Unani, in simple terms, is an ancient medicine system
of holistic and natural healing. If medicine is studied on the whole,
we'll come to know that natural systems are highly complex. The phrase
'one at a time' goes well with the systems of natural medication too.
This alternative system of medicine utilizes a holistic set of
principles, which help a practitioner to turn a diagnosis into a
treatment process. Usually associated with Islam, Unani literally means
'Greek'.
Talking strictly about Unani Medicine, this system has two basic
aspects or principles - the life force or 'thymos' and the four vital
essences or 'humors'. In any ailment, the thymos and the humors are
expected to be affected in different ways, like its probable to have
very little or too much thymos in the body, or in some part of the body.
Mostly affected by emotions, thymos can also be influenced by age or
disease.
However, the most frequent problems are related with the humors such
as, complaints that may occur due to excessive humors in the body or
some part of the body, or very little humor. Sometimes, humor could be
degraded by a poison or an insidious micro-organism. Humors are
generally influenced somewhat by the thymos and progressively by the
intake like food and drink, and by external influences, for example
environment.
Unani treatment by and large entails some dietary approaches, however
in nearly all cases includes Herbal Medicine. Honey serves as the base
for most of the medicines since it is believed to have healing
properties. Unani Medicine also utilizes real pearls and metals as per
the target ailment. In general, treatment is made by working on specific
body reflexes or by massage. At times, in cases of musculoskeletal
problems (like arthritis, back pain); treatment is also done by
manipulation or by the use of cold, heat or suction cups.
In rare cases like serious diseases, treatment may involve puncturing
of certain reflex points, during which some blood appears. The main
objective of Unani system is that the medicine must always be gentle and
safe, and that's what was believed by Hippocrates. Centuries of
experience and practice, has established that Unani medicine is not only
gentle and safe, but also extremely effective in healing numerous acute
and chronic diseases.
Branches of Unani Medicine
