Zarnigar

Unani system of medicine approach to the prevention and treatment of the lifestyle and non communicable diseases is aimed at avoiding the accumulation of fasad mada (toxins) through maintaining of asbab e sitta zarooriya (six essential factors). This review was designed with the objectives to translate and compile ancient Unani literature on lifestyle disorders from classical text, to interpret Unani concept of lifestyle disorders and find proper management for lifestyle disorders through Unani system of medicine. The review was carried out from Arabic and Urdu classical texts of Unani medicine and published articles from reputed journals. In various Unani classical texts it have been stated that chronic disorders, which can also be termed as lifestyle disorders, are the conditions which arise from poor management of the asbab e sitta zarooriya (six essential factors) over an extended period. This invariably results in an accumulation of fasad mada (toxins) which is beyond the ability of physics or tabiat to deal with. Unani recognises the importance of identifying a person’s risk factors like saman e mufrat (obesity) and interpreting the illness on the basis of the temperamental as well as humoral theory. This allows a targeted approach to deal with the humoral or structural imbalance associated with chronic lifestyle disorders such as Ziabetas shakari (type 2 diabetes mellitus) and Zaghtuddum qavi (hypertension). The matter or madda which is accumulated inside the heart or in the pericardium is mostly fasad rutoobat (morbid fluid) in nature. Excessive accumulation of morbid matter in the pericardium exerts pressure on the heart and prevents proper inbasat (relaxation) and thereby destructing the rooh (vital spirit) which leads to death. Lifestyle modification with asbab e sitta zarooriya (six essential factors) and non essential factors (asbab e ghair zarooriya) provide the ability of physis or tabiat to preserve and restore health.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the world’s largest killer claiming 17.3 million lives a year. Over 80% of the world's deaths from CVDs occur in low and middle income countries. India contributes to this as 306.3 deaths per one lac of population.1 It not only affects the individual but also affects the economic output of a country due to the inabilities and disabilities caused by it. Risk factor modifications are the best approach till date to combat with this world’s leading death causing problem. As Hippocrates stated “Take care of your health before you lose it”.2 Thus, following the tadabeer(regimens) mentioned by Unani physicians, one can be saved from being affected by the gross complications of CVDs. This article tried to highlight all the possible preventive & therapeutic approaches of Unani medicine that could be valuable for the management & control of CVDs as well as could be a source of further researches.