In the fifth century B.C., Hippocrates laid the foundations of Unani medicine, which was later adapted and developed by the Arabs into an elaborate therapeutic system. It was introduced into India via the trade routes of Central Asia, sometime around the tenth century A.D., and though slow to gain acceptance at first, now has its own place among the traditional forms of healing. 

This was mainly due to the efforts of Mashirul-Mulk Hakim Ajmal Khan, who in the 1920s, along with Dr Salimuzzamar, pioneered research in this field. Today, there are approximately 900 dispensaries and 100 Unani hospitals in India, besides 14 functioning colleges that impart training to those who wish to take up this line of work.

Unani theory is based on the Hippocratic philosophy of good health being equivalent to a perfect balance of the arkan or elements, akhlat or humour and mijaz or temperament. Unlike the allopathic viewpoint of the patient as a biological organism under attack by foreign bodies, Unani treats patients in relation to their environment. 

Diagnostic methods use a combination of modern pathology and traditional pulse readings. Remedial measures include diet control the administration of herbal and sometimes animal based drugs, physiotherapy and surgery. Unani medicine is equipped to treat not only most known ailments but psychiatric and neural problems as well.

Entry

A graduate degree in Unani medicine and surgery is the minimum requirement to embark on a career in this field

THE WORK

Practitioners of traditional medicine, like all other members of the medical profession, are responsible for the health and well being of their patients.

The work involves seeing patients, discerning their problems, and giving them not only the right remedy, but also the confidence and support needed to overcome their ailment.

Major Tasks Performed

Common to all systems of medicine, the major tasks a practitioner include:

EXAMINATION

Which involves both a physical check-up and recording of the patient's previous medical history by asking appropriate questions.

DIAGNOSIS 

That is, determining the exact cause of the patients illness through the various means already described. It also includes in most cases, coordination with the pathology laboratory.

TREATMENT

Includes prescribing the right medication or other remedial measures to cure the patient, and explaining the dosage and effect of the therapy, ensuring that directions are followed, and inspiring confidence in the patient to fight the illness.

For those joining government, private or charitable hospitals, clinics and dispensaries, careers would follow a path similar to that of allopathic doctors in the same institutions. In private practice

graduates would begin their careers as assistants to more experienced practitioners, and success would be gauged on merit and the confidence generated in patients.

In the case of Tibetan medicine, postings, salaries and promotions of doctors who join any of the Tibetan Astro institutes in the country are regulated by the headquarters in Dharamsala.

Training

As mentioned earlier, formal training is essential for entry into any of these fields. In each case, this comprises both theoretical and practical knowledge. A number of institutions in the country impart such training in the various systems of traditional medicine.