Prevention is indeed better than cure. Therefore, preventing disease is as important as treating it in Unani. Being one of the oldest systems of medicine, Unani follows a holistic approach, which is its biggest strength. It emphasizes on the prevention of the ailment and promotes existing health by the way of six essential factors of life, which are also known as Asbab-e- Sittah Zarooriyah. These essential prerequisites call for the prevention of diseases and focus on maintaining a proper ecological balance. The six factors are:
- AIR (AL HAWA)
Any alterations in the air that we breathe lead to the occurrence of diseases. Therefore, breathing fresh air is crucial to maintain good health. According to Avicenna, the renowned Unani medicine practitioner, any change in the environment can help patients get rid of diseases. He, therefore, emphasized the need to have houses with proper ventilation for people to maintain a good ecological cycle.
- FOOD AND DRINK (AL MAAKOOL WA AL MASHROOB)
The food that we intake must be fresh, hygienic, and free from pathogens. Also, drinking water must be pure and free from all impurities.
- PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND REPOSE (HARKAT WA SUKOON- E – BADANI)
In order to maintain overall health and fitness, the body needs exercise as well as rest. While difficulties such as paralysis lead to the initiation of certain types of movement, there are afflictions like fractures that demand total rest. Exercising is an important regime as it helps in muscle growth and ensures increased blood supply. Also, it promotes the health of the heart and liver.
- MENTAL EXERTION AND REPOSE (HARKAT WA SUKOON-E-NAFSAANI)
There are a lot of psychological factors that have a considerable impact on the overall well-being of an individual. The practitioners of Unani Medicine claim that a lot of diseases and disorders are a result of factors such as happiness, anger, sorrow. Psychological treatment, a branch of Unani medicine deals with these factors. This treatment is often used alone and is sometimes used in combination with various other medicines.
- SLEEP AND WAKEFULNESS (NAUM WA YAQZA)
In order to maintain good health, good sleep and wakefulness are crucial. Sleep is an ideal form to maintain physical and mental health. Sleep deprivation leads to mental weakness, energy dissipation, and disturbances in the digestive system.
- EVACUATION AND RETENTION (ISTIFRAAGH WA EHTEBAAS)
The excretory processes need to function smoothly because any disturbance in the same poses diseases. Diaphoresis, defecation, vomiting, and diuresis are some natural means of excretion and the processes need to be ensured to maintain good health.
Last updated on June 5th, 2021 at 01:32 pm