About Unani system of medicine

Origin

The AYUSH branch UNAN gets originated in the Greece as the name suggests.

The Greeks are known for being great inventors and philosophers, notably, HIPPOCRATES( father of modern medicine) along with other Greek philosophers and physicians adopted concepts from Egypt as early as 3000B.C and created this ancient system of medicine leaving behind superstitions, making Unani system of medicine one of most ancient systems of medicine. It reached Rome, Romans further developed it. In middle ages, it reached parts of western Europe, central Asia, middle east developing even more. By the time it reached India it was well developed and complete system of medicine. Now an AYUSH system thriving under AYUSH ministry.

What is Unani system of medicine?

" There are no incurable diseases- only the lack of will. There are no worthless herbs - only the lack of knowledge" Avicenna

" Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease" Hippocrates

Unani system of medicine is based on the humoral theory proposed by Hippocrates( father of medicine) and temperamental ( mizaj) theory proposed by Galen. We come from mother nature and contain nature in ourselves, humoral theory and temperament theory states that body is comprised of 4 humors which have its own mizaj ( temperament) and properties and they exist in body in right proportions ( quality and quantity) . disturbance in these humors/ khilt causes diseases. these 4 humors are :

Khilt e Safra( yellow bile/ chole)- hot and dry - resembles with fire ( hot and dry)

Khilt e Dam ( blood/ sanguine) - hot and moist - resembles with air ( hot and moist)

Khilt e Balgham( phlegm) - cold and moist- resembles with water ( cold and moist)

Khilt e Sauda( malenchole/ black bile)- cold and dry- resembles with soil ( cold and dry).

Not only body but also food , medicine, seasons, etc. all have their own temperaments ( Mizaj) and they all affect body.

Approach to diagnosis and the treatment

Diagnosis is made by identifying patient's mizaj with detailed history and pulse( nabz) examination, tongue examination and often stool and urine examination. While approaching the treatment ,patient's mizaj( temperament) , medicine and food's temperament are kept in mind and holistic approach with lifestyle changes ( exercises/yoga, food habits, sleep and repose of body and mind etc.)along with regimental therapies( massages, cupping, venesection, leech therapy etc.) and Unani medicines is adopted in order to fix the disturbed humors and temperaments for complete cure.

four types of approach are there for treatment

1. Dietotherapy ( ilaj bil ghiza)

2. Regimental therapy( ilaj bil tadbeer-exercises/yoga, massages, cupping, venesection, leech therapy etc).

3. pharmacotherapy( ilaj bil dawa)

4. surgery.

Sometimes, only one is needed and other times a combination therapy is prescribed.

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