Arkaan or pillars
Arkaan in Unani system of medicine
The Unani system of medicine is one of the oldest most traditional medicinal systems that originated in Greece and was later developed and practiced in several parts of the world, including the Indian subcontinent, Persia, and the Arab world. Unani medicine is based on the principles of Hippocrates and Galen and emphasizes the balance between body humor and the use of natural remedies to restore health.
Arkaan or pillars are the fundamental principles of the Unani system of medicine that guide the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. According to Unani medicine, the human body is made up of four basic elements, i.e., air, water, earth, and fire, which combine to form the body's humor. These humor, i.e., blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile, are responsible for the proper functioning of the body.
The Unani system of medicine is based on six fundamental principles or arkan, which are as follows:
Mizaaj (Temperament)
Mizaaj or temperament refers to the innate qualities and characteristics of an individual that determine their susceptibility to diseases. The Unani system of medicine recognizes four temperaments, i.e., sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric, and melancholic, and considers an individual's temperament while prescribing treatment.
Akhlat (Humors)
Akhlat or humor are the basic elements that make up the human body. The Unani system of medicine considers the balance of humor essential for good health and prescribes remedies to restore the balance of humor in case of any imbalance.
Aza (Organs)
Aza or organs are the different parts of the body that perform various functions. The Unani system of medicine considers the proper functioning of organs essential for good health and prescribes remedies to improve the functioning of organs in case of any malfunction.
Arwah (Vital Spirit)
Arwah or vital spirit refers to the life force that animates the body. The Unani system of medicine considers the balance of vital spirits essential for good health and prescribes remedies to restore the balance of vital spirits in case of any imbalance.
Mabad (Environment)
Mabad or environment refers to the external factors that influence an individual's health, such as climate, food, water, and lifestyle. The Unani system of medicine considers the role of the environment in maintaining good health and prescribes remedies to adapt to changes in the environment.
Amal (Action)
Amal or action refers to the therapeutic measures prescribed by the Unani system of medicine to treat diseases. The Unani system of medicine emphasizes the use of natural remedies, such as herbs, minerals, and animal products, to restore health and prevent diseases.
In conclusion, the Unani system of medicine is based on the principles of balance and harmony between the body, mind, and environment. The six arkan or pillars of Unani medicine guide the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and emphasize the use of natural remedies to restore health. The Unani system of medicine continues to be practiced in several parts of the world and is recognized for its effectiveness in treating several chronic and acute illnesses.
