Indian System of medicine

(Unani system of medicine) As per PCI Syllabus

(T. Y. B. Pharm Sem –VI  Unit-I)


(S. Y. B. Pharm Sem –IV  Unit - IV)



Introduction
Traditional system of medicine also known as indigenous/ folk medicine/ alternative medicine comprises of medical aspects of knowledge, skills, and practises based on different cultures and different people which are used to treat the diseases.

It includes various systems being practised throughout the world such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy, Chinese systems etc. 


Unani system of medicine 


Unani system originated in Greece. It was started by a Greek philosopher Hippocrates.He was the first physician to introduce documentation of medical history which gave rise to development of ”Humoral theory”.
Unani system was later developed by Arabs and became popular as Arab system of medicine.

Unani system is based on two theories
Hippocratic theory of four humors.
Pythogorian theory of four proximate qualities.
Hippocratic theory of four humours mentions the first products of digestion, they are

Blood (Dum).
Phlegm (Balgham).
Yellow bile (Safra).
Black bile (Souda).


Pythogorian theory of four proximate qualities includes hot, cold, moist and dry. These four qualities are present in the human body in combinations and represent the four basic elements of universe. They are.

1.Hot & moist (Air).
2.Hot & dry (Fire).
3.Cold & moist (Water).
4.Cold &dry (Earth).

These four qualities are present in different proportions in the body and vary from one person to another. These 4 qualities represent the nature / humor of individual known as "Mizaj". Mizaj means nature of a person. 

Mijaz / Temperament /Humors of a person

• Mizaj-e-har (Hot).
• Mizaj-e-barid (Cold).
• Mizaj-e-yabis (Dry).
• Mizaj-e-rath (Moist).

Balance form of these 4 humors is called as healthy condition and
imbalance form is known as pathological condition. 

DIAGNOSIS 
It is done by recording the parameters such as psychology, age, gender, habits, working condition, history, etc.

The following things are analysed during diagnosis.
• Pulse reading. 
• Examination of sputum, urine, and stools.
• Patient counselling.


Treatment in Unani system

Two things are attempted during the treatment they are
•To remove the cause of ailment, also known as cleansing or detoxification.
•It is done by purging, diuresis, vomiting and bleeding.
•To strengthen the natural defense mechanism and prevention of relapse.


Treatment in Unani system involves various therapies which are as follows


i. Regimental therapy : t means detoxification of body by removing the toxins. It includes emesis, purging, diaphoresis, diuresis, massaging, Turkish bath, etc. 

ii. Diet therapy: It is done by using special diet. The quality and quantity of foods is regulated.

Pharmacotherapy : It deals with the use of medicine, most commonly natural drugs are used. 
Unani medicine

The Materia Medica describes drugs obtained from herbs, animals and mineral source.
Herbal drugs include various parts of plants and their products.
Animal drug include organs, flesh, hair, bones, etc. Mineral drugs include metals like gold , Silver ,lead, zinc, arsenic, etc. Precious stones like emerald, sapphire are also used.