Health Preservation (Hifzaan-e-Sehat)
Unani system of medicine recognizes the influences of surroundings and ecological conditions on the state of health of human beings. There are seven factors called Umūr-e-Ṭabī‘iyya which are responsible for the existence of the human body and are considered responsible for human life. Equilibrium in these Umūr-e-Ṭabī‘iyya (principles) is essential for healthy human body and a loss of anyone will result in death.
In Unani system of medicine, great reliance is placed on prevention (Tahahffuz) from diseases and preservation of health (Baqa-e-Sehat) has been defined under Asbaab-e-sitta zarooria (six essential pre-requisites). These six factors essentially influence each and every individual and all mental and physical diseases are due to their imbalance. To live a good healthy long life, it is necessary to maintain the equilibrium between these factors. A balanced relationship between these factors keeps the humours and temperament on the right track.
Asbāb-e- Sitta zarooria (Six essential factors)
· Food & drink (Maakool wa mashroob)
· Physical movement & repose (Harkat wa Sokoon-e-Badani),
· Mental movement & repose (Harkat wa Sokoon-e-Nafsani),
· Sleep and wakefulness (Naum wa Yaqza),
· Retention of nutritive material & regular excretion of waste materials (Ihtebas wa Istifragh)
1. Air (Hawa)
Fresh and clean air is essential for a good health. Therefore it is essential to keep surrounding environment clean. Ibn-e- Sina has said that air is the source of life and also provides the source of activation of energies to form body fluids and maintain life.
The air we breathe also play an important role in maintaining the body homeostasis. We are aware that polluted air is one of the important factors for various respiratory diseases like bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis etc.
2. Food & drink (Maakool wa mashroob)
It is important to maintain quality and quantity of food and drink. A balanced diet including drinks according to temperament is essential for health. The quality and quantity of humours produced depend on the food taken by an individual. A major percentage of diseases occur due to mismanagement and imbalanced diet intake.
3. Physical movement & repose (Harkat wa Sokoon-e-Badani)
It should be balanced. Regular body movement is important for utilization of stored energy and rest is important for regaining the energy lost.
4. Mental movement & repose (Harkat wa Sokoon-e-Nafsani)
Excessive mental work and exertion or inaction of mental powers both are injurious to health. Therefore, Unani physicians recommend a balance between mental movement and repose through rest.
5. Sleep and wakefulness (Naum wa Yaqza)
A balance between sleep and staying awake is a must to maintain health. Excess as well as lack of sleep leads to illness. Sleep rejuvenates the body physically and mentally. Wakefulness allows a person to perform activities.
6. Retention of nutritive material & regular excretion of waste materials (Ihtebas wa Istifragh)
Retention of healthy nutrients in the body and excretion/ evacuation of waste products is essential for the maintenance of good health. If the body is not able to retain nutritive ingredients, as in malabsorption, it results in various illnesses. Similarly, evacuation and cleansing of morbid and putrid humours are also important factors in maintenance of health. Unani physicians stress on evacuation of morbid humours (Istafragh-e- madda) when treating a disease.
Tips for the preservation of health
- Diet (Ghidhā’), should be adequate in terms of quantity and quality and regularity of timing should be maintained.
- Atmospheric air should be clean.
- Negative emotions should be avoided (Awaariz e Nafsania).
- Waste products (Fuzlāt) should be excreted regularly.