Cold and Its Clinical Application in Latin American and Caribbean Medicines Abstract 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Methods 5.3 Case Presentation 5.4 Hot and Cold Concepts in Latin American and Caribbean Medicines 5.5 Hot and Cold in Healthy Individuals 5.5.1 Body Humors, Heat and Cold 5.5.2 Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum 5.5.3 Childhood and Adulthood 5.6 Hot and Cold Maladies 5.7 Hot and Cold Foods 5.8 Medicines from Hot to Cold 5.9 Discussion 5.10 Conclusions Acknowledgements References Scientific Evidence 6 Hot and Cold Theory: Evidence in Nutrition Abstract 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Methods 6.3 ‘Hot’ and ‘Cold’ Natured Properties of Food 6.3.1 Traditional Classifications of ‘Heating’ and ‘Cooling’ Properties of Food 6.3.2 Applications of Dietary Therapy for the Maintenance of Health and Disease Management 6.3.2.1 Applications of Dietary Therapy for Health Maintenance 6.3.2.2 Applications of Dietary Therapy for the Management of Disease 6.4 Scientific Evaluations of the ‘Heating’ and ‘Cooling’ Nature of Foods 6.4.1 Food Compositions and Their Associations with ‘Hot’ or ‘Cold’ Properties 6.4.1.1 Nutritional Content and Chemical Composition 6.4.1.2 Acidity and Alkalinity 6.4.2 In-vitro and In-vivo Studies Exploring Physiological Effects 6.4.2.1 Autonomic Nervous and Endocrine System Impacts 6.4.2.2 Pro- and Anti-inflammatory and Oxidative Effects 6.4.3 Summary 6.5 Conclusion Acknowledgements References 7 Hot and Cold Theory: Evidence in Pharmacology Abstract 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Methods 7.3 Hot and Cold Medicinal Plants: Pharmacological Evidence 7.3.1 Hot-Tempered Plants 7.3.1.1 Cinnamon 7.3.1.2 Garlic 7.3.1.3 Ginger 7.3.1.4 Pepper 7.3.2 Cold-Tempered Plants 7.3.2.1 Cannabis 7.3.2.2 Lettuce 7.3.2.3 Purslane 7.3.2.4 Thorn Apple 7.4 Conclusions Acknowledgements References 8 Hot and Cold Theory: Evidence in Physiology Abstract 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Methods 8.3 An Overview on the Research About Hot–Cold Theory Based on Body Systems 8.3.1 Cells and Organs 8.3.2 Membrane Physiology, Nerves, and Muscles 8.3.3 The Circulatory System 8.3.4 Body Fluids and Kidneys 8.3.5 Blood Cells and Immunity 8.3.6 The Respiratory System 8.3.7 The Nervous System 8.3.8 Gastrointestinal Physiology 8.3.9 Metabolism and Temperature Regulation 8.3.10 Endocrinology 8.3.11 Female Physiology 8.3.12 Sport’s Physiology 8.4 Conclusion Acknowledgements References 9 Hot and Cold Theory: Evidence in Systems Biology Abstract 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Methods 9.3 Hot and Cold Theory in the Light of Systems Biology in TCM Studies 9.3.1 TCM Syndrome-Based Diagnosis and Therapy Classification 9.3.2 TCM Constitution-Based Studies 9.3.3 TCM Systems Pharmacology 9.4 Hot and Cold Theory in the Light of Systems Biology in Humoral Medicine Studies 9.5 Hot and Cold Theory in the Light of Systems Biology in Ayurvedic Studies 9.6 Latin American and Caribbean Medicines in the Light of Systems Biology Studies 9.7 Korean Medicine (Sasang Constitutional Medicine) in the Light of Systems Biology Studies 9.8 Conclusion Acknowledgements References Perspective 10 Hot and Cold Theory: A Personalized Medicine Approach Abstract 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Biological Basis of Hot and Cold Theory in Traditional Medicine 10.3 Drugs with Hot and Cold Nature in Traditional Medicine 10.4 Discussion and Future Perspective Acknowledgements References 11 Hot and Cold Theory: Future Perspective Abstract 11.1 Hot and Cold Theory; Science and Pseudoscience Classification 11.2 Holistic Approach 11.3 Personalized Approach 11.4 Future Research References