The Science of Health and Healing01076_1861

Unani Medicine, one of the oldest healthcare systems, originated in ancient Greece and has since traveled globally, enhancing its knowledge through interactions with various cultures.
It settled in India around the 8th century, contributing significantly to its development in Indian civilization, especially during the Mughal era.

Egyptian Roots: Early practices of using medicinal plants; notable physicians like Imhotep.
Greek Contributions: Development of systematic medicine led by Hippocrates and later scholars like Galen.
Arab Advancements: Major expansion in medical knowledge through translations and original works by scholars such as al-Räzé and Ibn Sénä.

Unani is recognized as a mainstream medical system in India, provided government support for continuing development post-independence (1947).
India has established a robust network of Unani educational institutions and healthcare facilities.

Holistic Health Approach: Focuses on mental, physical, and spiritual health, emphasizing diet, lifestyle, and the individual's temperament (Mizäj).
Four Humours Theory: Central to diagnosis and treatment, focusing on Blood, Phlegm, Yellow Bile, and Black Bile.
- Temperament Types:
  - Sanguine: Hot & Wet
  - Phlegmatic: Cold & Wet
  - Choleric: Hot & Dry
  - Melancholic: Cold & Dry

Emphasizes preventive healthcare through Six Essential Factors: Air, Food and Drink, Bodily Movement, Psychic Movement, Sleep, Evacuation.
Treatment mostly via:
- Regimenal Therapy: Lifestyle modifications and non-medicinal treatments.
- Dietotherapy: Use of specific foods for health maintenance.
- Pharmacotherapy: Use of natural drugs tailored to the patient's temperament.
- Surgery: Recognized as part of Unani practice for significant health issues.

Governed by the Indian Medicine Central Council (IMCC), ensuring the quality of education and registration of practitioners.
There are 46 institutions offering Unani education across India:
- NIUM (National Institute of Unani Medicine in Bengaluru): Focuses on postgraduate education and research.
Established regulatory standards improve the competency of Unani educational institutions and practitioners.

CCRUM (Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine): Established to enhance scientific research in Unani practices, focusing on drug standardization, clinical trials, and validating historical medical practices.
Significant studies on diseases like Vitiligo, Diabetes, and Rheumatoid Arthritis demonstrate Unani's efficacy and promote integration into national healthcare frameworks.

The Government emphasizes maintaining quality standards through Good Manufacturing Practices under Indian Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for Indian Medicines (PLIM) ensures that Unani drugs meet safety, quality, and efficacy standards.

Unani Medicine has gained recognition worldwide, with significant practices in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and beyond.
The Indian Government is actively promoting the Unani system internationally to enhance global cooperation in health sectors.

Ongoing efforts to maintain cultural and medical integrity amidst modern scientific scrutiny.
The integration as part of the nation’s health strategy aims at addressing emerging health challenges effectively through traditional modalities.

The Unani System of Medicine offers a comprehensive approach to health, focusing on a balance of temperament and humours, promoting an extensive range of therapeutic modalities tailored to individual needs.