Unani

Enjoy the natural healing power of Unani Treatment & Medicine

Effectual Unani

Unani treatment also referred as Unani tibb or Arabian medicine is a traditional method of healing and health care process followed in South Asia. The origins of Unani medicine are set up in the doctrines of the ancient Greek physicians like Hippocrates and Galen.

Enjoy the natural healing power of Unani Treatment & Medicine

Unani medicine, also known as Unani-tibb or Islamic medicine, is a traditional system of medicine that has its roots in ancient Greece and the Islamic world. It is based on the principle of balance and believes that health is achieved by maintaining a balance between the body, mind, and spirit.

Unani treatment involves a holistic approach to healing and focuses on the underlying causes of a disease rather than just treating its symptoms. Unani physicians use a range of natural remedies, including herbs, diet, massage, and exercise to restore balance to the body.

Unani treatment may also involve massage and other physical therapies, such as cupping or hijama. These therapies are used to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.

Unani medicine also places great emphasis on the importance of maintaining mental and emotional balance. Unani physicians may use techniques such as meditation, visualization, or counseling to help patients manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional issues.

Tale of Unani Treatment

The word Yunānī means Greek”, as the Perso-Arabic method of medicine was based on the guiding principles of the Greek physicians like Hippocrates and Galen. Unani medicine was introduced in India by the Arabs and Persians. Hakim Ajmal Khan is the father of Unani medicine as he first conducted research in Unani Medicine with modern scientific parameters. Unani treatment system is an excellent healing art as well as science. The Unani System offers treatment of illness related to all the systems and organs of the human body. The medicial treatments for chronic ailments and diseases of skin, liver, musculo-skeletal and reproductive systems, immunological and lifestyle disorders have been found to be the most useful and acceptable. It treats a person as total not as a combination of individual parts. It focuses at treating body, mind and soul. This system is formed on Hippocratic theory of four humors i.e. blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile. Unani medicine is famous for its assuring solution in the treatment of autoimmune disorders like Psoriasis, Lichen Planus and Eczema.

Basic Principles of Unani

The past history of Unani medicine can be defined by the practitioners or hakims. They relied on natural healing with the association of physical, mental and spiritual states based on the principles of harmony & balance. According to the Hakims, the health is maintained by a balanced arrangement of al-umoor al-tabiyah (the seven basic physiological principles of the Unani doctrine). Interrelating with each other, these seven natural elements maintain the balance in the natural constitution of the human body. Each individual’s constitution has an automated power that is called tabiyat. One of the key principles of Unani medicine is that the body has a natural ability to heal itself. Therefore, the goal of Unani treatment is to support and enhance the body’s natural healing processes, rather than suppressing symptoms with medication.


These seven principles of Unani include:

Arkan or elements
Mizaj or temperament
Akhlat or bodily humours
Aaza or organs and systems
Arwah or vital spirit
Quwa or evaluate of Faculties
Afaal or functions
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Fire + Air Water + Earth

Arkan is not only constitutes the primary components of the human body but also makes up all other formations in the universe. As per Unani ideologies, the body is made up of the four basic elements i.e. Earth, Air, Water and Fire which have different temperaments i.e. cold, hot, wet and dry respectively.

Unani System of Medicine considers human body is made up of four elements —arz (earth), maa (water), naar (fire) and hawa (air)

Unani System of Medicine considers that every individual has their own distinctive temperament according to their humoral constitution, lifestyle and environmental conditions. The communication between four elements in the body produces various states which determine the temperament of an individual. The mizaj (temperaments) is divided into four types:

  1. Sanguine Temperament (Damwi Mizaj)
  2. Phlegmatic Temperament (Balghami Mizaj)
  3. Choleric Temperament (Safrawi)
  4. Melancholic Tmeperamant (Saudawi Mizaj)

In Unani System of Medicine, humours (Akhlat) play a significant role in maintenance of health; inequality of their distribution either qualitative or quantitative can cause disease. Akhlat relates to the body fluids under a wider perspective in the Unani Medicine that also besets fluids determined as hormones by the Modern Medicine. Akhlat (humours) are those watery and fluid parts of the body which are generated after alteration and metabolism of the nutrition. They assist the function of growth, repair, produce energy, preservation of individual and the species. The medical practitioners of Unani medical system classified the humours into four types. These are: Dam (blood), Balgham (Phlegm), Safra (Yellow Bile), Sauda (Black Bile)

Dam (blood): Dam (blood) in unani is referred as ‘hot and moist’ humour. Dam is considered an important mixture of components, so its red colour influences and called dam (Blood). According to infiltration and accumulation of fasidmadda its quality and quantity changed.

