History

Unani is an Arabic word that means ‘Greek,’ and the term Unani medicine refers to the ancient medicinal system rooted in Greek culture. It is dated back to 2000 years and originated with Hippocrates when he presented his theory of the four humours of the human body. Another notable contributor to Greek medicine is Claudius Galenus, who discovered that arteries carry blood.

With the rise of Islam, Greek medical practices were further refined by Arab physicians. The Arabs seized the Greek treatises and fused their own knowledge into these practices. This amalgamation represents the resilience of Unani medicine as it welcomed the new wisdom while staying resolute to its core nature.

As the Arabs spread throughout the world, they continued to incorporate local practices, polishing their therapeutic methods. Ibn Sina is the most influential personality of the pre-modern era and is famous for writing ‘Kitab al-Qanun fi al-Tibb,’ which formed the basis of modern medicine. Another renowned personality during this time was Ibn Rushd, a Persian philosopher who wrote a treatise called Al-Cullyat.

During their crusade, Arabs finally reached the Indian subcontinent, where the natives welcomed their sophisticated medical practices with open arms. It became popular in the Mughal empire in the 16th century, where Unani Medicine finally found its home. Unani medicine rose to new heights in India until the arrival of the British, who discouraged all forms of treatment methods except allopathic medication.

Hakim Ajmal Khan is a brilliant Unani scholar in India who modernised the Unani Tibb by instigating scientific research and introducing contemporary medical syllabi to Unani institutes.

Unani medicine is still an integral part of the healthcare systems worldwide, especially in the Indo-Pak subcontinent. Modern science has also studied and researched the principles and practices of Unani medicine, leading to the development of new drugs and therapies based on natural substances. Overall, the survival and continued use of Unani medicine in different parts of the world is a testament to its enduring relevance and benefits to those seeking its remedies.