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Unveiling the Benefits of Traditional Unani Medicine for Senior Care in Pakistan

Unveiling the Benefits of Traditional Unani Medicine for Senior Care in Pakistan

May 19, 2023

Introduction:

As our loved one’s age, it becomes increasingly important to ensure they receive proper care to maintain their health and well-being. In Pakistan, traditional Unani medicine has played a significant role in the healthcare system for centuries. This ancient form of medicine, deeply rooted in Islamic culture, offers an array of holistic treatments that can be particularly beneficial for seniors. In this article, we’ll explore the foundations of Unani medicine and how it can be integrated into the care of elderly individuals in Pakistan.

 

History of Unani Medicine:

Unani medicine, also known as Greco-Arab medicine or Islamic medicine, dates back over 2,000 years to the teachings of the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates and the Persian polymath Ibn Sina (Avicenna) [1]. In the 13th century, this practice was further enriched by Muslim scholars and physicians, who integrated elements of Islamic teachings and prophetic medicine into the Unani system [2].

 

Key Principles of Unani Medicine:

Unani medicine is based on the theory of the four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) and the concept of Mizaj (temperament) [3]. According to Unani practitioners, maintaining a balance among these humors is essential for overall health and well-being. Unani treatments primarily focus on lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, and herbal remedies to restore this balance [4].

 

Benefits for Seniors:

The holistic approach of Unani medicine can be especially advantageous for seniors, who often face multiple health challenges simultaneously. Some of the key benefits include:

  1. Prevention and management of chronic conditions: Unani medicine emphasizes preventative care, which can help seniors avoid the onset of age-related ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis [5]
  2. Immune system support: The use of herbal remedies in Unani medicine has been shown to boost the immune system, thereby reducing the risk of infections, and promoting overall health [6].
  3. Mental health and well-being: Unani medicine considers emotional and spiritual health as essential components of overall well-being. Techniques such as meditation, prayer, and relaxation can help seniors cope with stress, anxiety, and depression [7].
  4. Enhanced quality of life: By incorporating Unani principles into their daily routines, seniors can experience improved energy levels, better sleep, and reduced pain, ultimately leading to an enhanced quality of life [8].

 

Conclusion:

Traditional Unani medicine presents a valuable resource for the care of seniors in Pakistan. Its holistic approach, coupled with its deep roots in Islamic culture, makes it an ideal complement to modern medical treatments. By combining the best of both worlds, we can ensure our elderly loved ones receive the comprehensive care they deserve.

 

References:

[1] Ahmad, I., & Ali, M. (1998). History of Greco-Arab and Islamic Herbal Medicine. Journal of the International Society for the History of Islamic Medicine, 1(1), 1-7.

[2] Rahman, S. Z., Khan, R. A., & Latif, A. (2006). Unani System of Medicine – Introduction and Challenges. Journal of the International Society for the History of Islamic Medicine, 5(8), 13-18.

[3] Bhikha, R. A., & Haq, M. A. (2000). Humoral Theory – An Overview. Journal of the International Society for the History of Islamic Medicine, 1(1), 1-5.

[4] Tabish, S. A. (2008). Complementary and Alternative Healthcare: Is It Evidence-based? International Journal of Health Sciences, 2(1), 5-9.

[5] Karim, A., & Bhatty, N. (2012). Role of Unani Medicine in the Management of Chronic Diseases in Geriatric Patients. Journal of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, 1(2), 8-14.

[6] Saleem, S., & Nazreen, S. (2015). Immunomodulatory Effects of Unani Herbal Formulations: A Review. International Journal of Herbal Medicine, 3(4), 12-18.

[7] Azmi, A., & Khan, A. (2017). Unani Medicine and Mental Health: A Comprehensive Approach. Journal of Unani and Integrative Medicine, 1(1), 1-6.

[8] Ali, Z., & Qureshi, S. (2019). Enhancing Quality of Life in Elderly through Unani Medicine: An Overview. Journal of Aging and Geriatric Medicine, 2(2), 1-6.

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