Introduction:
Unani is a term used for ancient Perso Arabian system of medical treatment practiced during the Mughal rule and by traditional Muslim culture in Asia. The concepts, however, have their roots in the enlightenment delivered by Greek physicians Hippocrates and Galen. The classical four humors of Phlegm (Balgham), Blood (Dam), Yellow Bile (Saphra ) and Black Bile (Sauda ) is an indication of ancient Greek influence on the traditional Unani system of medicine. Moreover, it also has been affected by the time honored Chinese and Indian systems.
History:
The concept of Unani medicine is founded on the premises of Ibn Sina’s valuable eleventh century work ‘The canons of medicine’. Way back in the 13th century, the concepts of traditional Islamic medical system were launched in India during the reign of the Delhi sultanate. Since then the system had been through a lot of evolutionary stages under the Mughal rule and had a profound influence by the teachings of Charaka and Sushruta. The court of Alauddin Khilji was manned by several eminent Unani practitioners called Hakims back in the year 1316. Under the royal support, the preaching and practices of Unani gained momentum. Even the development and spread of Unani literature were encouraged and contributions showered in from Ayurvedic system too.
Principles:
The concept of Unani system has been originated by the ancient philosophy of medicine propounded by the Hellenistic medical practitioner and teacher Hypocrates. Gradually, contributions supported by meticulous research work and observation have enriched Unani over time. The system has earned the status of science. Like any branch of science, it is governed by certain principles and the cause – effect relationship for the better understanding and practice of this branch of medical science.
The fundamental principles of Unani system is governed by two basic life force or ‘ thymos’ and four essences called ‘ humours ‘.
The six factors of health also form the basis of Unani system. They determine the state of health of a person. The ailments are examined in context of the condition of the above factors in a human body to work out a remedial solution.
The foundation of Unani system goes back to its profound trust in nature and its healing powers. Good health is a condition which is achieved when all functions are carried out in correct measures.
Methods:
According to Unani system, any disease can be treated by setting the essential preconditions of health right. It is adapted by the administration of a plethora of systems like : Dalak, riyazat, hammam, taleeq, taakmid, hizamat, fasd, lakhlakha, bakhur, abzan, shamoomat, peshoya, idrar, ishal, qai, tareeq, elan, laza- e- muqabil, imalah and alteration of food. Surgery, which is known as Illaj Bil Yad is an alternate to oral medicine.
For hair care, for example, egg oil is used which is known as Rogham Baiza Murgh. Like Ayurveda, in the Unani system too, the five elements of air, water, earth, fire and ether is thought to constitute the human body. These elements exist in the fluids that enter our body and their imbalance results in illness.
The mix of blood, phlegm, black and yellow bile decides the temperament of a person. When the mix falls out of equilibrium, the patient suffers from various disorders. The objective is to set the mix right.
Benefits:
The Unani medicines can be used for curing a number of disorders. For Arthritis, the medical remedy will be the application of Majoon Suranjam in prescribed dosage. For cataract, which is normally an age related vision disorder, administration of Kohl Chikini Dawa would be an infallible solution.
Senile decay also leads to brain malfunctioning for which the Unani has prescribed Khamira Abresham Hakim Arshad wala. The application should be as per the prescribed dosage and timing stipulation for achieving encouraging results.
Unani medicines have benefited the Muslim population for ages. But it is not religion specific for obvious reasons. The benefits can be extended to any patient from any background. Unani is a cultivation of medical science with universal application and resulting benefits.
