11 Unani Medicine Principles and Concepts Explained

5. Principle #5: Arwah (Pneuma / Vital Spirit)

Arwah refers to a vital spirit or life force that sustains physiological activity. It is a classical notion similar to vital principles found in many traditions—an explanation for breathing, pulse, and overall vitality. In clinical practice, a hakim gauges arwah indirectly, through pulse strength, breathing quality, and alertness. For example, a faint pulse or labored breathing could be read as a sign of depleted arwah needing restorative care. Unani approaches to strengthen arwah emphasize rest, proper nourishment, gentle tonics, and practices that calm the mind. Modern readers may relate arwah to concepts like autonomic function or metabolic energy, though the linkage is conceptual rather than strictly biological. Contemporary Unani practitioners often combine arwah‑focused measures with evidence-based supportive therapies to improve fatigue and recovery after illness. Takeaway: Arwah signals the system’s life energy and guides restorative measures in treatment.