How Unani Medicine Shapes Modern Biological Understanding
There are many medical systems developed over the millennia with specific concepts. The historic evidence depicts that the world moves on to better medicinal practice by replacing the old ones. Despite the fact, the old practices are studied as a foundation of the latest medicinal practices. One such practice is Unani medicine. Developed in the Middle East, this medicinal practice has immense significance during the dawn of modern civilization. In this section, we will discuss what Unani is and how it was developed.
What is Unani?
Unani medicine is one of the oldest medicinal practices that evolved in the Islamic provinces thousands of years back. It has been mentioned by Galen and Hippocrates, the ancient physicians of Greece nearly 2500 years back. Imagine the way this medicinal practice was popular. It is a part of the Islamic culture and development of the civilization that earmarked the dawn of modern medicinal practices partially. The presence of the concepts of this traditional medicine was found in the Greek doctrines.
The concept of this traditional medicine evolved over time. The Arabian scholars made many refinements of the concept by experimenting and practising the old ones. The most noted among them was Avicenna. The Caliphate rule also did excellent development in the concepts by translating the Greek knowledge of human physiology and diseases into Arabic. This knowledge is considered to be the prime foundation of Unani.
For more than 1400 years, the Unani system of medicine has been practised and refined by practitioners. Additional contributions were made by the practitioners worldwide making it one of the most popular alternative medicinal practices. Medical wisdom from the Middle East and other parts evolved and spread all over South Asia.
What are the Unani Medicine Principles?
Every medicinal practice has a particular base or consideration. All the concepts develop based on a particular approach to human physiology and treatment methods. The Unani medicine list is based on natural healing methods. The concepts rely on the healing power of an individual. They are also built on the foundation of mental, physical, and spiritual realms.
The basic principles of physiology of Unani Medicine are based on Al-Umoor Al-Tabiyah, the seven principles of maintaining harmony. The seven principles are:
Arkan depicting the elements.
Mizaj depicting the temperament or mood of a person.
Akhlat or the bodily humors.
Aaza depicting all the organ systems.
Arwah depicts the vitality and presence of a spirit.
Qua depicts the powers and faculties of a human being.
Afaal depicts the functions.
All these seven principles interact with each other and maintain balance. When all these principles of human physiology are in harmony, a person remains healthy. In fact, the basic of Unani treatment is to maintain the balance and to believe that the power to maintain this balance resides within the patient. This self-healing power is depicted as Tabiyat. It is maintained when the seven components, mentioned above, remain in absolute harmony.
It is considered a traditional medicinal practise as the evidence of all these components have not been scientifically proven. This alternative medicinal practise is quite popular across the world, especially in the Middle East and South Asia. In 2014, an estimated volume of 400,000 practitioners was registered under the Indian Medical Association. Many practice quackery by giving western medicines to patients without any license or certification.
What is the Difference Between Unani and Modern Medicine?
As we all know now that the Unani treatment depends on the seven components, the practice believes that the capability of maintaining the balance of all these components lies within us. Despite this fact, there is no such scientific evidence that directs us to believe in this millennia-old medical practice.
Western medicine, on the other hand, is based on research, data, and scientific evidence. The results help us draw the line regarding using medicine or developing a new treatment procedure. There is no such evidence related to pharmacovigilance (monitoring drug activities and side effects) in this medicinal practice. The Unani medicine list is based on the natural ingredients extracted from natural sources. It means that the medicines are given in general, without checking the active ingredients responsible for the therapeutic effect. The dosage and delivery forms have not been improved since then.
Conclusion
Despite the lack of evidence, you can find Unani medicine online. The methods of preparing medicines in this system have been refined using modern technology but the principles are based on the age-old conceptual foundation. People seek this way of treatment due to common beliefs. The medicines are made of herbs, minerals, and other natural sources without proper scientific evidence. This is why it is considered to be a traditional medicinal approach for the treatment of various diseases. It can be useful for small illnesses or treating regular ailments but grave diseases need proper medical attention from the contemporary healthcare system.
