UNANI, the most ancient alternate form of medicine has lived with the belief of treating a patient "inside out", by restoring the balance between the organ systems, leading to a healthier life.
Good health and natural wellness for all, with care and compassion at an affordable price, are the guiding principles that Hamdard has imbibed and practised since inception. A big step in this direction is "Hamdard Wellness" which is committed to providing selfless healthcare to improve the quality of human life. Here, disease management and wellness services without causing any side effects are provided for every human being through the Unani system of medicine. We aim to provide an experiential high to those who choose an alternative way of well-being.
In recent years, modern science has validated several teachings and beliefs rooted in the wisdom of Unani science.
This system of medicine is a comprehensive medical system, providing promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative healthcare. its fundamentals, diagnosis and treatment modalities are based on scientific principles and a holistic approach, considering each individual in relation to his/her environment and emphasising the health of body, mind and soul.
The Unani system of medicine, sometimes referred to as the "Greco-Arab" medicine or "Unani Tibb"; is based on Greek philosophy, originated in Greece and the term Unani is derived from 'Unan', Arabic and Urdu for 'Greece'.
This system of medicine is a comprehensive medical system, providing promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative healthcare. its fundamentals, diagnosis and treatment modalities are based on scientific principles and a holistic approach, considering each individual in relation to his/her environment and emphasising on the health of body, mind and soul.
The theoretical framework of Unani medicine is based on the work of Hippocrates (460-377 BC). By his method of careful study and comparison of symptoms, he laid down the foundation for clinical medicine based on diet and rest. He advocated that the chief function of a physician is to aid the natural forces of the body in combating a disease.
A number of Greek scholars after Hippocrates such as Galen (131-200 AD) followed by Arab physicians like Rhazes (850-932 AD) and Avicenna (980-1037 AD), enriched the system considerably. Rhazes and Avicenna authored Al-Hawi and Al-Qanun respectively, which were compilations of their observations.
The Unani system follows the humoral theory which postulates the presence of four humours in the body: dam (blood), balgham (phlegm), safra ( yellow bile) and sauda (black bile), a parallel to kapha, vata and pitta, the three doshas in Ayurveda.
These humoral temperaments are:
The quality and quantity of four humors affect the state of health and disease in the body.
AILMENTS HEALED
In the Unani system of medicine there are six basic factors which are considered essential for the maintenance of good health and the prevention of diseases.
If a person is in practices these basic principles with perfect balance, his/her health remains maintained.
Health is thus considered as a state of the body where the humors are in equilibrium and body functions are normal. It is based on six essential elements:
India is the leading geography with the largest number of education, research and health care institutions of Unani Medicine
An integral part of the national health care delivery system, equilibrium plays a very important role here. Effective, inexpensive and easily available, Unani says that the human body is maintained by the harmonious arrangement of the 7 natural and basic components called "Umoor-e-Tabiya" (fundamentals of the physique) which are responsible for the maintenance of health. These are the heroes and villains that play a crucial role in human life.
Areas of expertise in Unani system of medicine
The patient's physical appearance is the first highlight, telling the Unani Physician a lot about his/her ailment. Enquiries about dietary intake, excretions, symptoms, sleep and activity patterns lead to more insights and information. these form the basis of the treatment.
Unani System is part of the knowledge of indigenous cultures, which has stood the test of time. This system has shown remarkable results in curing ailments of the Gastrointestinal tract, Musculoskeletal system, Respiratory conditions, Skin & Blood, liver, Nervous system and several other acute and chronic diseases where other systems have failed to give the desired response. Now the system has transcended national boundaries and is popular among the masses globally.
Regimental Therapy
(llaj-bit-tadbeer)
Use of exercise, climate change, massage, venesection, leeching, cupping, diet therapy etc.
Pharmacotherapy
(llaj-bil-dawa)
Use of extracts of plants, animal and mineral origin, either alone or in combination
Surgery
(llaj-bil-Yad)
Surgical intervention in treatment as the last resort.
Unani is unmatched in treating chronic diseases like arthritis, asthma, mental, cardiac and digestive disorders, urinal infections, and of course sexual diseases
Hakim Ajmal khan perceived the concept of research in Unani medicine in the 1920s. However it was Hakim Abdul Hameed, who under the Hamdard enterprise set up a modern laboratory and subjected the various drugs to laboratory tests bringing the Unani system of medicine on modern scientific lines for the first time. He realised that the growth of Hamdard was heavily dependent on its constant research into new products and the enhancement of those products already in the market.
Hamdard undertook extensive research, collected widely recognised formulations, standardised them and arranged them in proper order. This was subsequently published as the Hamdard pharmacopoeia (Qarabadin - e - Hamdard). The organisation's research strategy and implementation are well supported by a strong intellectual property team that has immense expertise and experience.
Deploying modern research tools and the latest scientific methods to further the frontiers of natural medicine-especially Unani, Hamdard constantly undertakes pharmacological studies on herbs to revive, test and make old formulations more effective.
Research in Unani medicine received a major enhancement with the setting up of the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) by the Govt. of India (GOI). Hamdard's research capability has not only paid a rich dividend in terms of wellness but also earned the company an enviable reputation for quality and capability.
The council today is engaged in multi-modal research activities including Clinical research, Drug Standardisation research, Literary research, Survey and cultivation of medicinal plants and Information, Education and Communication programs.
In today's day and age, there are over 40 undergraduate and postgraduate colleges teaching Unani medicine in India.
Postgraduate courses in Unani offer MD degrees in "llm-ul Advia" (pharmacology),"Moalijat" (medicine), "Kulliyat" (basic principle), "Jarahat" (surgery), "Amraz-e- Niswan" (gynaecology)," Tahaffuz-i-wa-samaji-tibb" ( preventive and social medicine) and "Amraz-e-Atfal" (paediatrics)
There are over 250 Unani hospitals (With a bed strength of over 4,562 beds), 1,200 Unani Dispensaries and 52,000 practising Hakims spread across 18 states in India with more than 400 Unani pharmacies. Unani forms an integral part of the National Healthcare Delivery system and is recognised by the WHO, for being inexpensive, therapeutically effective, largely free from side effects and easily available.
The Indian Medicine Central Council (IMCC) Act of 1970 has been implemented in India for regulating education and practice in the Unani system of medicine. Unani healing has gained increased popularity and is vibrant and vigorously alive today and is being practised, taught and researched under its local names in over 20 countries like China, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Finland, UK, USA etc. The understanding of the composition, regulation, safety, and efficacy of Unani medicines has been widely appreciated and accepted all over the globe now.
Herbs gardens, nurseries of medicinal plants, experimental and field-scale cultivation are the major initiatives taken by us at Hamdard for the advancement of medicine.
Tremendous progress has been registered in the development of medicines. Yet, medicinal plants continue to be an important source of drugs throughout the world.
Hamdard is one of the largest users of diversified herbs, and the pharmacology department ensures the proper identification of raw materials by macroscopic and microscopic evaluation. Each herb is a photo document and a reference herbarium is available for authentic identification.
Formulation development at Hamdard starts with a literature search.
The proper rationale of ingredients is worked out and prototype formulation is developed.
Standardisation of analytical parameters for raw materials and formulations established.
Stability studies are conducted in accelerated and real conditions to ensure efficacy and safety.
Data evaluation for suitability of formulation for the desired therapeutic user.
Technology transfer for manufacturing the product.
Post-marketing surveillance to get the customer's feedback.
Marker compounds are required for the standardisation of herbal raw materials and formulation. The research and Development department at Hamdard is also engaged in maintaining the Marker Compounds Library to enable the analysis via sophisticated instruments.
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