Unani medicine's approach to managing anxiety during COVID-19.

a review

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Management of izterab-i-nafsani (anxiety) during covid-19 pandemic in unani medicine
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Subtitle: a review

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Uzma Siddiqui, Md. Akhter Hussain Jamali and Mohd. Amir


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Management of izterab-i-nafsani (anxiety) during covid-19 pandemic in unani medicine

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20208-18298

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic, declared a public health emergency by the WHO in January 2020, has profoundly impacted global mental health, leading to widespread stress, anxiety, and fear. The situation has exacerbated existing psychological disorders and introduced new challenges, such as isolation and social stigma. As a response, Unani medicine offers a holistic approach to managing Izterab-i-Nafsani (anxiety), emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual health. This review discusses various methods in Unani medicine for managing anxiety during the pandemic through preventive and therapeutic strategies.

The Concept of Asbab Sitta Zaruriyya

One of the central concepts highlighted in the paper is Asbab Sitta Zaruriyya, or the six essential factors that contribute to health and well-being: air, food and drink, bodily movement and repose, mental movement and repose, sleep and wakefulness, and evacuation and retention. Unani medicine posits that a balance among these factors is critical for maintaining mental health. By ensuring a harmonious balance among these elements, individuals can strengthen their mental resilience and mitigate the effects of anxiety during stressful times, such as the ongoing pandemic.

Role of Muqawwiyat and Mufarrihat

Muqawwiyat (tonics) and Mufarrihat (exhilarants) represent another significant aspect of Unani medicine in managing anxiety. Muqawwiyat are non-toxic substances designed to strengthen and maintain the health of vital organs, while Mufarrihat help relieve stress and create feelings of well-being. The article details various herbs and compounds used in Unani practices to enhance mental health, such as Zafran (Crocus sativus) and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). By incorporating these natural substances, patients may experience improved emotional states, reduced anxiety levels, and enhanced overall health.

Methodology of Psychotherapy in Unani

Unani medicine also emphasizes the importance of psychosocial interventions as part of its therapeutic strategy. Methods such as psychotherapy, exercise, and relaxation techniques are seen as essential to alleviating the stress associated with anxiety. The focus on creating a supportive environment and engaging in enjoyable, distracting activities, such as poetry or music, is recommended to counteract feelings of isolation and loneliness. This integrated approach to mental health care ensures a comprehensive strategy for addressing both the psychological and physiological impacts of anxiety.

Conclusion

The review underscores the critical role that traditional approaches, like Unani medicine, can play in managing anxiety during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By emphasizing a balanced lifestyle through Asbab Sitta Zaruriyya and employing natural remedies such as Muqawwiyat and Mufarrihat, Unani medicine offers effective strategies to help individuals navigate their mental health challenges. This holistic perspective, rooted in ancient practices, highlights the potential for complementary medicine to foster resilience and well-being in contemporary society.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Izterab-i-Nafsani and its significance during the pandemic?

Izterab-i-Nafsani, or anxiety, is a common psychological disorder exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to stress, fear, and mental health challenges globally.

How has COVID-19 impacted mental health according to the document?

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused increased stress and anxiety due to isolation, fear of illness, and uncertainty, affecting mental health significantly across populations.

What is the Unani approach to managing anxiety during COVID-19?

Unani medicine emphasizes preventive measures through balance in six essential factors and therapeutic approaches using Muqawwiyat (tonics) and Mufarrihat (exhilarants) for anxiety management.

What role do Muqawwiyat and Mufarrihat play in Unani medicine?

Muqawwiyat and Mufarrihat are substances in Unani medicine that strengthen vital organs and create feelings of well-being, respectively, crucial for treating anxiety and stress.

What are some recommended practices for managing anxiety?

Practices include maintaining a nutritious diet, engaging in physical activity, utilizing aromatherapy, and ensuring good sleep hygiene to alleviate anxiety symptoms.

How does the Unani philosophy view the interconnectedness of mental and physical health?

Unani philosophy integrates physical, mental, and spiritual health, asserting that mental states directly affect the functioning of vital organs like the heart and brain.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Unani medicine's approach to managing anxiety during COVID-19.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Medicine:
Medicines are substances used to diagnose, treat, or prevent illness. In Unani Medicine, a range of traditional medicines is utilized for their therapeutic effects on mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, focusing on both efficacy and natural healing properties.

2) Anxiety:
Anxiety is the most prevalent psychological disorder characterized by excessive worry and fear about future events. It can manifest physically and mentally, impacting daily functioning. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated anxiety levels globally, prompting a focus on its management through both traditional and modern medical approaches, including Unani Medicine.

3) Drug:
A drug refers to a single chemical substance that has a specific action on the body, often used in treatment. In Unani Medicine, various drugs are prescribed for their mood-enhancing and psychotropic effects, crucial for managing anxiety and depression amid external stressors such as the pandemic.

