11 Unani Medicine Principles and Concepts Explained

Unani medicine is a centuries‑old medical tradition that traces its roots to Greek (Hippocratic and Galenic) ideas and was refined in Arab and Persian scholarship before becoming widely practiced across South Asia (AYUSH/Delhi). At its heart are seven natural principles called Umure Tabiya, which classical Unani texts describe as the pillars of life and health. These principles help hakims (practitioners) assess why someone feels unwell and which lifestyle or herbal approaches could restore balance. This article explains those seven foundational ideas and then adds four closely related items—diagnostics, treatments, common preparations, and the modern practice of Unani—so readers get a full, practical picture. The goal is to present Unani clearly and respectfully, linking traditional terms to everyday examples like how a cooling drink after a spicy meal can calm a "hot" temperament. We avoid medical promises and encourage readers to view Unani as a coherent, historical system that complements modern care in some contexts (Frontiers, 2016; AYUSH/Delhi). If you are considering Unani treatment, consult a licensed practitioner or your primary care provider first. This piece is intended to inform, not replace professional medical advice.

1. Principle #1: Arkan (Elements)

Arkan, often translated as the elements, refers to the basic substances that Unani thinkers used to explain nature and the body: earth, water, air, fire and sometimes space. These elements echo classical Greek ideas and were adapted by Islamic scholars into a system that maps environmental qualities to bodily ones (AYUSH/Delhi). In practical terms, a hakim looks at how these elemental qualities are reflected in a person's constitution and local climate. For example, someone described as having an "airy" disposition may be prone to restlessness or digestive irregularities when the weather is windy or dry. A simple kitchen example helps: when heat from spices feels like "fire" in your digestion, a cooling ingredient such as yogurt or aila (simple cooling decoction) might be advised to restore balance. Modern readers can think of the elements as symbolic ways to link what we eat, where we live, and how our bodies respond. While the five elements are not a biomedical model, they offer a framework for personalized lifestyle advice in Unani practice (AYUSH/Delhi). Takeaway: Arkan gives Unani a practical language for matching environment and body.