📜 Brief History

From Hippocrates to Hakims: The Journey of Unani Medicine.

Unani medicine traces its roots to ancient Greece, where Hippocrates laid its foundational concepts around 400 BCE. It was further developed by Arab and Persian scholars like Galen, Avicenna (Ibn Sina), and Al-Razi. The system reached India during the 12th century with Arab traders and Mughal rulers, where it integrated with local healing practices.

It flourished under royal patronage and became an integral part of Indian traditional medicine. Hakims (Unani practitioners) played a central role in public healthcare during the medieval era. Today, it is recognized and regulated as a formal system of medicine in India.

📚 Source Book

Ancient Manuscripts, Eternal Remedies.

Unani medicine is rooted in classical Greco-Arabic medical literature. Key texts include Canon of Medicine (Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb) by Ibn Sina and Kitab al-Hawi by Al-Razi. These books cover physiology, diagnosis, pharmacology, and treatment principles and remain influential even in modern curricula. The knowledge has been preserved through centuries in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu manuscripts.

In India, many of these texts were translated and adapted to local needs. These books form the scientific backbone of Unani education and clinical practice.

🌀 Basic Concept

Balance the Humors, Heal the Body.

The Unani system is based on the humoral theory (Nazariyah-e-Akhlat) which emphasizes the balance of four bodily humors: Dam (blood), Balgham (phlegm), Safra (yellow bile), and Sauda (black bile). Each individual is believed to have a unique Mizaj (temperament)—hot, cold, moist, or dry—which determines health and disease. Health is maintained when these humors are in equilibrium; imbalance causes illness.

Diagnosis and treatment revolve around restoring this balance through natural means. Unani also incorporates concepts like Tabiyat (vital force), Quwwat-e-Mudabbira-e-Badan (regulatory force of the body), and Asbab-e-Sitta Zarooriya (six essential causes) such as air, food, and sleep. This natural and holistic approach offers a deep, preventive focus.

🩺 Diagnosis

Understanding Disease Through Temperament.

Diagnosis in Unani is both clinical and temperament-based. Practitioners assess the patient’s Mizaj (temperament), symptoms, and lifestyle. A physical examination includes checking pulse (Nabz), urine (Baul), and stool (Baraz), and observing features like tongue and eyes. Unani diagnosis considers environmental, emotional, dietary, and seasonal factors.

Diseases are classified into simple and compound, acute or chronic, based on the deviation in humors. This personalized diagnosis helps create targeted, patient-specific treatment.

🌱 Treatment

Cure the Root, Not Just the Symptoms.

Unani treatment is based on Ilaj Bil-Zid (therapy by opposites)—using remedies that counter the disease-causing imbalance. The aim is to support the body’s Tabiyat (healing power) in restoring balance. It uses a four-tier approach: Regimental therapy (Ilaj bil Tadbeer), Dietotherapy (Ilaj bil Ghiza), Pharmacotherapy (Ilaj bil Dawa), and Surgery (Ilaj bil Yad).

Emphasis is given to natural healing, detoxification, and lifestyle changes. Practitioners use plant-based drugs, oils, and mineral compounds carefully tailored to a patient’s temperament. The goal is long-term wellness, not just short-term relief.

🛁 Types of Treatment

Holistic Healing, Tailored Approaches.

Unani medicine offers several methods of treatment based on patient condition and type of disease:

  • Ilaj bil Tadbeer (Regimenal therapy): Includes Hijama (cupping), leeching, massage, exercise, and sauna.

  • Ilaj bil Ghiza (Diet therapy): Tailored dietary plans for prevention and cure.

  • Ilaj bil Dawa (Pharmacotherapy): Use of natural single and compound drugs.

  • Ilaj bil Yad (Surgery): Minor surgical procedures where needed.

Each method is selected based on the patient’s temperament and humoral imbalance. These treatments are non-invasive, cost-effective, and preventive in nature.

🏛️ Regulatory Authority

Governed by Law, Guided by Tradition.

Unani medicine is formally recognized and regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. The Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM), now part of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), oversees education and professional standards. Unani practitioners are registered under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970.

Quality control of Unani drugs is ensured through the Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for Indian Medicine (PLIM) and Unani Pharmacopoeia Committee. This regulation ensures authenticity, safety, and efficacy of practice and education.

🎓 Study Path / Course

From Hakim to Healer: Learn the Unani Way.

