Unani Medicine: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Healing in 2025

24-12-2025

The Unani medicine or the humoral medicine (Greco-Arabic medicine) is a rich section of Islamic medicine which has undergone centuries of scientific medicine and traditional medicine.

 

In Al Hakeem, the practice of Unani medicine is made to be an overall and holistic concern, which is not only aimed at treating diseases but also the prevention of illness and the overall well being. Based on the wisdom of the ancient era, it is set to provide a balance to the body, mind, and the spirit using natural remedies, proper nutrition, and control of lifestyle.

 

Unani medicine has become an accepted alternative healthcare system with a reputation of being safe, effective, and economical and has been recognized under the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) system and regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.

 

The principles of Unani medicine are founded on Akhlat (humors) and Mizaj (temperament). A perfect balance of these elements has the body operating optimally. Any deviation of them results in a disease or chaos. Unani medicine, which is practiced at Al Hakeem, aims at restoring this natural balance by rejuvenating the natural capacity to heal, which is called Tabeeat, which is at work in the body to maintain and bring back health without side effects that are harmful.

 

Simply put, Al Hakeem practice of Unani medicine is a blend of ancient philosophy of healing and the contemporary wellness practice- an easy and natural way to permanent wellbeing.

 

The History of Unani medicine.

 

Unani medicine dates its origin to Hippocrates (460-377 BC) who is considered as the founder of the discipline. It began in Greece and reached its peak in the Arab world and Iran circa the 8 th -14 th century after flourishing in Rome.

 

Persian and Arab scholars ultimately brought the Unani medicine to India. It was very popular during the Mughal Empire (1526-1857) as the Unani physicians (called Hakeems) invented new drugs and improved the way of treatment.

 

The well-known Unani researchers like Hakeem Ajmal Khan also transformed the world by focusing on research, scientific confirmation, and modernity. To this day, Unani medicine still retains the philosophy of natural and holistic medicine but it is flexible to the demands of modern science and society.

 

Basic Concepts of Unani Healing.

 

The Unani medical system bases its medical system on the assumption that human health is determined by the balance of the four humors of the body, including blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. Every person possesses a different Mizaj (temperament) that is either hot, cold, moist or dry and predetermines their physical and emotional condition.

 

In case these humors are in harmony, one is in good health. But the lack of any balance will result in disease. Unani medicine tries to reestablish this natural balance through lifestyle change, diet and natural treatment as opposed to synthetic treatment.

 

At the core of the system the system promotes the self-healing power of the body- a concept that can still find much appeal among the current health trends in the 2025 holistic and preventive health movements.

 

Prevention: The Six Major Principles (Asbabe Sitta Zarooriya).

 

In Unani medicine, prevention is one of its pillars. According to the system, there are 6 key factors, called Asbabe Sitta Zarooriya which ensure physical and mental health. The principles have been found to be very applicable in the contemporary world where lifestyle diseases are increasing.

 

The six essentials are:

 

• Fresh and Clean Air- Inhalation of clean air makes the body oxygenated and the mind serene.

 

• Clean Water and Balanced Food - Proper nutrition and water are important in ensuring that one is strong and lively.

 

• Physical Activity and Rest- Body functions and energy balance are assisted by consistent movement and rest.

 

• Good Emotions and Peace of mind- Emotional stability and tension management are important in general health.

 

• Moderate Sleep - Quality sleep of proper length has refreshing effects on the body and boosts immunity.

 

• Destruction of Waste and Retention of Fluids that are useful - Detoxification is necessary to avoid retention of substances which are harmful.

 

When these principles are applied, people will be able to stay healthy, avoid disease in a natural way, and this concept is quite appropriate to the current healthcare aims, which are preventative rather than curative.

 

Unani Treatment Methods

 

Unani medicine provides a special combination of treatments that can be used to treat different ailments. These sections can be divided into three key categories:

 

Ilaj bit Tadbeer (Regimenal Therapy)

 

It is the initial type of treatment and deals with the non-medical intervention i.e. correction of lifestyle, change in diet and natural regimen. The common Unani treatments such as Hijama (cupping), massage (Dalak), steam bath (Hammam) and exercise are all included. The regimens assist in detoxifying the body, enhanced blood circulation, and humors balance.

 

Ilaj bid Dawa (Pharmacotherapy)

 

This is a type of method which uses naturally occurring herbs, minerals and animal drugs. Unani pharmacopoeia contains enormous numbers of safe and effective formulations that strive to treat rather than to alleviate the symptoms. These drugs are made through time-tested methods and are aimed at getting rid of the cause of illness.

 

Ilaj bil Yad (Surgery)

 

Another important component of Unani medicine is surgery, which has existed since the early period of its formation. The Unani physicians accepted the fact that there are certain illnesses that cannot be fully healed through surgery. In the modern world, even the surgical methods based on the Unani methods are re-explored due to their accuracy and the natural method of healing.

 

The Increasing Demand of Unani Medicine in Contemporary Times.

 

Even with significant breakthroughs in contemporary allopathic medicine, there are a lot of chronic and lifestyle-related illnesses in which traditional interventions are only effective in the short-term. Moreover, there has been a challenge of antibiotic resistance, side effects and an increase in the cost of healthcare and this has made people turn to safer and more holistic options.

 

Unani medicine has the solutions to these contemporary health problems. The use of natural remedies in treating its ailments, low cost of treatment, and few side effects makes it an attractive option of treatment by individuals across the globe.

 

The Ministry of AYUSH still promotes Unani medicine in 2025 via academic institutions, research centers and wellness clinics around India. The increased interest in holistic health around the world has also increased the interest of the international community in the Unani therapies such as Hijama, cupping therapy and herbal treatments.

 

Advantages of Using Unani Medicine.

 

Natural and Safe - uses natural and organic substances which have few side effects.

 

Whole Person Approach - Remedies the cause and not the symptoms.

 

Affordable and Accessible - Perfect to develop countries with less healthcare budgets.

 

Preventive and Curative - Focuses on prevention of the disease as well as treatment.

 

Individual Care - Treatment is done depending on the temperament (Mizaj) and body constitution.

 

Such benefits fit the current healthcare trend of integrative and personalized medicine perfectly well.

 

Unani Medicine in 2025 A Tradition and Science Bridge.

 

Unani medicine is experiencing a revival as global healthcare takes a new turn. Scientists and health professionals are combining ancient knowledge and contemporary procedures and evidence-based interventions. The scientific research of Unani formulations has pharmacological characteristics and the wellness centers that provide Unani treatments are increasing both in urban and rural India.

 

The emphasis of the Unani system on balance, prevention and natural healing is an addition to the contemporary demand of sustainable and environmentally friendly health solutions. It is a connection between the wisdom of the ages and the innovation of modern medicine.

 

Conclusion

 

Unani medicine has still remained a source of hope of natural healing in the age of technology and synthetic drugs. It is rooted in centuries of tradition and perfected by scientific research and is an extensive means to the wellness-- wellness that not only appreciates prevention, balance and harmony with nature.

 

With the increasing adoption of holistic lifestyles in 2025, Unani medicine would make a strong position as an effective and reliable system of good health and treatment of illnesses in a natural manner. Its time-tested principles, safe remedies and focus on the inherent healing strength of the body have given it a significant place in the AYUSH healthcare revolution in India and other countries.