11 Complementary Therapies from India Gaining Popularity

3. Unani Medicine

Unani is a Greco-Arabic system that became widely practiced in South Asia and remains part of India’s traditional medicine mix. It emphasizes temperament, diet, and natural remedies to balance the body’s humors. In India, established Unani clinics provide care for digestive complaints, seasonal illnesses, and some chronic problems where lifestyle and diet changes can help. The system has formal recognition through AYUSH, which supports education and practitioner standards (PMC/WHO). For international readers, Unani may be less familiar than Ayurveda or yoga, but it’s gaining attention among people seeking herbal and regimen-based approaches rooted in historical practice. If considering Unani treatments, prioritize practitioners affiliated with accredited institutions and ask about ingredient sourcing. Avoid unsupervised use of strong mineral formulations and always check interactions with conventional drugs.