- Triphala is a rasayanaformula comprising equal parts of three fruits:
amalaki(Emblica officinalis), bibhitaki(Terminalia bellirica) and
haritaki(Terminalia chebula). Triphalais used to promote appetite and
digestion. When dissolved in the mouth, Triphalacan be used to clear
congestion and headaches.
Other related therapies
Unani
The word unani derives from the Arabic word for Greece: al-Yunaanand is
used to refer to medicine of Graeco-Arabic origin. It is based on the teach-
ings of Hippocrates, Galen and Avicenna. The system was introduced in
India around tenth century ADwith the spread of Islamic civilisation.
Unani medicine believes that diseases can be kept at bay by the use of
clean and fresh water, breathing clean air and consuming fresh food. Like-
wise, a balance should be maintained between the mind and the body so
that the metabolic process can take place easily and the body waste evacu-
ated. Unani medicine also believes that all life forms have originated from
the sea.
According to unani the human body is composed of seven natural and
basic components, called Umoor-e-Tabaiya, that are responsible for
maintenance of health. These are similar to those identified in ayurveda:
- Elements (arkan)
- Temperament (mizaj)
- Four humours (akhlaat) – blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile
- Organs (aaza)
- Vital forces or neuro (arwah)
- Facultie (quwa)
- Functions (afaal).
The loss of any one of these basic components or alteration in their physical
state could lead to disease, or even death. It is highly essential to consider
all these factors so as to reach the correct diagnosis and consequently the
correct line of treatment.
The unani practitioner is called a hakim. There are ten specialised
branches of unani medicine:
- Internal medicine
- Gynaecology including obstetrics and paediatrics
- Diseases of the head and neck
- Toxicology
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