Unani Medicine: An Overview
Unani Medicine is an ancient system of medicine widely practised in Arab countries. To make Unani a modern form of treatment, the credit goes to Arab physicians. The motto of Unani medicine revolves around four humours: Phlegm, Blood, Yellow bile, and Black bile.
History of Unani Medicine
The history of Unani medicine can be traced from the pivotal work of Hakim Ibn Sina. ‘The Canon of Medicine’ penned by Ibn Sina seems to be a specimen manuscript in the system of Unani. Ibn Sina’s work shows Islamic medicine and Charaka and Sushruta’s philosophy.
However, the founder of Unani medicine is Hippocrates. Credit went to Hippocrates, Jalinoos, Ibn Sina, and Abu Baker Ibn-e-Zakaria Razi to make Unani a complete system.
In India, the actual start of Unani medicine can be seen during the sultanate period, which was subsequently promoted by the regime of the Mughal era. The Unani physicians (hakims) got royal patronage during these periods, thus helping to expand the Unani system in India.
The Unani system got a setback during the British period and was completely neglected for over two centuries. It gained momentum during the freedom struggle, and Hakim Ajmal Khan, a freedom fighter, executed lots of work for its growth and development. Hakim Ajmal Khan established the Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College in Delhi in 1916.
Core Principles of Unani Medicine
The entire concept of the Unani medicine system revolves around Hippocrates’s four humour theories: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. As per Unani, the human body consists of seven components: Element (Arkan), Temperament (Mizaj), Humors (Akhlat), Organs (Aaza), Spirits (Arwah), Faculties (Quwa), and Functions (Afaal).
The four parts of the element with temperament are Air (hot & moist), Earth (cold & dry), Fire (hot & dry), and Water (cold & wet).
In Unani treatment, the six essential pre-requisites (Asbab Sitta e Zaroriayah) for the promotion of health and prevention of diseases are:
- Air
- Food and drinks
- Bodily movement and repose
- Psychic movement and stillness
- Sleep and wakefulness
- Evacuation and retention
Unani Treatments
The critical treatments in Unani medicine are:
1. Regimental Therapy (Ilaj-bil-Tadbir)
It is also known as the detoxification method. The following techniques are used in regimental treatment:
- Venesection (Fasd): Suitable for blood-related problems, toxicity prevention, waste excretion, and menstrual disorders.
- Cupping (Al-hijama): Used in the case of skin cleansing, menstrual solutions, liver disease, and piles.
- Sweating (Tareeq): Releases waste matter from the skin.
- Diuresis (Idrar-e-baul): Helps in excreting toxic matter from the body.
- Turkish bath (Hamam): Refreshing the body.
- Massage (Dalk, Malish) & Counter irritation: Provides relief to pain and burning irritation.
- Cauterization (Amal-e-Kae): Prevents poison malignancy and joint pains, and helps to remove pathogens.
- Purging (Ishal): Used for intestinal evacuation.
- Vomiting (Qai): Good in treating headaches, migraines, and bronchial-related problems.
- Exercise (Riyazat): Good for overall wellbeing.
- Leeching (Taleeq-e-Alaq): Used to remove toxins from the body.
2. Dieto Therapy (Ilaj-bil-Ghiza)
Diet plays an essential role in the Unani system. Quality and quantity of food are of utmost importance in Unani.
3. Pharmacotherapy (Ilaj-bil-Dawa)
Deals with drugs, mainly naturally occurring.
4. Surgery (Ilaj-bil-Yad)
Simple and minor surgery is conducted in this system.
Unani Education in India
The expansion and growth of Unani education in India are supervised and monitored by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), New Delhi (which replaced the erstwhile Central Council of Indian Medicine).
To promote the system of Unani in education and training, the system boasts about 40 recognised colleges spread across the country. The intake capacity of these institutions is about 1,770 at the undergraduate level. All these colleges follow the curriculum prescribed by the NCISM.
