Unani Medicine in India
Unani Medicine (Unani-tibb) also spelled as Yunani Medicine, is the other form of medicine. Unani medicine focuses on the four humors of the human body (blood, yellow bile, black bile and phlegm) and the cause of diseases is caused by the inequality of all the four humors. The Unani system was first developed in Greece in the ancient time. Father of the medicine is the name given by the Hippocrates. They always assumed that Arkan (elements), Mizaj (temperament) and Akhlat (humor) that keeps the body and mind healthy.
Unani System of Medicine in India
The Arabs are the one who pioneered the Unani system in India. The Unani system success period was between the 13th-17th centuries in India. The valuable contributions to this system was made by Abu Bakr, Sadruddin Damashqui, Ali Geelani and many more.
Unani System of Medicine Principles
The seven essential physiological principles are-
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Mizaj ( the bodily temperament of Physio-chemical aspects)
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Quwa (the bodily power)
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A’da ( the fully developed mature organs)
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A’za ( organs)
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Akhlat ( the structural components)
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Arwah (essential spirit)
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Af’aal ( physiological and biochemical processes)
Diagnosis in Unani System of Medicine
First step is to do a patient’s diagnosis in order to know about his ailments. More knowledge of his diseases is based on symptoms, excretions, dietary intake and the pattern of his activities. The Unani system diagnose the diseases by examining the artery expansion of the pulse (Nbaz). Urine (Baul) and Stool (Baraz) are the other procedures for diagnosis.
Branches of Unani Medicine
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Diseases of the head and neck
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Toxicology
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Internal medicine
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Psychiatry
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Hydrotherapy
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Gynecology
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Sexology
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Dietotherapy
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Rejuvenation therapy including Geriatrics
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Regimental therapy
Areas of Expertise in Unani System of Medicine
A lot of chronic conditions are treated by Unani System of Medicine-
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Respiratory conditions
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Liver disorders
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Musculoskeletal disorders
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Skin disorders
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Disorders of the nervous system
Many severe diseases are cured by the Unani system where the other procedures failed to give expected results.
Prevention of Diseases in Unani System of Medicine
The six essential basics for preventing diseases which are also known as Asbab-e-Sitta Zarooriya-
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Repose and bodily movement
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Retention and Evacuation
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Air
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Sleep and wakefulness
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Repose and physic movement
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Foods and drinks
Unani Herbal Therapeutics
It Is an ancient system which asserts the benefits of herbs. Herbs are known worldwide for its properties which helps in curing many diseases. Many constituents are used in herbal therapeutics which acts as built-in antidotes and safeguard the body from any ill effects of the herb itself. They are gum, sugar, inorganic salts, resins and many vegetable substances.
Unani Therapies
The aim of Unani therapies is to focus on the general health of the patient. With the help of natural products, the therapy prepares various herbal medicines for the purpose of internal healing. In the process of external healing, the therapies depends on the disease type and also on the condition of the patient. More therapies include
Balneology
In Balneology therapy, the healing process uses the application of bath for this therapy. The therapy is done in the bathing room which is also known as Hammam in Arabic.
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Cupping
This therapy focuses on the principle of acupressure and includes the use of glass cups. The aim is to remove all the blockages in arteries and tissues.
Dietetics
This therapy focuses on the significance of diet on the health of the patient. A large number of ailments occur due to extended disorders that are connected with diet.