Formal education in Unani includes the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS), a 5.5-year course including internship. Entry requires completion of 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and usually NEET qualification. For specialization, MD (Unani) and PhD programs are available in disciplines like Moalijat (Medicine), Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology), and more.

Short-term diplomas and certification courses are also offered for technicians and therapists. Institutions like Jamia Hamdard, AMU, and government colleges provide high-quality education. These courses integrate classical Unani teachings with modern medical sciences.

👨‍⚕️ Job / Practice Options

Preserve Tradition, Pursue Opportunity.

Graduates in Unani medicine can pursue careers as registered medical practitioners, researchers, academicians, or healthcare administrators. They can work in government hospitals, AYUSH wellness centers, private clinics, or Unani pharmacies. Opportunities also exist in clinical research, drug manufacturing, and public health programs. With growing global interest, Unani professionals may also work abroad under WHO-aligned regulations.

Teaching positions in medical colleges and positions in health departments are available after post-graduation. Entrepreneurs can establish wellness clinics, herbal product lines, or online consultation platforms.

Important Institutions

FAQ on Unani

What is Unani medicine?

Unani is a traditional system of medicine that promotes health through the balance of four body humors using natural therapies.

What does ‘Unani’ mean?

Unani means ‘Greek’ in Arabic, referencing its roots in ancient Greek medicine.

Who is the father of Unani medicine?

Hippocrates is regarded as the father of Unani medicine; later enriched by Avicenna and other Arab scholars.

Is Unani recognized by the Government of India?

Yes, it’s recognized by the Ministry of AYUSH and regulated by NCISM and CCRUM.

What is Mizaj in Unani?

Mizaj refers to an individual’s unique temperament—hot, cold, dry, or moist—used for diagnosis and treatment.

What are the four humors in Unani?

Blood (Dam), Phlegm (Balgham), Yellow Bile (Safra), and Black Bile (Sauda).

What causes disease in Unani philosophy?

Disease results from imbalance in humors, lifestyle errors, environmental factors, or spiritual disruptions.

How is pulse used in diagnosis?

The pulse gives clues about the humor imbalances and the Mizaj of the patient.

What is Ilaj Bil Ghiza?

Diet therapy—prescribing specific foods to balance humors and restore health.

What is Ilaj Bil Tadbeer?

Regimenal therapy using physical treatments like massage, cupping, leech therapy, etc.

Does Unani use surgery?

Yes, but limited to minor surgeries and procedures.

Are Unani medicines natural?

Yes, they are primarily derived from plants, minerals, and animal products.

Is Unani safe for children?

Yes, under a qualified physician, Unani is safe for all age groups.

Can Unani treat chronic diseases?

Yes, Unani is effective for managing chronic conditions like asthma, arthritis, digestive issues, and skin disorders.

Can Unani help with mental health?

Yes, through personalized lifestyle, diet, and natural remedies.

What is BUMS?

Bachelor of Unani Medicine & Surgery, a 5.5-year degree including internship.

What are admission criteria for BUMS?

10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Some states require NEET scores.

Where can I study Unani medicine?

Top institutes include NIUM Bangalore and Jamia Hamdard, Delhi.

What jobs can a Unani graduate get?

They can work as physicians, researchers, professors, or in wellness tourism and pharmaceutical sectors.

Are Unani doctors allowed to practice medicine in India?

Yes, registered BUMS doctors can practice within their system of medicine.

What are Unani pharmacies?

Pharmacies that manufacture and sell licensed Unani medicines and formulations.

Is there research in Unani?

Yes, by CCRUM and academic institutions for drug development and clinical trials.

What is Hijama therapy?

Cupping therapy used in Unani for detoxification and circulation enhancement.

Can Unani medicines be taken with modern drugs?

It depends. Consult a physician before combining systems.

Is there a Unani pharmacopoeia?

Yes, recognized by AYUSH, listing standard medicines and formulations.

How is temperament assessed?

Via questions, physical signs, and lifestyle patterns. It determines the line of treatment.

What is the role of sleep in Unani?

Sleep is a vital factor in health and disease management, one of the six essentials.

Is Unani covered under AYUSH hospitals?

Yes, many AYUSH hospitals have Unani wings.

What is the future of Unani medicine?

It is growing due to global demand for holistic and sustainable healthcare.

Where can I get authentic information on Unani?

Visit https://ayush.gov.in and https://ccrum.res.in for official updates.