The postgraduate facilities are also available in the fields of Pharmacology (Ilmul Advia), Medicine (Moalijat), Surgery (Jarrahivat), Gynaecology (Qabala-wa-Amraz-e-Niswan), Hygiene (Hifzan-e-Sehat), Basic Principles (Kulliyat), etc. The intake capacity at the PG level is 79.
Eligibility for BUMS: One should pass the 12th standard with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from a recognised college or university. Those candidates who have Urdu in their Intermediate exam are given preference. Admission requires qualifying NEET-UG. After completing BUMS, one can pursue MD (Mahir-e-Tibb), MS, or a Ph.D.
For detailed career guidance, job roles, and salary expectations after BUMS, see our dedicated guide: Career in BUMS after 12th Class.
State-Wise List of Unani Colleges in India
There are many recognised colleges and institutions at the government and private levels in India. Here is a comprehensive state-wise list:
Andhra Pradesh
- Government Nizamia Tibbia College, Charminar, Hyderabad — Government | UG: 60 seats
- Dr. Abdul Haq Unani Medical College, Kurnool — Private
Delhi
- Ayurveda and Unani Tibbia College (Unani), Ajmal Khan Road, Karol Bagh — Government | UG: 40 seats; PG: Ilmul Advia (3 seats)
- Faculty of Medicine (Unani), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi — Government (Deemed University) | UG: 50 seats; PG: Moalijat (2 seats)
Jammu & Kashmir
- Unani Medical College and Hospital, Institute of Asian Medical Sciences, Srinagar — Private | UG: 40 seats
- Kashmir Tibbia College, Srinagar — Private
Karnataka
- National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore — Government | PG: Moalijat (8), Ilmul Qabalat (5), Tahaffuz wa Samaji Tibb (5), Ilmul Advia (8), Ilmul Saidla (4) — total 38 PG seats
- Tipu Sultan Saheed Educational Trust’s Unani Medical College, Gulbarga — Private | UG: 40 seats
- Luqman Unani Medical College & Hospital, BL Karadi Campus, Bijapur — Private | UG: 40 seats
Madhya Pradesh
- Hakim Abdul Hamid Unani Medical College, Dewas — Private | UG: 40 seats
- Saifia Hamidia Unani Tibbia College & Hospital, Burhanpur — Private | UG: 50 seats
- Al-Farooq Unani Tibbia College, Indore — Private | UG: 50 seats
- Hakim Syed Ziaul Hassan Government Unani Medical College, Bhopal — Government
Maharashtra
- Anjuman-I-Islam’s Dr. Ishaq Jam Khanawala Tibbia Unani Medical College, Mumbai — Private | UG: 50 seats
- Yunus Fazlani Unani Medical College, Kunjkheda, Kannad, Aurangabad — Private
- Mohammadia Tibbia College & Assayer Hospital, Malegaon, Nashik — Private
- Iqra Society’s Unani Medical College, Jalgaon — Private
- Ahmed Gharib Unani Medical College & AS-Salam Hospital, Akkalkuwa, Nandurbar — Private
- Zuleikhabai Valy Md. Unani Medical College & Hospital, Pune — Private
Tamil Nadu
- Govt. Unani Medical College, Chennai — Government | UG: 26 seats
Uttar Pradesh
- State Unani Medical College, Himatganj, Allahabad — Government | UG: 40 seats
- Ajmal Khan Tibiya College, Aligarh (AMU) — Government | UG: 50 seats
- Deoband Unani Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Naya Bans, Deoband — Private | UG: 40 seats
- Sham-e-Ghausia Minority Unani Medical College, Ghazipur — Private | UG: 40 seats
- Jamia Tibbia Deoband, Deoband — Private | UG: 50 seats; PG: Moalijat (2 seats)
- Ibn-e-Sina Tibbia College and Hospital, Azamgarh — Private
- Allama Iqbal Unani Medical College, Muzaffarnagar — Private
- Eram Unani Medical College & Hospital, Lucknow — Private
- Dr. Abdul Ali Tibbiya College & Hospital, Katauli, Lucknow — Private
- Aligarh Unani Medical College, Aligarh — Private
West Bengal
- Calcutta Unani Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata — Private | UG: 40 seats
Bihar
- Government Tibbia College, Kadam Kuan, Patna — Government
- Zulfequar Haider Unani Medical College & Hospital, Siwan — Private
- Salvia Unani Medical College & Hospital, Darbhanga — Private
- Nezamia Unani Medical College, Gaya — Private
