Abstract

HOLISTIC APPROACH IN PRESERVATION OF HEALTH AND PREVENTION OF DISEASE: A REVIEW

Dr. Fateh Ali Tipo, Dr. Benazir Khanam*, Dr. Abdussattar, Dr. Shahid Suhail, Dr. Khan Shama

Abstract

Background and objective: Unani system of medicine (USM) is a holistic traditional system of medicine. This is a great healing art as well as science. Mode of treatment in this system is based on individualized manner to the Mizaj (constitution) of a particular person. The main purpose of Unani traditional system is to treat body, mind and soul. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the USM as an alternative system to cater the health care needs of human population. Health is defined by various scholars but probably the oldest definition is that; health is the absence of diseases. Conventional medicine has its own side effect. To avoid these adverse effects USM can be an alternative to preserve health; hence a comprehensive search was taken to explore classical text concerned with preservation of health. Study Design: Literary research. Methods: First we searched important sources in traditional medicine including the Canon of medicine Kamel-al-Sanaeh, Kitab-al-Kulliyat, Kulliyat-e-Nafisi and Kulliyat-e-Qanoon, available in the Library of Jamia Tibbiya Deoband Unani medical college and Library of National institute of Unani medicine Bangalore. Various scholarly databases like Medline, Embase, Scopus, Pubmed were also explored to get relevant data concerned with the present topic. Result: In perspective of USM “health” is mentioned under the title of Sihhat. To preserve health various strategies like adaptation of asbabe sitta zaroriah (six essentials), Tadeel-e-mizaj (moderation of constitution), potentiating of Tabiat (physis) by Unani modalities like Ilaj Bil Tadbeer (Regiminal therapy) Ilaj Bil Ghiza (Dietotherapy), Ilaj Bil Dawa (pharmacotherapy) and Ilaj Bil Yad (surgery) are recommended. Conclusion: In Unani system of medicine health can be maintained by harmonious equilibrium between Umur tabiiyya (seven basic principles) as discussed by Unani physicians (Ibn Sina, Razi, Ibn Rush, Zohrawi etc.) and their knowledge can be implemented to preserve health, thus validation and conservation of traditional knowledge is essential for prospective research and valuable for use in the contemporary era.

Keywords: Health, Unani, Mizaj, Ilaj, Sihhat, Physis.