In the traditional civilisations of the Middle East, India and China, we find some of the oldest and most time-tested systems of healthcare and medicine. The results are a rich harvest of perspectives and modalities that are unsurpassed both in their profundity and sophistication as well as being practical, economical and ecologically sustainable.
Tibb is an Arabic word which means “nature”. It is a body of knowledge and practice which maintains health and endeavours to restore it whenever lost.
It is a tradition of healthcare and medicine whose synthesis was in the crucible of the Middle East, and integrates elements from Egypt, India, China and Classical Greece (in Arabic, the word Unani means ‘Greek’). Tibb is often referred to as Unani Tibb or Unani medicine.
From the Tibb perspective, true health is the result of human beings living in a state of wholeness and balance by returning to the natural order. In historical times, the condition of wholeness and balance was the norm for most human beings, however as people and societies moved away from natural patterns, disharmony and diseases increased.
We can also say today, especially in this current health crisis and in a time of climate crisis, ‘If the world suffers so does humanity’. Our planet and its finely tuned eco system is in crisis and so is our healthcare system, chronic diseases are causing millions of deaths yearly, as well as sabotaging the quality of life for many more. The unique diagnostic methods of natural medicine allow for an early detection of illnesses before they become chronic diseases.
The primary emphasis of Tibb therapy is on the preservation of health and each therapist assesses the whole person while attempting to locate the focus of any given disease. The imbalance may be located within one or more of four levels, physical, emotional, mental or spiritual. In addition, and depending upon the individual patient’s individual body type (temperament) and the level of their imbalance, the therapist can use techniques or modalities to restore order and balance. The comprehensive range of prevention and improvement advice restores a natural state of balance in the body, strengthening the whole system.
Reference source: M. Salim Khan M.D. (M.A.) M.H. D.O. M.I.R.C.H. F.G.N.I. mohsinhealth.com