A Living Portrait of India
A Living Portrait of India |
India Heritage:Science:Traditional Medicine |
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The Unani medicine system was introduced into India in the thirteetnth century by Arab scholars. Originally a Greek achievement based on and confined to pragmatisms, it received its scientific character from Hippocrates (460-377 BC). The theory of humours underlined his concept: the balance of the four humours- blood (dam or khoon), phlegm (balgam), yellow bile (safra) and black bile (sauda)- was necessary for health. While Hippocrates is regarded as the father of the Unani system, Galen (131-210 AD) is equally respected. He clarified the organs' functions and expounded on anatomy and physiology. Unani medicine arrived in the Arab world in the eighth century, was further developed by Rhazes (865-925 AD), author of Al Havi Libre Continents, and Zahravi (born 946 AD) author of Al-Tasreef, a comprehensive surgery text that was regarded as irrefutable testimony to the glories of the Unani system, complete with pictures of instruments that Zahravi invented. Many theories of Ayurveda (already at a peak) were incorporated into the Unani system prior to the thirteenth century. A PERFECT BALANCE Apart from the four humours, the Unani system believes in the four basic elements- earth (mitti), water (pani), fire (aag), and air (hawa). The life force (arwah) and the physical organs (aza) are comprised of these elements, which in turn result in the creation of energy (quva). This energy is responsible for the physiological aspect (afa'al) of the body. Medicines as well as the human body are discussed and explained in terms of the elements (arkan), humours (akhlat), temperament (mizaj), organs (aza), the life force (arwah), energy (quva), and physiological action (afa'al). Of these, temperament is the most important for diagnostic purposes as also the prescription of medicines. Disease is considered closely connected to physical and temperamental matters. Moreover, mind and heart (i.e. emotions) are vital components of health. Being disease- free is not enough- a positive outlook is as important here as it is in Ayurveda. PREVENTION & CURE Looking more to prevention than cure, Unani medicine holds that close attention to six essential factors will ensure a disease-and-stress-free life. These factors are: air, food and drink, physical activity and rest, mental activity and repose, sleeping habits, and retention & evacuation. The Hakims (Unani physicians) believe in four lines of treatment: Regimental therapy- this includes exercise, regular and correct massage, steam baths, fomentation, emesis, purging and enema. Diet-o-therapy- this covers a normal diet, liquid diet for flushing out the system, and a semi-solid diet that will allow the digestive system a rest without resorting to the comparative extreme of a liquid diet. Pharmacotherapy- the prescription of medicines derived from animal, mineral or plant sources. These are prepared such that there are no side- effects. Surgery - this includes venesection, cupping, leeching and cauterization. |
