In Unani medicine, obesity is generally referred to as "Sudad" or "Dahniyat", which refers to the excessive accumulation of fat (known as "Lahm") in the body. It is considered an imbalance in the body's humors and metabolic processes. Obesity, in Unani terms, can be caused by an imbalance between the Akhlat (the four humors), particularly Dam (blood), Balgham (phlegm), and Sauda (black bile). The excess accumulation of these humors leads to the improper processing of food, resulting in excessive fat storage in the body.
1. Imbalance of the Four Humors (Akhlat):
Dam (Blood): Excess blood, which can lead to over-nourishment of the body and increased fat accumulation.
Balgham (Phlegm): An excess of phlegm in the body leads to sluggish metabolism and improper elimination of waste, resulting in the retention of fat, particularly in the abdominal region.
Sauda (Black Bile): An excess of black bile causes poor digestion and weak metabolism, leading to the storage of fat. When this humor is in excess, it also results in the formation of Ama (toxic waste), which accumulates as fat in the body.
Safra (Yellow Bile): Imbalances in yellow bile can disrupt digestion and hinder the breakdown of fats and other nutrients, contributing to obesity.
2. Poor Digestion (A'da):In Unani, the concept of digestion is central to health, and any disturbance in the digestive process can lead to obesity. Poor digestion prevents the body from breaking down and absorbing nutrients effectively, leaving Ama (undigested material or toxins) in the body. This Ama accumulates as fat, resulting in obesity.
Weak digestion is typically a result of an imbalance in the digestive organs like the stomach, spleen, and liver.
3. Excessive Consumption of Heavy and Fatty Foods:
Overeating, particularly foods that are rich, greasy, sweet, and heavy, leads to the accumulation of fat in the body. These types of foods are difficult to digest and lead to the formation of Ama. In Unani, foods that are damp, cold, and moist are particularly likely to lead to an increase in phlegm (Balgham), resulting in weight gain.
A sweets-heavy or grease-heavy diet tends to create an imbalance in the humors, especially Dam and Balgham, contributing to fat storage.
4. Sedentary Lifestyle (Lack of Physical Activity):
A lack of physical movement or exercise is a significant contributing factor to obesity.
Poor circulation and the inability to burn calories and fat due to inactivity hinder the bodyâs metabolism and fat utilization. Unani medicine stresses the importance of exercise and movement for proper digestion, improved circulation, and the prevention of obesity.
5. Excessive Sleep or Lack of Rest:
Excessive sleep or irregular sleep patterns can result in weight gain. In Unani, the sleep cycle is closely tied to digestion and the bodyâs ability to metabolize food. Poor sleep can lead to a sluggish metabolism, resulting in weight gain.
6. Hereditary and Constitutional Factors (Mizaj):
Mizaj (the individualâs innate temperament or constitution) plays a key role in the likelihood of obesity. People with a cold and moist temperament (known as Balghami Mizaj) are more prone to accumulating fat, especially when their digestion and lifestyle are not well-regulated. Unani practitioners may observe the personâs Mizaj to tailor dietary and lifestyle modifications that help prevent obesity and correct imbalances in their humors.
7. Impaired Function of the Liver (Kabad):
The liver is crucial for the detoxification process and for regulating metabolism in the body. A weak or dysfunctional liver can lead to poor fat breakdown and storage, contributing to obesity. In Unani, a weakened liver may fail to properly metabolize fats and eliminate toxins, which results in the accumulation of fat.
8. Mental and Emotional Stress:
Mental stress and emotional imbalances play a significant role in obesity. According to Unani, excessive stress can disturb the humoral balance, particularly the Dam and Sauda, leading to unhealthy eating habits, overeating, or the retention of fat in the body. Emotional eating due to anxiety or depression is seen as a contributor to obesity.
9. Imbalanced Eating Habits:
Irregular eating patterns, such as eating too much at night, skipping meals, or consuming foods at irregular times, can disturb the bodyâs digestive rhythm and contribute to fat accumulation. Over time, this leads to an excess of Ama and fat storage.
10. Environmental Factors and Toxins (Ama):
Exposure to environmental toxins and impurities is also believed to contribute to obesity in Unani. These toxins, which may be a result of pollutants, poor-quality food, or digestive inefficiency, accumulate in the body as Ama, which is then stored as fat.