Chhattisgarh
- Mohsine Millat Unani Tibb Education Society, Raipur — Private
Rajasthan
- Rajasthan Unani Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur — Private
- Rajputana Unani Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Jaipur — Private
Leading Unani Institutes and Research Centres
The topmost Unani institutions, organizations, and research centres in India are:
- Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), New Delhi
- Central Research Institute of Unani Medicine (CRIUM), Hyderabad
- National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore
- Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine and Science, India
- Jamia Tibbiya Deoband, India
- Regional Research Institute (RRI) of Unani Medicine: Srinagar, Mumbai, Balasore, Chennai
- Clinical Research Units: Bangalore, Alawaye, Bhopal, Burhanpur, Allahabad, Meerut
- Drug Standardisation Research Units: Chennai, Lucknow, Jamia Hamdard (Delhi)
- Institute of Unani Medicinal Plants, Lucknow
Top Unani Hakims of the World
The world-famous Hakims who have made wonderful contributions to the growth and promotion of the Unani system are:
- Hakim Abdul Aziz
- Hakim Abdul Hameed
- Hakim Ajmal Khan
- Hakim Habibur Rahman
- Hakim Hammad Usmani
- Hakim Mohammed Said
- Hakim Syed Atiqul Qadir
- Hakim Syed Fazlur Rahman
- Hakim Syed Karam Hussain
- Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman
- Qazi Mazhar Qayyum
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is NEET required for BUMS admission?
A: Yes. NEET-UG is mandatory for admission to BUMS in both government and private colleges across India, as per NCISM and NTA guidelines.
Q: What is the duration of the BUMS course?
A: BUMS is a 5.5-year program, including 4.5 years of academic study and a compulsory 1-year internship (house surgency).
Q: Can BUMS graduates practice in government hospitals?
A: Yes. BUMS graduates can apply for government posts such as Unani Medical Officer, Research Officer, and positions in the Department of AYUSH, CCRUM, and state health services.
Q: How many Unani colleges are there in India?
A: India has approximately 40 recognised Unani colleges under NCISM, with a total undergraduate intake of around 1,770 seats and PG intake of 79 seats.
Q: What is the scope of Unani medicine outside India?
A: Unani doctors have good job opportunities in Southeast Asia and the Middle East because of their holistic nature and in-depth healing power with minimal side effects. Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have established Unani healthcare and education systems.
Hi, do you have distance learning courses postgraduate in Unani Tibb medicine? I am a qualified medical person in Cape Town, South Africa. Many thanks, Linda
Dear Sir/M’am,
As far as medicine subjects are concerned, there is no as distance courses in Unani. However, you may see the website of CCRUM.
As far as Medical Courses are concerned, there is no as such Distance Learning Programmes. However You may contact CCRUM, Government of India
I have over weight problem. i m searching a unani docter. in maharashtra. nasik
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u haven’t mention Govt. t. t. unani graduate college,Lucknow, Uttar pradesh.
Please suggest a good Unani doctor for tinnitus
Is there any treatment inUnani system about Spondylitis . Please inform me the center inKolkata as early as possible.
Kindly, I want to know the fees of the study of Diploma and of Bachelor, the duration (I mean the period of the study, how many years) of each one, the requirements of the study and can I study by distance because I am from abroad of India.
Kindly, can you give Mobile number to contact you directly?
Thanks, with my best regards.
Um Ahmed
dear sir,
have been sufferings from pains in west ti ankles in left leg I can not stand up ikneew fro my friend the sure is sure from hamdard unani medicine if it is true let me have your treatments