Unani
Unani system is one of the oldest systems of medicine, based on the teachings of Hippocrates (Father of Medicine) in 460 BC, who freed medicine from the realm of superstition and magic and gave it the status of science. It is an extensive medical system that deals with various states of the body (healthy and diseased). The system is integrated in nature and offers preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative healthcare. UNANI is derived from the word IONIAN, which indicates its genesis in present-day Greece (Unan), and TIBB means medicine.
The Unani system was developed in Arab and Persian lands. It was introduced by Arabs into the Indian subcontinent about a millennium ago. Here it found its permanent home to see the peak of its scientific development. This system, over the centuries, has incorporated so well into Indian civilization that today it is established by the Government of India as one of the Indian systems of medicine, and forms an elemental part of our national healthcare delivery system.
Fundamentals of Unani System of Medicine
In the Unani system of medicine, the human body is based on seven natural principles, known as "Umure Tabiya". These are the very factors responsible for the existence of the human body and are considered responsible for the maintenance of health. The loss of any one of these components could lead even to the death of the individual. These are as follows:
- Elements (Arkan or Anasir)
- Temperament (Mizaj)
- Humours (Akhlat)
- Organs (Aza)
- Pneuma or Vital Spirit (Arwah)
- Faculties of Power (Quwa)
- Function (Al-Af'al)
The Unani system is based on the Hippocratic theory, which postulates that a perfect balance of "Arkan" (elements), "Akhlat" (humors) and "Mizaj" (temperament) keeps the body and mind healthy. The theory presupposes the presence of four humours in the human body — "Dam" (blood), "Balgham" (phlegm), "Safra" (yellow bile) and "Sauda" (black bile). Every individual has an inherent power of self-preservation called "Quwwat-e-Modabbira". The Unani system of medicine aims at restoring the equilibrium of various elements and faculties of the human body.
Prevention of Diseases & Promotion of Health
In Unani medicine, much emphasis is placed on the prevention of disease and promotion of health rather than cure. It also recognizes the influence of surrounding and ecological conditions on the state of health of human beings. Baqa-e-Sehath (preservation of health) has been defined under Asbab-e-Sittah Zaruriah. Asbab-e-Sittah Zaruriah (six essential factors of health) influence each and every individual, and all mental and physical diseases are due to their imbalance. For the maintenance of good health, these essential factors should be balanced in terms of quality, quantity and sequence in order to sustain good health. A balanced relationship between these factors keeps the humours and temperament on the right track. The best possible way of health promotion in this holistic system of medicine is improvement of Tabiyat (Medicatrix nature, or immunity).
Asbab-e-Sittah Zaruriyah: Asbab-e-Sittah Zaruriyah are six essential factors necessary for a healthy life, described by ancient Unani physicians. Allama Nafees defined Asbab-e-Sittah Zaruriyah as "the factors which accompany a person for their whole life". Unani scholars classified these factors into six, therefore these are called Asbab-e-Sittah Zaruriyah (six essential factors for a healthy life). It includes the following six factors:
- Hawa (Environmental Air)
- Makool wa Mashroob (Food and Drinks)
- Harkat wa Sukoon Badni (Physical Movement and Repose)
- Harkat wa Sukoon Nafsani (Psychic Movement and Repose)
- Naum wa Yaqza (Sleep and Wakefulness)
- Ehtabaas wa Istafraagh (Retention of Nutritive Material and Regular Excretion of Waste Material)
Diagnosis in Unani
In the Unani system of medicine, the most important aspects for the diagnosis of diseases are three in number: Nabz (pulse), examination of Baul (urine), and Baraz (stool).
The surroundings and ecological conditions are very much responsible for the state of health of a person. Much emphasis is laid on the causes for the prevention of health, as Asbab-e-Sittah Zaruriyah are taken into consideration, as well as the Mizaj (temperament) of the diseased.