4) Disease:
Diseases are defined as pathological conditions that disrupt normal bodily functions, affecting health and well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the prevalence of both physical and mental diseases, prompting a holistic approach to treatment, emphasizing preventive measures and remedies found in Unani Medicine.

5) Fear:
Fears are emotional responses to perceived threats or danger, fundamental to the human experience. Addressing fears through holistic medicine like Unani can empower individuals to manage anxiety and enhance mental resilience during uncertain times.

6) Depression:
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and various physical symptoms. In the context of the pandemic, its prevalence has increased, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive treatments, including psychotherapeutic approaches discussed in traditional practices like Unani Medicine.

7) India:
India is a country experiencing substantial impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased mental health issues, including anxiety and fear. The rich tradition of Unani Medicine in India offers culturally significant practices to address these challenges, emphasizing the need for integrated healthcare solutions.

8) Mental health:
Mental health pertains to emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, and act. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health, necessitating interventions from traditional systems, including Unani Medicine, to manage stress, anxiety, and related disorders.

9) Worry (Worried, Worrying):
Worried denotes a state of anxiety about potential future problems. This emotional state, exacerbated during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, signals the need for supportive measures from traditional medicine systems, emphasizing preventative and curative practices in Unani Medicine.

10) Citta (Chitta):
Sitta refers to the six essential factors (Asbab Sitta Zaruriyya) emphasized in Unani Medicine, which are essential for maintaining health. These factors influence physical and psychological wellness and are crucial for managing anxiety and other health concerns, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

11) Cina:
Sina pertains to Ibn Sina (Avicenna), a prominent scholar known for his contributions to medicine and philosophy. His works form the foundation of traditional medical practices, including Unani Medicine, which addresses mental health issues like anxiety, interlinking physical and psychological treatments.

12) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relates to the study of how drugs affect biological systems. In the context of Unani Medicine, understanding pharmacological properties of traditional remedies is critical for developing effective treatments for anxiety and related disorders as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

13) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard of something, often determining its effectiveness and usability in health contexts. Unani Medicine emphasizes the quality of treatments, ensuring that drug formulations and lifestyle recommendations are effective in managing anxiety and other health issues.

14) Badam:
Badam, known as almonds, is recognized in Unani Medicine for its nutritional value and health benefits. It is a vital component in dietary recommendations, especially for maintaining mental well-being and enhancing mood during stressful times such as the pandemic.

15) Death:
Death signifies the end of life and is often a source of fear and anxiety, especially during health crises. The pandemic has heightened awareness and discussions around death, pushing for mental health support through traditional medicine practices like Unani to cope with such fears.

16) Grief:
Grief is the profound sorrow experienced after loss, potentially leading to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Understanding the impact of grief during the pandemic is crucial; Unani Medicine offers therapeutic measures to help individuals process and manage their grief.

17) Anger (Angry):
Anger is a strong emotional response that can be triggered by frustration or perceived threats. During the pandemic, heightened levels of anger have emerged due to various stressors. Unani Medicine aims to mitigate such emotions through holistic treatments that include diet and lifestyle adjustments.

18) Seat (Seated):
Seat in this context refers to the foundational principles or core aspects of a concept. Unani Medicine posits that specific organs, such as the heart and brain, serve as the 'seat' of emotional and psychological functions, necessitating their health for overall well-being.

19) Mud:
Mood refers to a temporary state of mind reflecting emotional temperament. It plays a significant role in mental health; thus, Unani Medicine includes interventions aimed at stabilizing mood to prevent disorders like anxiety and depression, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic.

20) Pharmacotherapy:
Pharmacotherapy is the treatment of disease through the administration of drugs. In Unani Medicine, pharmacotherapy includes various formulations aimed at treating anxiety and mental disorders, emphasizing a mixture of traditional remedies and understanding their pharmacological impacts on the human body.

21) Discussion:
Discussion pertains to the exchange of ideas and interpretations, particularly in scientific contexts. This paper discusses the management strategies of anxiety and mental health through Unani Medicine, elucidating the significance of traditional methods in contemporary healthcare systems during the pandemic.

22) Substance:
Substance is an individual type of matter used within therapeutic settings. In the framework of Unani Medicine, specific medicinal substances play critical roles in treating anxiety and enhancing mental health, particularly through their applications in various formulations and practices.

23) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiated indicates a condition of being impaired or corrupted, particularly within a health context. Unani Medicine acknowledges vitiated states of humors or temperaments as contributors to mental health issues, guiding therapeutic approaches focused on restoration and balance.

24) Gaozaban:
Gaozaban, also known as Borage, is a herb used in Unani Medicine. It is valued for its beneficial effects on mental and emotional well-being, often incorporated in treatments for conditions such as anxiety, highlighting the role of botanical therapies in holistic health.