Balgham (Phlegm): Balgham (phlegm) in unani is referred as ‘cold and moist‘ humour. When it is said someone have a moist temperament it shows the dominance of phlegm, it means phlegm humour has stood governing over other humours.

Safra (Yellow Bile):  Safra (yellow bile) in unani is referred as hot and dry humour. The yellow bile (Jaundice) is caused by a high level of bilirubin, this type results from excess heat and it induces the most severe vomiting. Frequent nausea with frequent vomiting indicates improper humors in the stomach. Jaundice is a state in which mucous membranes turn yellow.

Sauda (Black Bile): Sauda (black bile) in unani is referred as ‘cold and dry‘ humour. The people who are controlled by black bile are lazy, fearful and sickly. Black or brown vomit is caused by bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI)

Aza are treatments of various organs of the human body. These have been divided into two types:

  1. Aza basitah( cells and tissues treatments)- which are composed of akhlat
  2. aza aliyah (organs treatments) – which are composed of aza basitah.

Arwah means Ruh (Spirit) is a gaseous substance. It’s gathered from the inspired air. It supports in all the metabolic activities of the human body. It burns the akhlat latifah to create all types of quwa (powers) and hararat ghariziyah.  It is the root of energy for all the organs of the body.

The quwa (faculties) deliver the basis for different bodily functions. Each and every organ is equipped with a power. Through quwat (faculty) distinct physiological functions are performed by that particular organ. There are three powers present in human body. These are:

  1. Quwa Tabiyah (Natural faculty)
  2. Quwa Nafsania (Psychic & Mental faculty)
  3. Quwa Haywaniya ( Vital faculty)

Afaal refers to the movements & functions of the several organs of the human body. For maintaining a good health, it is necessary to confirm that various organs are not only in proper shape. In case of a healthy body, all the organs are not only in proper shape but are also conducting their respective functions. It’s essential to have full knowledge about human body’s functions in full detail to diagnosis the root cause of the disease.

Principles of Diagnosis

The diagnosis process in Unani Treatment System of Medicine depends on two factors i.e. observation and physical examination. Any illness that develops in an individual is to be regarded as a result of material a person made of, type of temperament, structure and faculties he has, the factors that operate him outside. Natures make an effort to maintain his physical functions and to eliminate disruptions to the extent possible. Keeping all inter-related factors into account, the cause and nature of ailments are determined and a detailed treatment plan is marked out. The diagnosis for the same involves a detailed investigation of the causes of the disease thoroughly and in detail. For the same, physicians rely on the pulse reading and examining of the urine and stool. Pulse or Nabz is the alternative expansion and contraction of the arteries produced by the heart. Apart from these examinations, the physicians also make use of other conventional means like palpitation, percussion, inspection and occultation are also used for diagnosis purposes. Unani medicine also emphasizes the importance of diet and nutrition in maintaining health and preventing disease. Unani physicians believe that a balanced diet, tailored to an individual’s unique constitution, can help to prevent and treat disease. They may recommend certain foods or advise against others, depending on a patient’s needs.

  1. Malmus (Palpation)
  2. Laham wa shaham (Flesh and Fat)
  3. Shaar (Hairs)
  4. Laun-al-badan (Body complexion)
  5. Sahna/Haiyat al aza (Physique)
  6. Kaifiyat – e-infal (Responsiveness of organs)
  7. Naum wa yaqza (Sleep and wakefulness)
  8. Afal – ul-aza (functions of Organs)
  9. Fuzlat – e-badan (Excreta of body)
  10. Infalat – e-nafsania (psyche)

Assessment of Mizaj (Temperamant)

In Unani System of Medicine, mizaj (temperament) plays an important role in preventive, therapeutic and lifestyle recommendations. Mizaj (Temperament) is one of the principal ideas of Unani system of medicine upon which diagnosis and line of treatment of a disease are formed. Every human being has been equipped a specific Mizaj through which an individual conducts his activities accurately. The skill about an individual’s assessment of Mizaj is very crucial for treating various diseases.

