Dimensions of Geriatric Care in Unani Medicine: A Review

Abstract

Normal ageing is a biological process defined as those time dependent, irreversible changes that lead to progressive and generalized impairment of functions resulting in the loss of adaptive response to stress and in increasing the risk of age-related diseases. With the continuing growth of elderly populations in modern societies, it has become a matter of increasing urgency to look for ways to maintain and improve the functional abilities of ageing people, to help them cope independently in the community and ultimately, to raise the quality of their lives. Unani system of medicine has the potential for prevention of diseases by promotion of health and management of diseases occurring in old age. Under the heading of Tadabeer-e-Mashaikh ample explanation of geriatric care is mentioned in various Unani texts. Geriatric problems can be efficiently prevented and managed by dietotherapy (Ilaj-bil-Ghiza), regimental therapy (Ilaj-bil-Tadbeer), pharmacotherapy (Ilaj-bil-Dawa), etc. It is well understood that there are many possible dimensions and available approaches related to Unani system of medicine that might help to develop new and effective medical managements for geriatric medicine. But an integrated approach involving all the above principle therapies along with life style modification can certainly bring changes that will promote, prevent and rejuvenate the health of elderly.

Keywords: Unani medicine, geriatric care, Tadabeer-e-Mashaikh

Cite this Article

Basharat Rashid, Zoheb Alam Khan, Malik Itrat. Dimensions of Geriatric Care in Unani Medicine: A Review. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2017; 6(1): 6–11p.