25) Brahmi:
Brahmi, a revered herb in Unani and Ayurvedic systems, is acknowledged for its cognitive-enhancing properties. It's primarily used to treat anxiety and depression by promoting mental clarity and emotional balance, making it an essential component of holistic health practices.

26) Family:
Family denotes the social unit crucial for emotional and psychological support. During stressful periods, family dynamics significantly influence individual mental health. Unani Medicine promotes family well-being through community and traditional support systems in managing mental health issues like anxiety.

27) Reason:
Reason refers to the cognitive faculties that enable logical thought and understanding. In healthcare contexts, a reasoned approach to managing mental health conditions, including anxiety, is necessary for effective treatment planning, especially when integrating traditional practices like Unani Medicine.

28) Indian:
Indian pertains to aspects related to India, especially its cultural and medicinal traditions. The practice of Unani Medicine in India offers unique insights and approaches to mental health management during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

29) Pearl:
Pearl, as a substance, symbolizes purity and health in traditional medicine systems, including Unani. In the context of health interventions, pearl powder is sometimes used to enhance vitality and well-being, showcasing the use of natural materials in therapeutic practices.

30) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the structured investigation aimed at understanding specific phenomena, including mental health conditions. Researching the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety levels emphasizes the need for traditional treatments like Unani Medicine in holistic health approaches.

31) Amla:
Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is a potent fruit used in Unani Medicine, known for its antioxidative and immunomodulatory properties. It's incorporated into dietary recommendations to promote overall wellness and enhance mental health resilience, especially during stressful periods like the pandemic.

32) Food:
Food refers to substances consumed to maintain health and well-being. In Unani Medicine, dietary choices are integral to maintaining mental health, with recommendations emphasizing nourishing foods that promote balance and alleviate anxiety amidst challenging situations.

33) Diet:
Diet encompasses the types and amounts of foods consumed regularly. In the context of Unani Medicine, a balanced diet plays a critical role in managing health, particularly for maintaining mental stability and preventing disorders such as anxiety during stressful times.

34) Line:
Line in this context signifies a course of action or method adopted in health management. Unani Medicine emphasizes a systematic approach to treating anxiety and related conditions, integrating lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and traditional remedies for comprehensive care.

35) Life:
Life denotes the condition distinguishing living organisms from inorganic matter, closely tied to health and well-being. The intricacies of mental health in life underscore the importance of addressing conditions like anxiety, especially during crises where holistic practices like Unani Medicine can play a pivotal role.

36) Mental disorder:
Mental disorder specifies a single condition affecting emotional or cognitive functioning. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many mental disorders, leading to increased focus on interventions from traditional systems like Unani Medicine to foster mental health stability.

37) Human body:
The human body is a complex system comprising various organs and systems working in harmony. Unani Medicine approaches the human body holistically, addressing mental and physical health collectively, particularly in managing stress and anxiety during periods like the COVID-19 pandemic.

38) New Delhi:
New Delhi, the capital of India, plays a significant role in the integration of traditional medicine with modern healthcare practices. The rising mental health concerns due to the pandemic in this urban landscape highlight the importance of utilizing Unani Medicine for effective management.

39) Celebration:
Celebration signifies the act of commemorating significant events or achievements, bringing communities together. The current pandemic's constraints on celebration practices have adversely affected mental health, amplifying the need for supportive practices found in Unani Medicine to enhance psychological well-being.

40) Anti-aging:
Anti-aging refers to practices aimed at slowing or preventing the effects of aging, often through lifestyle and dietary choices. In the context of Unani Medicine, anti-aging properties of certain herbs are emphasized, contributing to overall health and wellness, including mental vitality during stressful times.

41) Science (Scientific):
Scientific relates to the systematic study of natural phenomena, including health and medicine. Evidence-based approaches in traditional medicine like Unani are increasingly being explored for their effectiveness in treating conditions like anxiety, bringing a blend of ancient wisdom and modern methodology.

42) Education:
Education signifies the process of acquiring knowledge and skills. There is a vital need for education regarding mental health management, particularly in understanding traditional practices like Unani Medicine, to help individuals cope with stress and anxiety during challenging times.

43) Suffering:
Suffering is the experience of physical or emotional pain, often driving individuals to seek relief and treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased suffering due to health fears and isolation, highlighting the significance of traditional practices like Unani Medicine in addressing emotional distress.

44) Composite:
Composite denotes consisting of various elements or parts. In the context of healthcare, it can describe integrative approaches that combine different medical practices, like the incorporation of Unani Medicine with contemporary methods to comprehensively address anxiety and mental health conditions.

45) Listening:
Listening refers to the active process of receiving and understanding spoken information. Effective communication, particularly in therapy, is crucial for addressing mental health issues; hence, practitioners in Unani Medicine emphasize empathetic listening as part of their supportive care.