Assessment of Nabz (Pulse)

Pulse (Nabz) examination in Unani Treatment is used by medical practitioners to help diagnose different states of the body- health, disease and the transitional state. An experienced Unani physician can easily differentiate between a normal and an unbalanced temperament pulse. The index, middle and ring fingers are used to feel the three pulses in their specific order. Pressure of varying degrees is put in each finger on the artery orderly. Applying of pressure is repeated as usually as required for diagnosing the disease. As per Unani Treatment ten features to constitute a nabz (Pulse). These are as follows:

  1. Volume
  2. Strength
  3. Velocity
  4. Fullness
  5. Temperature
  6. Rate
  7. Equality
  8. Consistency
  9. Regularity
  10. Rhythm

Assessment of Qaroora(Urine) in Unani treatment

Since thousand years, it has been told that examination and observation of Urine was the first tool for diagnosis of disease and management of patients. It is believed that Urine examination could be helpful in medical perception and confirmation of individual temperament. In this aspect, Urine should be taken as whole sample in a specific shaped glass jar to have a more genuine observation. Furthermore, sampling should be done in the morning after an adequate night sleep while the person is still, fasting and examined within 1 to 6 hours. Distinct features including colour, density, transparency, sediments, volume, odor, taste and froth are assessed. Urine glass should be cleared, uncolored and must be entirely washed before use. Urine must be stored in a position which won’t be too cold or hot, away from wind and sunlight.

Mode of Unani Treatment

In Unani Medicine Treatment usually four modes of treatment such as regimental therapy, dietotherapy, pharmacotherapy and organotherapy are applied for the treatment of diseases.

Regimental Therapy

Regimental therapy, also known as Ilaj Bil Tadbeer, is a type of naturopathic therapy that utilizes various physical therapies to improve the body’s natural healing ability and promote overall well-being. It is a type of naturopathic therapy that utilizes various physical therapies to improve the body’s natural healing ability and promote overall well-being. Regimental therapy includes various procedures such as massage, hydrotherapy, steam therapy, cupping therapy, and bloodletting. These therapies are used to eliminate toxins from the body, improve blood circulation, and balance the body’s humors. Some of the specific benefits include reducing inflammation, improving digestion, strengthening the immune system, relieving pain, and promoting relaxation.

Diet therapy

Dietotherapy is concerned to recommending a balanced diet can help maintain the balance of the humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) in the body, which is essential for good health and mainly natural course of treatment by a hakim. It involves the use of natural foods, herbs, and spices to create a balanced and healthy diet that meets the specific nutritional needs of the individual. Unani physicians believe that each individual is unique and that diet therapy should be tailored to the specific needs of the person. They take into account factors such as age, sex, climate, occupation, and physical activity when designing a diet plan.

Pharmacotherapy

Pharmacotherapy is referred to the use of medicines by Unani hakims. This type treatment method is considered by hakims to be natural, eco-friendly, less intruding and more effective than many other processes. The Unani system’s pharmacopoeia is wide, enhanced with more than 3,000 medicines derived from innumerable herbal, mineral and animal sources.  Unani physicians use a variety of herbs and plants to treat different conditions, including fever, coughs, colds, digestive disorders, skin diseases, and respiratory conditions. Some common herbs used in Unani medicine include ginger, turmeric, cumin, black seed, and garlic.

Organ therapy

Organ therapy is a treatment method used in Unani medicine, which involves the use of animal organs and tissues to treat various health conditions. This therapy is based on the principle that animal organs contain specific substances that can help nourish and stimulate the corresponding organs in the human body, thus promoting healing and restoring health. Organ therapy is a form of natural medicine that has been used for centuries in Unani medicine. In Unani medicine, organ therapy is known as “Ilaj Bil Tadbir” or “regulation of body functions through the use of natural substances.” The organs used in organ therapy are usually administered in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and extracts. They are also sometimes combined with other natural substances, such as herbs and spices, to enhance their therapeutic effects.

In conclusion, Unani medicine offers a holistic approach to healing that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. Its focus on natural remedies, diet, and lifestyle factors makes it a gentle and effective form of treatment for a wide range of conditions.