Role of Sū’-i- Mizāj in the Etiopathogenesis of Fawāq (Hiccups)

Fawāq, or Hichkī(Hiccup), is a spontaneous, spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm (Hijāb-e-Hajiz) resulting in sudden inspiration and closure of the glottis, producing a characteristic sound. While often benign, persistent hiccups can reflect deeper pathological disturbances. In the Unani system of medicine, such conditions are not merely mechanical but represent a reflection of qualitative changes in the mizāj (temperament) of organprimarily the stomach and diaphragm. The disturbance in the natural temperament, referred to as Sū’-i-Mizāj, is central to disease development. This paper explores in depth the etiopathogenesis of Fawāq (hiccups) through the lens of Sū-i-Mizāj, presenting its etiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, and diagnostic approaches.