Islamic medicine, also known as Unani Medicine, is a traditional medical system that has its roots in ancient Greek medicine and was further developed by Muslim scholars. It played a significant role during the Golden Age of Islam (8th to 14th century) and continues to influence traditional medicine today.
1. Historical Background
- Islamic medicine flourished during the Golden Age of Islam.
- Influenced by the works of Hippocrates, Galen, and other Greek scholars.
- Prominent scholars include Avicenna (Ibn Sina), Al-Razi, and Al-Zahrawi.
- Avicenna’s "The Canon of Medicine" is a foundational text in Islamic medicine.
2. Basic Principles of Islamic Medicine
Islamic medicine is based on the principles of balance and harmony within the human body, similar to the humoral theory.
a. Humoral Theory:
- Health is maintained by balancing the four humors:
o Blood (Hot and Wet)
o Phlegm (Cold and Wet)
o Yellow Bile (Hot and Dry)
o Black Bile (Cold and Dry)
- Disease occurs when there is an imbalance of these humors.
b. Holistic Approach:
- Emphasis on body, mind, and spirit harmony.
- Integrates diet, lifestyle, spiritual well-being, and natural remedies.
c. Ethical Practice:
- Based on Islamic teachings, emphasizing compassion and care.
- Ethical principles align with medical ethics in Islam: doing no harm and providing the best care.
3. Key Contributions of Islamic Medicine
a. Medical Texts and Literature:
- The Canon of Medicine (Avicenna): Comprehensive medical encyclopedia.
- Kitab al-Hawi (Al-Razi): Encyclopedic work on medicine.
- Al-Tasrif (Al-Zahrawi): Surgical treatise, describing surgical instruments and techniques.
b. Hospitals and Medical Education:
- Islamic medicine established hospitals (Bimaristans) that provided treatment, medical education, and pharmacy services.
- Developed systematic clinical training and medical licensing.
c. Pharmacology and Herbal Medicine:
- Extensive use of herbal remedies and natural substances.
- Introduced compound formulations and emphasized the therapeutic properties of herbs.
- Islamic scholars made significant contributions to pharmacy and the preparation of medicines.
d. Surgery and Surgical Techniques:
- Al-Zahrawi, known as the father of surgery, described various surgical techniques and instruments.
- Introduced practices like ligation of blood vessels, use of cotton for wound dressing, and cauterization.
4. Islamic Medicine in Modern Context
- Continues to influence Unani Medicine practiced in South Asia and the Middle East.
- Recognized as a complementary medicine system in some countries.
- Integrated with modern healthcare to address chronic diseases and lifestyle disorders.
5. Key Concepts in Islamic Medicine:
- Hygiene and Diet: Emphasis on personal hygiene and balanced nutrition.
- Prevention and Lifestyle: Maintaining health through exercise, diet, and spiritual practices.
- Mental Health: Recognizing the importance of psychological well-being.
- Prophetic Medicine (Tibb al-Nabawi): Use of treatments recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (e.g., honey, black seed, dates).
Unani Tibb System
- Originated
in Greece and was promoted & compiled by Muslims in Arab.
- Introduced
to India by Muslim rulers in the 10th century.
- Abu Bakr
Razi contributed to pediatric diseases and pharmacology.
- Avicenna
(Ibn Sina) wrote the Canon of Medicine and worked on:
- Pupillary
reactions
- Mercury purgatives
- Pharmacology