TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

At the end of the discussion, students will:

 Explain Ayurveda/Unani.
 Discuss the general principles of Ayurveda/Unani.
 Know the treatment approaches used for Ayurveda/Unani.
 Discuss the benefits of Ayurveda/Unani.

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Refers to the health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs
incorporating with plants, animals and spiritual therapies, manual technique
and exercises in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illness. Traditional
medicines encompass a wide range of practices, but the focal point of this
presentation will Ayurveda /Unani.

AYURVEDA
This is an old Indian system of natural and holistic medicine which is based on
the idea of balance in the body system. The Ayurveda is derived from the
sanskirt words, “Ayur” and “Veda” which means Life and Science or
Knowledge respectively.
In general Ayurveda means the study of Life or Knowledge of Life. Ayurveda
practitioners use a combination of herbal medicine, diet yoga and meditation
to treat conditions.

PRINCIPLES OF AYURVEDA
VATA
Vata is considered as the Leader of the three (3) ayurvedic principles in the
body. The Vata regulates all the activities in the body. It is responsible for
breathing, blinking of the eyes and beating of the heart. Adequate rest and
relaxation are needed to keep the Vata in balance. Dry skin, cough and dry
hair are some symptoms when Vata is unbalanced.
PITTA
Pitta is the fifth element. It is responsible for regulating the body temperature
through chemical transformation of food (digestion, absorption and
Assimilation). If the Pitta is unbalanced, it can lead to anger and agitation and
these may cause burning sensation or disorders such as Ulcer. To maintain a
balance Pitta, one needs meditation, massage and cooling scent such as
lavender, can help relax the body.

KAPHA
This dosha maintains body resistance. The dosha is responsible for
nourishment and lubrication. To maintain a balance Kapha, one need to
exercise gently, have stimulating activities and extra intake of fluid to keep the
energy. Kapha is also responsible for body building and growth.

AYURVEDA TREATMENT APPROACHES

HERBAL MEDICINE
Ayurveda practitioner uses a wide variety of herbs, mineral and animal product
to treat various health conditions. Herbs are used to cleanse the body, to
reduce inflammation and to boost the Immune System.

DIET AND NUTRITION

Ayurveda emphasis on the importance of a balanced diet and the use of foods
that are unique to our body. Practitioner may recommend certain food or
food combination to help balance doshas.

YOGA AND MEDITATION

These are an intelligent part of ayurvedic medicine. They are used to improve
flexibility, strength and balance to reduce stress.
PANCHAKARMA
This is a five (5) fold therapeutic process that includes purgation emesis,
enema, nasal installation. These procedures are used to remove toxic and
impurities from the body.

MASSAGE AND OIL THERAPY

Ayurvedic massage and oil therapies are used to improve circulation, reduce
stress and nourish the skin.

BENEFITS OF AYURVEDA
There are many benefits of Ayurveda, some of which includes;
 Boosts Immunity: Herbal medicine, diet and nutrition, yoga and
meditation are techniques used in Ayurveda which improve immunity.

 Aid longevity: Ayurveda aims to promote overall health and well being
which can aid longer healthier life.

 Improve digestion: Ayurveda places a high value on proper digestion and

recommend specific diets and herbs to improve digestion.

 Weight loss and maintenance: Ayurveda treatment helps shed excess

body fat. In Ayurveda, weight is not a major concern but eating habits.
A practitioner is to determine the best diet that suits one’s nutritional
needs and work with ones dosha type.

 Healthy and Glowing skin and hair: a balance meal, toning exercise and
Ayurveda supplement are enough to promote good skin.

 Reduced inflammation: Lack of proper diet, unhealthy eating routine,

insufficient sleep can lead to inflammation which is the root cause of
neurological diseases like cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
 The best example of an herbal ayurvedic formulation would be a
combination of turmeric with black pepper.

 Stress relief: Ayurveda emphasizes on the important of reducing stress

and promoting relaxation. Technique such as yoga, meditation and
massage are used to reduce stress.

UNANI
Is a comprehensive medical system that deals with treatment of various states
of health and aliment. It focuses on procedure, curative, preventive and
rehabilitation care. These emphasizes on the health of the mind, body and
soul.

PRINCIPLES OF UNANI
 Arkan or Element
 Mizaj or Temperature
 Akhlat or Bodily humour
 Aaze or Organs
 Arwah or Vital spirits
 Ofuwa or Power
 Afaal or function

The four(4) humour theory of Hippocrates acts as the base for Unani system of
medicine. The four(4) humour in the human body are

 Phlegm
 Blood
 Black Bile
 Yellow Bile
UNANI TREATMENT

The Unani system of medicine offers various treatment of diseases related to

all the systems and organs of the human body. The treatment for chronic
aliment and disease of the skin, liver, muscle, skeletal and reproductive
system.

BENEFITS OF UNANI
Same as Ayurveda

SUMMARY
Ayurveda and Unani medicines are old systems of medicines used by a lot of
people all over world. These systems are based on concept that, the body
constitutes of S basic element which are Air, Water, Fire and Earth. In the
Ayurvedic system of medicine, diagnosis is based on examination of different
aspect of the body. Both system which are cleansing and purification are done
through various processes and use of medicine.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Ayurveda and Unani are two (2) ancient systems of medicine
that originated in India and the Middle East, respectively. Both systems have
been used for centuries to treat a wide range of illnesses and promote overall
health and well-being.
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of balancing the body’s three (3) doshas
(Vita, Pitta and Kapha) and treating the root cause of disease through a
combination of diet, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies and other natural
therapies.
Unani, on the other hand, focuses on balancing the body’s four(4) humours
(blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile) and restoring health through a
combination of diet, exercise, and herbal medicine.
Despite their differences, both Ayurveda and Unani share a common goal of
promoting health and treating disease using natural, holistic approaches.
Today, both systems of medicine continue to be practiced around the world
and are valued for their effectiveness, safety and accessibility.