What is Unani Medicine?
La Unani Medicine, Also known as Unani Tibb, it is a system traditional doctor with roots in medicine Greek, Persian and ArabicThis practice, which has lasted for more than 2,500 years, is based on the principles of the Greek physicians Hippocrates and Galen and was developed and perfected by prominent Arab physicians such as Avicenna, Maimonides y AverroesIts popularity has spread throughout history and today it remains highly relevant in countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Middle East.
Fundamental principles of Unani Medicine
One of the pillars of Unani Medicine is the Hippocratic Theory of the Four HumorsAccording to this theory, the human body is composed of four essential fluids that must be kept in balance:
- Blood (Dam): Associated with heat and humidity.
- Phlegm (Balgham): Related to cold and humidity.
- Yellow bile (Safra): Linked to heat and dryness.
- Black bile (Sauda): Connected with cold and dryness.
The balance between these humors is crucial for health. When one is in excess or in deficiency, diseases are generated. Each person has a predominant mood, which influences its temperament and character:
- Sanguine: Optimistic and cheerful.
- Phlegmatic: Calm and indifferent.
- Choleric: Irritable and angry.
- Melancholic: Reflective and depressive.
Key Elements in Unani Medicine
In addition to humors, Unani Medicine considers other essential factors in diagnosis and treatment:
- The four elements of nature: Earth, air, fire and water.
- Environmental factors: Climate, seasons of the year and position of the Sun.
- Temperature: Cold, heat, humidity and dryness.
- Emotional state and behavior: Every mood influences personality.
- Time of day: Dawn, noon, dusk and midnight.
| Humour | Adjective | Element | Station | Sun position | Flavors that balance | Temperament |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood | Bloody | Air | Spring | Amanecer | Spicy and oily | Optimistic, cheerful |
| Phlegm | Phlegmatic | Water | Winter | Midnight | Sour and spicy | Calm, indifferent |
| Yellow bile | Choleric | Fuego | Summer | Noon | Sweet and oily | Irritable, angry |
| Black bile | Melancholic | Earth | Fall | Sunset | Sour and sweet | Depressed, sleepy |
Treatments in Unani Medicine
The treatment within Unani Medicine seeks to restore the balance of the humors through various therapeutic approaches:
- Dietary therapy (Ilaj-Bil-Ghiza): The type of food consumed influences health. A personalized diet is recommended according to the predominant mood, as described in healthy breakfasts.
- Regimen therapy (Ilaj-Bil-Tadbeer): It includes techniques such as bloodletting, therapeutic baths, massages and cupping.
- Pharmacotherapy (Ilaj-Bil-Dawa): Use of natural herbal and mineral medicines.
- Minor surgery (Ilaj-Bil-Yad): In cases where other therapies are not sufficient.
Unani Medicine Today
Today, Unani Medicine is still widely used in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Middle EastIn these countries, there are faculties and hospitals dedicated to its teaching and practice, even incorporating scientific research to validate its benefits. In addition, the World Health Organization has recognized its importance within traditional medicine systems.
This medical system not only focuses on treating diseases, but on prevent them by promoting a healthy life styleUnani Medicine highlights the importance of balance in the eating, exercise, rest and emotional management as key tools to maintain health. In addition, it is essential to have knowledge about the importance of dinner in a balanced lifestyle.
