Unani System of Medicines

Unani system is based on the Hippocratic theory that a perfect balance of ‘arkan’ (elements), ‘akhlat’ (humours) and ‘mizaj’ (temperament) helps in keeping the body and mind healthy. Every individual has an inherent power of self-preservation called the ‘Quwat-e-Modabira’.

The theory pre-supposes the presence of four humours in the human body ‘dum’(blood), ‘balgham’ (phlegm), ‘safra’ (yellow bile) and ‘saoda’ (black bile).

‘Dum’ comprises all red fluids of the body, while all colourless fluids are classified under ‘balgham’, similarly yellow fluids are ‘safra’ and black fluids are ‘saoda’.

The ‘mizaj’ (behavioural pattern) of a person is expressed by the preponenderance of a particular humour.

Unani medicine assigns the following four temperaments: 'Damvi' (Sanguine or plethoric), 'Safravi' (Choleric or bilious), 'Balghami' (Cold or Phlegmatic) and Saodavi (Melancholic).

A distinctive feature of Unani medicine is the emphasis on diagnosing disorders primarily through the ‘nabz’ (pulse). The physicians also resort to pathological tests on ‘baul’ (urine) and ‘baraz’ (stool).

Introduction
What is Unani System of Medicine?
Treatment
Hamdard and Unani