FAQs on Unani Medicine: Key Principles and Applications
1. What is the Unani system of medicine and what are its core principles?
The Unani system of medicine, originating from ancient Greece, is a traditional medical practice based on the teachings of Hippocrates and Galen. Its fundamental principle is the 'humoral theory', which posits that the human body contains four primary fluids or 'humours' (akhlat): blood (dam), phlegm (balgham), yellow bile (safra), and black bile (sauda). A healthy state is maintained when these humours are in perfect balance. The system also believes in the body's innate self-healing power, known as Quwwat-e-Mudabbira-e-Badan.
2. How does Unani medicine differ from Ayurveda and modern Western medicine?
Unani, Ayurveda, and Western medicine differ significantly in their foundational philosophies and approaches:
- Unani vs. Ayurveda: While both are holistic systems, Unani is based on the concept of four humours (blood, phlegm, bile). In contrast, Ayurveda is based on three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Their diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are tailored to these distinct theories.
- Unani vs. Western Medicine: Unani focuses on restoring the balance of the body's humours for overall well-being, treating the patient holistically. Western (allopathic) medicine, on the other hand, is evidence-based and typically targets specific diseases, pathogens, or symptoms with scientifically tested and isolated chemical compounds.
3. What are the primary methods of diagnosis and treatment in the Unani system?
In the Unani system, diagnosis is primarily made through clinical observation, focusing on signs like the pulse (Nabz), and examination of urine (Baul) and stool (Baraz). Treatment is holistic and follows a structured approach:
- Ilaj-bil-Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy): This involves physical methods like massage, cupping (Hijama), and exercise to restore balance.
- Ilaj-bil-Ghidha (Dietotherapy): Prescribing specific diets or regulating food intake to treat ailments.
- Ilaj-bil-Dawa (Pharmacotherapy): The use of naturally sourced drugs, typically of herbal or mineral origin.
4. What are the common types of ailments treated with Unani medicine?
The Unani system is often sought for managing chronic conditions and lifestyle disorders. It is commonly used for treating ailments such as:
- Musculoskeletal disorders like arthritis and joint pain.
- Skin conditions like leucoderma, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Digestive problems such as indigestion and constipation.
- Respiratory issues like sinusitis and asthma.
- Lifestyle diseases related to stress and metabolic imbalances.
5. Why is the concept of 'Mizaj' (temperament) so important in Unani diagnosis and treatment?
The concept of Mizaj, or temperament, is central to the Unani system because it defines an individual's unique physical and physiological constitution. Unani medicine believes every person has a specific, balanced Mizaj from birth. Illness is considered a result of a disturbance or imbalance in this personal temperament. Therefore, the primary goal of a Unani physician is to identify the patient's Mizaj and then prescribe drugs, diets, and therapies with the opposite temperament to counteract the imbalance and restore health.
6. What are the sources of medicines used in the Unani system?
Unani medicines are sourced primarily from nature and are classified into three main categories:
- Plant/Herbal Origin: The vast majority of Unani drugs are derived from plants, using parts like leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots. Examples include Senna and Turmeric.
- Mineral Origin: Certain minerals and metals are used after a process of purification and detoxification. Examples include coral calcium and mica.
- Animal Origin: Some medicines are derived from animals or their by-products, such as pearls and musk.
7. What is the scientific basis of Unani medicine, and are there any side effects?
The basis of Unani medicine is its centuries-old humoral theory and empirical evidence gathered through observation, rather than the modern evidence-based framework of randomized controlled trials. While its medicines are derived from natural sources, it is a misconception that they are entirely free from side effects. The active compounds in these natural substances can be potent. An incorrect diagnosis, improper dosage, or the use of unpurified ingredients can lead to adverse reactions. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a qualified and registered Unani practitioner for any treatment.
