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Unani Medicine: A Journey Through Time

Updated: Jul 28






Unani Medicine, also known as Yunani Medicine, is a traditional system of medicine that originated in ancient Greece but has evolved and thrived in South and Central Asia. This system of medicine, based on the teachings of Greek physicians like Hippocrates and Galen, emphasizes the balance of bodily fluids known as ‘humors’. Unani Medicine is not just a treatment method but a complete way of life that focuses on the body, mind, and spirit. The importance of Unani Medicine lies in its holistic approach, focus on prevention, and natural remedies, which are gaining renewed interest in today’s world.

History of Unani Medicine

The origins of Unani Medicine can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was developed by renowned Greek physicians such as Hippocrates and Galen. Hippocrates is commonly regarded as the "Father of Medicine," his theories serve as the foundation for Unani Medicine. Galen expanded these ideas into a comprehensive medical system.

The system was later adopted and refined by Arab and Persian physicians like Avicenna, who made significant contributions to this field. Avicenna’s ‘The Canon of Medicine’ became a standard medical text at many medieval universities and remained used as late as 1650.

The development of Unani Medicine is a testament to the exchange of medical knowledge across cultures and civilizations. It evolved over centuries, absorbing elements from various medical systems it came into contact with, particularly during the Islamic Golden Age when Arabic scholars translated many Greek medical and scientific texts. This rich history and evolution make Unani Medicine a fascinating subject of study in the history of medicine.

Unani medicine, or Yunani medicine, is a system of traditional medicine widely practised in South Asia and modern-day Central Asia. The term “Unani” is derived from ‘Unan’, the Arabic and Urdu word for ‘Greece’, as the system of Unani medicine was developed based on the teachings of the Greek physicians Hippocrates and Galen.

What are the Unani Medicine Principles?

Every medicinal treatment has a specific basis or consideration. All notions are based on a particular approach to human physiology and therapeutic procedures. The Unani medication list relies on natural healing methods. The notions are based on an individual's ability to heal. They are also built on the mental, bodily, and spiritual planes.Al-Umoor Al-Tabiyah, the seven principles of harmony, is the foundation for Unani Medicine's core physiology concepts. There are seven principles: 

  • Arkan depicts the elements. 

  • Mizaj expresses a person's temperament or mood. 

  • Akhlat refers to the body's humor. 

  • Aaza describes all organ systems. 

  • Arwah represents the vitality and presence of a spirit. 

  • Qua represents the powers and faculties of a human being. 

  • Afaal illustrates the functions.

All seven principles interact with one another to maintain balance. When all these human physiology principles work together, a person is healthy. The foundation of Unani's treatment is the belief that the patient can maintain this balance. This self-healing ability is known as Tabiyat. It is held when the seven components described above are in perfect harmony.It is classified as a traditional medicinal practice because the evidence for these components has not been scientifically proven. This alternative medical practice is widespread worldwide, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia. In 2014, the Indian Medical Association recognized an estimated 400,000 practitioners. Many people engage in quackery by administering Western medications to patients without a license or certification.

Unani Medicine in India

Unani Medicine arrived in India around the 10th century CE, with the formation of the Delhi Sultanate and the migration of Persian experts. However, during the Mughal Empire, Unani Medicine flourished in India. It ushered in a golden age of Unani medicine in India by establishing various colleges and hospitals.

In contemporary India, Unani Medicine continues to be popular, especially among the country’s Muslim population. The Indian government recognizes Unani Medicine as one of the traditional systems of medicine. It has established regulatory bodies like the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) to monitor and regulate its practice. Numerous Unani medical colleges in India offer degrees in Unani Medicine, and Unani practitioners are incorporated into the national health care system.

Principles of Unani Medicine

Unani medicine is based on the four humours of phlegm (balgham), blood (dam), yellow bile (safra), and black bile (sauda). Unani believes that these four humours are vital physiological fluids that, when balanced, promote health and, when imbalanced, create illness.

The humoral theory postulates that every individual has a unique humoral constitution representing their healthy state. Unani Medicine also recognizes the influence of environmental factors on health. It emphasizes the importance of air, food and drink, and mental activity as factors that can affect the balance of the humours. This holistic approach to health and disease, which considers the individual’s lifestyle and environment, is one of the critical features of Unani Medicine.

Practices and Treatments in Unani Medicine

Unani Medicine encompasses a wide range of practices and treatments. It is achieved through dietary regulations, pharmacotherapy, and regimental therapy.

Dietary regulations involve modifying the patient’s diet to eliminate certain foods believed to cause an imbalance in the humours. Pharmacotherapy uses natural medicines, most plant-based, although animal and mineral products are also used. Regimental therapy includes venesection, cupping, diaphoresis, diuresis, and Turkish baths. 

Unani Medicine Today

Unani Medicine is recognized and practiced worldwide, including in South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. It falls under complementary and alternative medicine and is frequently used in conjunction with traditional treatments. However, Unani Medicine has also been criticized and debated. Some detractors say insufficient scientific evidence demonstrates the efficacy of Unani treatments. Others express concern about the safety of some techniques, including venesection and cupping. Despite these objections, many people continue to practice Unani Medicine, often citing personal experiences and anecdotal evidence to support its efficacy. 

Conclusion

With its rich history and unique approach to health and wellness, Unani Care provides an exciting alternative to traditional care. While it has critics, it also has many supporters who attest to its usefulness. Before beginning any new treatment, contact a trained healthcare expert. It guarantees the treatment is safe and appropriate for the patient's medical needs. As the globe explores and integrates many types of traditional medicine, Unani Medicine will likely remain an essential part of the conversation.


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