Unani treatment, originating from Greece (known as Unan), aims to support the body’s natural processes using medications devoid of side effects. Also referred to as Greco-Arab medicine, Arab medicine, Ionian medicine, and Oriental medicine, Unani operates on the premise that diseases are natural occurrences and symptoms are the body’s responses to them. The human body possesses a self-preservation power (Quwwat-e-Mudabbira) responsible for maintaining the balance of bodily humors. Unani treatment endeavors to help the body regain or strengthen this balance. Central to Unani practice is the humoral theory, which posits the presence of four humors in the body, namely:
- Blood
- Phlegm
- Yellow bile
- Sauda
Prior to commencing treatment, the patient’s pulse is assessed to determine the dominant humor at that specific moment. Additionally, depending on the patient’s symptoms, urine and stool tests are conducted. In Unani therapy, potent medications are not administered during the initial stages of treatment. Instead, medications are chosen based on deviations from the healthy state, with preference given to light doses. The effects of the low dosage are observed initially before considering higher dosages.
Unani Treatments
To diagnose the disease, Unani physicians, commonly referred to as hakims, assess the rhythmic expansion of the patient’s arteries (known as nubz). Unani treatment encompasses four main types:
- Ilaj bil tadbeer (regimental therapy): It is a detoxification method that improves
- Ilaj bil Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy): This method focuses on detoxification, enhancing the body’s constitution by eliminating waste materials. Regimental therapy also fortifies health and boosts the body’s defense mechanisms. Key techniques include massage (dalk, malish), Turkish bath (hammam), exercise (Riyazat), leeching (Taleeq-e-Alaq), and venesection (Fasd).
- Ilaj bil Ghiza (Dietotherapy): This involves regulating the quantity and quality of your diet. Unani physicians may recommend increasing the intake of specific foods that can help alleviate symptoms of the disease.
- laj bil Dawa (Pharmacotherapy): Natural drugs derived from plants, minerals, and animals are utilized in the Unani system. The potency and temperament of drugs are crucial considerations in Unani treatment. Drugs are expected to act in accordance with their temperament, which can be classified as hot, cold, moist, or dry. Unani medicines are available in various forms such as tablets, decoctions, infusions, Jawarish, Majoon, Khamira, syrup, and powder.
- Jarahat (Surgery): While ancient Unani physicians were pioneers in the field of surgery, contemporary Unani practices primarily involve minor surgical procedures.