1. Dietary Modifications (Giza)Unani medicine places great emphasis on the quality and quantity of food. A carefully planned diet is essential for managing obesity:
Light, Digestible Foods: The diet should consist of easily digestible foods that are not too heavy on the stomach. These include:
Vegetables (like cucumbers, radishes, and bitter gourd)Fruits (especially those that are high in water content, like apples and pomegranates)Clear soups and broths that are easy to digest.
Avoidance of Rich, Fatty, and Sweet Foods: Foods that are greasy, sugary, or overly rich, like fried items and sweets, should be minimized, as they contribute to fat accumulation and imbalance in humors.
Foods That Increase Digestion:
Bitter foods (e.g., fenugreek, bitter gourd, and mustard)Spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which enhance metabolism and digestion.
Smaller Meals: Frequent, smaller meals are recommended to prevent overeating and to maintain a balanced digestion, avoiding the formation of Ama (toxic residue from undigested food).
2. Herbal Remedies Herbal medicines play a significant role in Unani treatment for obesity. These herbs help improve digestion, enhance metabolism, and promote fat burning. Some of the commonly used herbs in Unani medicine for obesity include:
Triphala: A combination of three fruits (Haritaki, Amalaki, and Bibhitaki), it is known for its detoxifying and digestive properties, helping to cleanse the body and balance excess fat.
Senna (Sana): Known for its mild laxative properties, Senna helps in clearing the digestive system and eliminating toxins that may contribute to fat accumulation.
Cinnamon (Dalchini): It helps increase metabolism and can assist in controlling blood sugar levels, preventing fat storage.
Ginger (Adrak): Known to enhance digestion and increase metabolism, ginger can be used to promote fat breakdown and reduce bloating.
Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants, green tea helps boost metabolism and aids in weight management.
Fenugreek Seeds (Methi): Fenugreek seeds are often used to balance excess phlegm (Balgham) and improve digestion, reducing fat accumulation.
Garlic (Lahsun): Known for its fat-burning properties, garlic is also used in Unani medicine to improve digestion and circulation.
3. Physical Activity and Exercise
Exercise is an essential part of Unani treatment for obesity. Regular physical activity helps burn excess fat, improve metabolism, and balance the body's humors:
Walking: Regular walking is one of the best exercises recommended for improving digestion and promoting fat loss.
Yoga and Stretching: Yoga helps improve flexibility, digestion, and circulation. Poses such as Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) and Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) are believed to stimulate metabolism and reduce fat accumulation.
Strength Training: Weight-bearing exercises help tone muscles and burn fat, improving overall body composition.
Aerobic Exercises: Activities such as swimming, cycling, or running help burn calories and promote fat loss.
4. Detoxification and Cleansing
Cleansing therapies are an essential part of the treatment process. These help eliminate toxins, improve metabolism, and detoxify the body:
Hijama (Cupping Therapy): In Unani, Hijama is a traditional method where small incisions are made on the skin and a vacuum is applied to remove toxins and excess fluids. It is believed to help balance the humors, improve circulation, and reduce fat accumulation.
Fasting: Intermittent fasting or fasting on certain days is sometimes recommended to help the body cleanse and reset its metabolic system.
Herbal Detoxes: Herbal formulas such as Triphala or Safoof-e-Khubz (a herbal powder mixture) may be used to help detoxify the body and promote fat loss.
5. Regulating Sleep and Mental HealthIn Unani medicine, sleep and mental health are considered crucial factors in weight management:
Adequate Sleep: Ensuring proper rest and regular sleep patterns is essential for balancing metabolism and preventing weight gain.
Mental and Emotional Well-being: Stress and emotional imbalances often lead to overeating and weight gain. Unani emphasizes practices that promote emotional balance, such as:
Relaxation techniques
Mindfulness
Meditation
6. Treatment Based on Mizaj (Constitution)Each person has a unique Mizaj (body constitution), and treatment plans in Unani are often personalized based on an individualâs Mizaj. For example:
People with a cold and moist constitution (Balghami Mizaj) tend to accumulate fat more easily, so their treatment might focus on warming and drying foods and herbs to reduce the excess moisture and coldness in the body.
Those with a hot and dry constitution (Safravi Mizaj) may require cooling and moistening treatments to maintain balance and prevent excess fat storage.
7. Lifestyle AdjustmentsUnani also stresses the importance of a balanced lifestyle, including:
Avoiding late-night eating and large meals before bedtime.
Staying hydrated with herbal teas (e.g., ginger tea, mint tea) or water.
Limiting sedentary behavior by incorporating regular movement or exercise throughout the day.