Unani medicine, also known as Unani Tibb or Greco-Arabic medicine, has a legacy that spans over 2,500 years. It is a holistic healing system rooted in the teachings of ancient Greek physicians like Hippocrates and Galen, later refined by Persian and Arab scholars such as Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and Al-Razi.
-
Historical Roots:The system draws from the teachings of Hippocrates and Galen, with further development by Arab and Persian physicians like Ibn Sina and Al-Razi.ÂÂ
-
Â
Core Principles of Unani Medicine:
-
Humoral Theory: Based on the balance of four bodily humors—blood (Dam), phlegm (Balgham), yellow bile (Safra), and black bile (Sauda). Health is seen as a balance among these.
-
Temperament (Mizaj): Every individual has a unique temperament—hot, cold, dry, or moist—that affects their health and disease profile.
-
Natural Healing Power: Unani emphasizes the body's innate ability to heal itself, aided by herbal medicines, dietary regulations, and lifestyle changes.
Legacy Highlights:
-
Avicenna’s "Canon of Medicine": A foundational text that shaped both Unani and medieval European medical practices.
-
Integration with Ayurveda: Especially in India, where Unani thrived under Mughal patronage and coexisted with traditional Ayurvedic systems.
-
Institutional Support: In modern India, it's recognized by the AYUSH Ministry, with dedicated colleges, research centers, and hospitals.
Common Treatments:
-
Herbal formulations
-
Cupping therapy (Hijama)
-
Regimental therapies (Ilaj bil Tadbeer), including massage, leech therapy, and steam baths
-
Diet-based prescriptions (Ilaj bil Ghiza)
Relevance Today:
Unani medicine is still widely practiced in South Asia and the Middle East. It's valued for treating chronic conditions like arthritis, digestive issues, skin diseases, and reproductive health problems—often without heavy pharmaceuticals.