Unani Medicine History & Legacy. ©RohitSinghNegi
It core emphasises is in restoring balance to the body's four humors :-
•phlegm
•blood
•yellow bile
•black bile)
It utilizes regimental therapy, diet & pharmacotherapy.
Origin and Development:
The core of herbal knowledge of Unani maybe Ancient Buddhism but Unani medicine is rooted in the teachings of Hippocrates and Galen, Greek physicians who emphasized natural causes and remedies for diseases.
It was further developed by Arabian and Persian scholars like Rhazes, Avicenna, Al-Zahrawi & Ibn Nafis, who integrated their knowledge and observations to create a comprehensive medical system.
Unani Medicine was introduced into India in the 12th or 13th century with the establishment of The Delhi Sultanate & The Mughal Empire, where it flourished and became deeply integrated into Indian culture.
Key Concepts and Principles:
Four Humors:
Unani medicine is based on the concept of four humors (phlegm, blood, yellow bile, and black bile) that are believed to influence the body's health.
Temperament (Mizäj):
Each individual, food, and drug is categorized into one of four temperaments (hot and dry, hot and wet, cold and wet, and cold and dry), reflecting a balance of these elements.
Six Essential Prerequisites:
The Unani system emphasizes the importance of six essential factors (air, food and drinks, bodily movement, psychic movement, sleep and wakefulness, and excretion and retention) for maintaining health and preventing disease.
Medicatrix Naturae:
Unani medicine recognizes the body's inherent ability to heal itself, with the body's natural defenses (Medicatrix Naturae) playing a crucial role in maintaining health and resisting disease.
Treatment Modalities:
Regimental Therapy (Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer):
This involves various techniques like venesection, cupping, diaphoresis, massage, and exercise to restore balance and promote healing.
Dietotherapy (Ilaj-bit-ghiza):
Focuses on regulating diet to restore humoral balance and address specific ailments.
Pharmacotherapy (Ilaj-bit-Dawa):
Involves the use of natural substances, primarily herbal, but also including animal and mineral-based drugs, to restore balance and treat diseases.
Surgery (Jarahat):
Unani physicians also practiced surgery, developing their own instruments and techniques.
Unani Medicine in India:
The Unani system of medicine has been integrated into India's national healthcare delivery system.
India is a global leader in Unani medicine, with a large number of practitioners, educational institutions, research facilities, and drug manufacturing industries.
The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting Unani medicine research and development in India.
There are numerous Unani hospitals and dispensaries across the country, providing healthcare services to a wide range of people.
The National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM) in Bengaluru is a prominent institution for Unani education and research.
Hakim Ajmal Khan, revered as The Father of Unani Medicine in India, played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting this ancient healing system. A visionary physician and reformer, he established institutions, standardized education, and championed scientific research in Unani practices. His tireless efforts laid the foundation for India to become a global hub of Unani medicine.
Today, thanks to pioneers like him, Unani thrives as a trusted, holistic alternative— blending tradition and science to restore balance and health. As the world seeks natural & integrative healing, Unani medicine stands tall, offering timeless wisdom for modern well-being.
©Rohit Singh Negi
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