Unani medicine, also known as Unani Tibb, is a traditional system of healing that has its roots in ancient Greek medicine, developed and refined by Arab and Persian scholars. The word "Unani" is derived from the Arabic word for "Greek," reflecting its origins in the teachings of the Greek physician Hippocrates and later enriched by luminaries like Avicenna (Ibn Sina). Unani medicine is based on the concept of balancing the body's four humors—blood (Dam), phlegm (Balgham), yellow bile (Safra), and black bile (Sauda)—to maintain health and treat diseases. It emphasizes a holistic approach, addressing not only physical symptoms but also mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Temperament (Mizaj) : Each individual has a unique temperament that plays a crucial role in health and disease.
Six Essential Factors (Asbab-e-Sitta Zarooriya) : These include air, food and drink, sleep and wakefulness, physical activity and rest, evacuation and retention, and emotional well-being.
Preventive Care : Focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent illness.
Natural Healing : Utilizes natural remedies, dietary adjustments, and therapeutic techniques like cupping (Hijama) and massage.
Pharmacotherapy : Use of herbal and mineral-based medicines.
Dietary Therapy : Personalized nutrition plans to restore balance.
Regimenal Therapy (Ilaj-bil-Tadbeer) : Includes practices like detoxification, steam therapy, and physical exercises.
Surgical Techniques : For specific conditions, minor surgical interventions may be employed.
Unani medicine is widely practiced in South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe, with recognition from global health organizations for its contributions to alternative and complementary medicine.