The Greek (Unani) System of Medicine

Greek medicine is described as a system that developed from Greek philosophy and the work of Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Galen. It addresses prevention and treatment of health problems associated with ecological and environmental factors that may disturb the humours: blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile.

The system describes the body through four elements - earth, air, water and fire - and their temperaments of cold, hot, wet and dry. The body contains simple and compound organs nourished by four humours. Health is described as equilibrium of the humours and normal function in relation to the body's temperament and environment.

Disease occurs when the equilibrium of the humours is disturbed and body functions become abnormal. Prevention depends on the six essentials: atmospheric air; food and drink; sleep and wakefulness; excretion and retention; physical activity and rest; and mental activity and rest.

The basic components used in the system are elements, temperament, humours, organs, spirit, powers and functions. The humours are divided into primary fluids - blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile - and secondary fluids such as hormones, enzymes and plasma.

Pneuma, or gaseous life force, is described in natural, animal and psychic forms. Powers are natural, psychic and vital. Functions include the movement and operation of the organs, which must remain in suitable condition for the body to function.

Diagnosis is conducted through pulse examination, examination of urine and stool, and conventional methods including auscultation, palpation and percussion supported by modern tools. The source presents this combination as making spot diagnosis possible.

Treatment is divided into regimen therapy, diet therapy, pharmacotherapy and surgery. Regimen therapy may include exercise, massage, hammam, hot or cold douches, cupping and geriatric regimens. Diets are selected for different diseases, while herbs are chosen with reference to temperament and humour.

The source describes treatment with drugs of opposite temperament, called Ilaj-bil-zid, or with drugs of similar temperament, called Ilaj-bil-misl. Patients may receive single crude drugs or compound preparations, including classical compounds and proprietary compounds developed through research and experience. Surgery and vein puncturing are also described as part of the historical system.

Al-Kindi is credited with establishing a method for assessing the temperament and degree of single and compound drugs. The source explains that plant, mineral and animal drugs have their own temperaments, and that combining ingredients can produce a different temperament from the individual ingredients.

The historical development begins with Hippocrates, Galen, Aristotle and Dioscorides in the Greek period. It then follows the Arabic-Persian era, including Ibn Raban Tabari, Rhazes, Jabir bin Hayyan and Avicenna, whose Canon of Medicine gave Greek medicine a final form through clinical experience.

The article continues through the Spanish period with Abulcasis, Ibn al-Haytham, Ibn Zuhr, Ibn Rushd, Ibn al-Baitar and Ibn al-Nafis. It then describes the Indian era, including Mohammad Akbar Arzani, Hakim Muhammad Sharif Khan, Hakim Ajmal Khan and Hakim Kabeeruddin.

The source states that Greek medicine remains practised in Pakistan, India and elsewhere. It concludes that the tradition is accessible and established but needs open-minded discussion and continued development of its pharmacopoeia to meet modern challenges.