'Unani' means medicines which are a symbol of life. The name is derived from the word 'Ionian' which originated in Greece. 'Tibb' means the knowledge of the states of the human body in health and decline of health, or in other words, medicine. 'Tibb-E-Unani', is hence an age old, time tested system of medicine dating back 5000 years to Greece.

Unani medicine, like any other form of medical science strives to find the best possible ways by which a person can lead a healthy life with the least sickness. It prescribes drugs, diet, drinks and other regiments including codes of conduct which are conducive to the maintenance and promotion of positive health, as well as the prevention and cure of disease. The ultimate aim of these scientific prescriptions and prohibitions is the creation of a healthy society.

Traditional systems of medicine are no doubt prevalent in various countries of the world. But most of these are empirical. On the other hand, Unani and its allied branches have rational and scientific basic principles. It is distinct from other branches of medicine, as the drugs it uses are natural in their sources and forms. It emphasizes on retaining natural compounds which belong to the human body, and hence prescribes only natural remedies. Unani medicine believes that diseases can be kept at bay by the use of clean and fresh water, breathing clean air and consuming fresh food. Likewise, a balance should be maintained between the mind and the body so that the metabolic process can take place easily and the body waste evacuated. Unani medicine also believes that all life forms have originated from the sea.

There are eight specialized branches of Unani medicine -

• Internal medicine ( Moalijat )
  
• Surgery ( Ilmul Jarahat )
  
• Gynecology including Obstetrics and Pediatrics
  
• Diseases of the head and neck
  
• Toxicology
  
• Psychiatry
  
• Rejuvenation Therapy including Geriatrics
  
• Sexology
  
• Regimental Therapy
  
• Dietotherapy
  
• Hydrotherapy

Historical background of Surgery in Unani Medicine:
For historical reasons, the practice of surgery was strongly discouraged in the medieval period. But in ancient times Unani surgeons did perform intricate brain surgery, laparotomy and plastic surgery. Inspite of the apathy generated by colonial rule, the faith of the people in their culture and traditional medicine kept the remaining branches of Unani alive. It is because of this mass base and utility that after Independence, the Government of India took several steps to further this health science.

Hippocratic Theory of Medicine:

The first fundamental theory of the Unani system established by Greek philosopher Hippocrates is founded in the belief that the body of the individual is composed of four basic elements, which together, are called 'Anasir-e-Arba' (Hava, Pani, Mitti, Dhup). In different permutations and combinations, these four elements or biological fluids constitute 'Humours' (Akhlat i.e. blood or (Dam), phlegm (Kafa), bile (Safra) and black bile (Souda). Thus, the basic principles of Unani is that of the four humours represented in the human blood. As long as these humours exist in normal balance, normal quantities and in the normal region of the body, the humour system will work in the normal way. Any imbalances to the humour constitutions or changes in their quantity and quality result in diseases. Later, several other scholars improved and expanded the scope of the Unani system.

According to the Unani discipline as it stands today, the human body is composed of 7 natural and basic components called 'Umoor e Tabaiyah' which are responsible for maintenance of health. These are :

• Arkan (Elements)
  
• Mizaj (Temperament)
  
• Akhlaat (Humours)
  
• Aaza (Organs)
  
• Arwah (Vital forces or Neuro)
  
• Quwa (Faculties)
  
• Afaal (Functions)

The loss of any one of these basic components or alteration in their physical state could lead to disease, or even death. It is highly essential to consider all these factors so as to reach the correct diagnosis and consequently the correct line of treatment.

The Unani physicians describe that there is a special ability hidden in every individual called the defensive mechanism of the body or in the language of Unani - 'Tabiyat-e-Muddabare Badan'. The 'Tabiyat' may be defined as the sum total structural function and psychological character of the human being. The 'Tabiyat' or nature is the best physician, and maintains the equilibrium of the four humours or 'Akhlat'. Their quantity and quality should be as per the natural chemical composition of the body.

Diagnosis and Treatment

For the diagnosis of a disease, the most important aspects are inspection of the 'Nabz' (pulse), examination of 'Boul' (urine) and 'Baraz' (fecal matter). As far as the cure of diseases is concerned, all diseases are treated on four lines. The first is 'Ilaj- bil-tadbir' (Regimental Therapy). The special techniques used in this therapy are 'Dalak' (massage), 'Riyazat' (exercise) and 'Hammam' (steam bath).

The second line of therapy is known as 'Ilaj-bil-ghiza' (Dietotherapy) in which alterations in the quality and quantity of the patient's diet is suggested. In this, either the patient is asked to restrict his or her diet or a balanced diet is suggested for malnourished patients. Sometimes, the patient is even asked to forego food altogether. The third line of therapy is 'Ilaj-bil-dawah' i.e. drugs of natural origin are used. They may be of plant, animal or mineral origin, which are available in the form Safoof ( powder ), Haboob and Qurs ( Tablets ), Sharbat ( Syrups ) and Majoon, Itrifal and Khamirajat ( Semi solids ), 'Jarahat' (Surgery) is the fourth line of treatment.

Some special surgical methods used in Unani medicine are 'Fasad ' (venesection), 'Hajamat ' (cupping), 'Taleeque' (leeching) and 'Amle-kai ' (diathermy).

The treatment under the Unani system consists of three categories of medicines, namely vegetable products, animal products and minerals which include metals, gems and jewels. These drugs are described with reference to their taste and attributes (Khassosiyat) and potency (Qoowat). Since diseases are caused by several factors such as dietetic irregularities, psychic factors and seasonal variations , several drugs are often combined together and used in the form of a recipe. Prior to administration, these drugs are processed in the form of juice, powder, decoction, infusion, pills, tablets, medicated oils, ghees and alcoholic preparations. While preparing and processing medicinal recipes, it is always kept in mind that, as far as possible, the medicine should be useful in the treatment of several ailments, therapeutically very potent, taste delicious, and have a long shelf-life. Thousands of such recipes and their particular experience are described in Unani texts.