In Unani medicine, the term for struggling with a skinny or underweight body is generally referred to as "Naks-e-Sada" (Ùکس٠صدÛ) or "Dhat-e-Waqar" (دھات٠ÙÙار). These terms describe conditions related to insufficient body weight or a lack of proper nourishment, which leads to weakness and an imbalanced state of the body.
1. Imbalance of Humors (Akhlat):
Dam (Blood):
Weak or insufficient blood is considered a key factor. In Unani, blood is vital for nourishment, and when there is a deficiency or imbalance in it, the body fails to grow and develop properly.
Balgham (Phlegm):
Excessive phlegm or poor-quality phlegm can affect the digestion and absorption of nutrients, leading to underweight or weak conditions.
Safra (Yellow Bile) and Sauda (Black Bile):
Imbalance in these humors can cause digestive issues, poor assimilation of nutrients, and a general lack of vitality, leading to weakness and low body weight.
2. Weak Digestion (Daw'ah-e-Ilaj):
The digestive fire (Teeba) is an important concept in Unani medicine. If the digestive system is weak, it will not efficiently process food and extract nutrients, resulting in a failure to gain weight and nourish the body.
Poor appetite or digestive inefficiency can lead to malnutrition, even if a person consumes enough food.
3. Deficient Nutrition:
Insufficient intake of nourishing or calorie-dense food leads to weakness and a lack of bodily strength. Inadequate consumption of nutritious foods such as fats, proteins, and minerals may contribute to a skinny body.A diet lacking in essential nutrients can also result in poor absorption, leading to underweight conditions.
4. Excessive Physical Exertion or Activity:
Overexertion without sufficient rest or nourishment can lead to excessive loss of energy and weight.
Strenuous work or exercise, especially if not balanced with adequate food intake, can cause the body to become excessively thin.
5. Chronic Diseases or Weak Vitality:
Unani medicine also views chronic illnesses or prolonged conditions as potential causes for a skinny body. Conditions that weaken the body's overall vitality and energy can prevent proper growth and lead to weight loss.
Diseases that impair digestion or absorption (such as gastrointestinal disorders) can also contribute to the inability to gain weight.
6. Genetic Factors:
In some cases, an individual's natural constitution (Mizaj) may predispose them to a lean or underweight physique. This is determined by the balance of the humors at birth, and people with a naturally lean or "dry" temperament might be more prone to struggling with body weight.
7.Mental and Emotional Factors:
Unani medicine also recognizes the role of emotional and mental well-being. Stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional disturbances can lead to poor appetite, weak digestion, and ultimately weight loss.
1. Dietary Recommendations (Ilaj Bil Ghiza):
The diet plays a crucial role in restoring weight and strength. Unani practitioners recommend the following:
Nourishing, High-Calorie Foods:
Ghee (clarified butter) is considered a vital food for strengthening the body and increasing weight. It is rich in fats and helps in improving the overall nutritional intake.
Honey:
Known for its warming and nourishing properties, honey is used to enhance appetite and help with digestion.
Milk:
Full-fat milk or milk with added ingredients like almonds, cardamom, or saffron is prescribed to provide essential nutrients and calories.
Dates and Nuts:
Foods like dates, almonds, and walnuts are recommended as they are energy-dense and packed with healthy fats and proteins.
Meat and Broths:
Lean meats like chicken and beef, or broths made from them, are beneficial for increasing body strength.
Avoiding Cold, Heavy, and Indigestible Foods:
Unani practitioners may advise avoiding foods that are heavy on the digestive system, such as those that are cold and damp, as they can worsen the condition.
3. Herbal Remedies (Ilaj Bil Advia):
Various herbs are used to boost appetite, improve digestion, and strengthen the body:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):
This herb is a well-known adaptogen that strengthens the body, improves vitality, and helps with weight gain.
Saffron (Zafran):
Known for its warming and digestive-stimulating properties, saffron is often used to enhance appetite and improve digestion.Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): This herb is used for improving digestion and increasing appetite, especially in women, but also has benefits for general vitality and weight gain.Habb-e-Nuzul: A specific Unani formulation that includes a combination of herbs to enhance digestive functions and overall nourishment.
Fennel Seeds (Saunf):
Fennel is used to improve digestion and promote a healthy appetite, which is essential for weight gain.3. Improving Digestion (Tadbeer):
Strengthening digestion is a key component in the treatment of underweight conditions. When the digestive system is weak, the body struggles to absorb nutrients effectively. The following approaches are used:
Digestive Tonics:
Unani medicine uses digestive tonics that stimulate the digestive fire (Teeba). Herbs like Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Ajwain (Carom seeds) are often used in Unani formulations to promote digestion.
Hot Water or Herbal Teas:
Drinking warm water or herbal teas before meals can help stimulate the digestive system and enhance nutrient absorption.
Tonic Formulations:
Medicines like Habb-e-Murgh (a tonic made from various herbs) are often prescribed to boost the digestive process.
4. Strengthening the Body and Vitality (Ilaj Bil Mujarrabat):
In Unani medicine, boosting general strength and vitality is essential for addressing a skinny body. This includes:
Physical Exercise:
Moderate physical activity or exercises that help build muscle mass and strength are often recommended. This includes activities like walking, yoga, and specific strengthening exercises.
Massage with Oils:
Massaging the body with oils like sesame oil or mustard oil helps to nourish the skin and muscles, improve circulation, and promote strength.
Rest and Proper Sleep:
Ensuring adequate rest and sleep is essential for the body to recover, gain strength, and repair itself.5 5. Lifestyle Adjustments (Tadbeer-e-Amali):
In addition to dietary changes and herbal remedies, Unani medicine emphasizes proper lifestyle practices:
Regular and Balanced Meals:
Eating regular meals with a focus on nourishing and easily digestible foods is advised.
Avoiding Stress:
Managing mental and emotional health is also important, as stress and emotional imbalance can affect digestion and overall health.
Staying Warm:
Keeping the body warm with appropriate clothing and avoiding exposure to cold weather can help balance the body's humors and aid digestion.
6. Therapeutic Regimens (Tadbeer-e-Amali):
Hijama (Cupping Therapy):
Cupping is sometimes used in Unani medicine to enhance blood circulation and remove toxins, which can help improve overall health and stimulate weight gain.
Massage (Dalk or Rub):
Therapeutic body massages using herbal oils and specific techniques are often prescribed to stimulate circulation, improve nourishment, and support body functions.
7. Restoring Balance of Humors (Ilaj Bil Tareeq):
A personalized treatment plan is created to balance the humors, particularly blood (Dam) and phlegm (Balgham), which are often involved in a skinny body. This might involve purging excess or poor-quality humors and nourishing the body to restore equilibrium. Commonly Used Unani Formulations:
Habb-e-Nuzul:
A popular Unani formulation used to increase weight by improving digestion and appetite.
Majun Tormuz:
A compound made from natural ingredients aimed at increasing strength and vitality.
Shahad-e-Khushk:
A mixture with honey and herbs to improve body strength and nourishment.