46) Psychosis:
Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality, often marked by delusions and hallucinations. Studying psychosis within the Unani framework allows for an exploration of holistic treatment approaches, assisting individuals in managing severe mental health crises.

47) Epidemic:
An epidemic is a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease within a population. The COVID-19 epidemic has led to heightened mental health concerns, prompting the exploration of traditional medicine interventions, such as Unani Medicine, for comprehensive health management.

48) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine originating in India, similar to Unani Medicine, both emphasizing holistic approaches to health and well-being. During health crises, the integration of Ayurveda and Unani practices can enhance mental health support and promote resilience among populations.

49) Banafsha:
Banafsha, or violet, is a plant used in Unani Medicine for its soothing properties. It is utilized in various preparations aimed at alleviating stress and anxiety, showing the significance of herbal remedies in supporting emotional health during difficult times.

50) Toxicity:
Toxicity represents the degree to which a substance can harm individuals. In the context of medicine, managing toxicity is vital, especially in relation to medications; Unani practices focus on using non-toxic, natural substances to support mental health while reducing adverse effects.

51) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygienic refers to practices or conditions that promote good health and cleanliness. Emphasizing hygienic practices is essential during health crises like epidemics, as it helps control diseases and supports mental well-being, an approach found in holistic systems like Unani Medicine.

52) Sweating (Sweat):
Sweating is the body's process of cooling down and detoxifying through perspiration. From a holistic perspective in Unani Medicine, normal sweating is regarded as a healthy bodily function, playing a role in emotional balance and overall health maintenance during stressful times.

53) Channel:
Channel, in this context, signifies one specific pathway within the body. Understanding and preserving the integrity of bodily channels is vital in Unani Medicine, particularly for ensuring the effective delivery of treatments aimed at mental health improvement.

54) Brinjal:
Brinjal, or eggplant, is a commonly consumed vegetable. In Unani dietary recommendations, certain foods are advised against or limited to manage conditions like anxiety and depression, thus emphasizing the role of dietary choices in maintaining mental health.

55) Siddha:
Siddha is a traditional Indian healing system similar to Unani, focusing on holistic health practices. Both traditional systems emphasize preventive health measures and lifestyle modifications during mental health challenges, stressing the value of integrative approaches to wellness.

56) Poetry (Poetic, Poetical):
Poetry represents a form of artistic expression that can evoke emotional richness and offer therapeutic benefits. Engaging in poetry is encouraged within mental health management frameworks, including Unani Medicine, to uplift spirits and provide emotional relief during challenging times.

57) Barley:
Barley is a nutritious grain used in various culinary traditions. In Unani Medicine, barley water is recommended as a restorative and health-promoting beverage, emphasizing the significance of wholesome foods in supporting overall wellness and mental health.

58) Allama:
Allama refers to distinguished scholars and learned individuals in traditional fields. Notable figures in Unani Medicine, such as Allama Najeebuddin Samarqandi, contributed significantly to understanding mental health, emphasizing holistic approaches to treat conditions like anxiety and stress.

59) Delhi:
Delhi, being the capital city of India, is central to the integration of traditional and modern medical practices. The challenge of mental health amidst urban stressors highlights the importance of utilizing systems like Unani Medicine for effective management during health crises.

60) Shakta (Sakta):
Sakta refers to conditions of partial paralysis or impairment, often related to mental or physical disorders. Within Unani Medicine, addressing such symptoms through comprehensive health strategies underscores the holistic approach to treating the interconnectedness of mind and body.

61) Taroi:
Taroi, commonly referred to as loofah, is a vegetable praised for its health benefits. In Unani practices, it may be suggested for its detoxifying properties, emphasizing the role of diet in supporting mental and physical wellness during states of anxiety.

62) Ayus (Ayush):
Ayush refers to the Indian systems of traditional medicine, encompassing Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. These systems provide alternative therapies for managing health, particularly mental health challenges exacerbated by modern stresses, stressing their importance in holistic care.

63) Water:
Water is essential for life and well-being. In Unani Medicine, hydration is recognized as vital for maintaining physiological balance and supporting mental health, especially during stressful situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, underlining the importance of proper fluid intake.

64) Makul:
Makul refers to food and drink in Unani Medicine, where proper nutrition is key for preventing and managing health conditions. Emphasizing the balance of dietary components supports mental health and combats anxiety or depression effectively.

65) Sahi:
Shahi refers to royal or premium quality, often applied to medications or substances of higher efficacy in traditional medicine. In Unani contexts, identifying quality ingredients is essential for effective treatments aiming to alleviate conditions like anxiety and promote overall well-being.

66) Music:
Music is an artistic form of expression that can enhance mood and emotional health. In therapeutic settings, including Unani Medicine, music is often used to soothe stress and anxiety, demonstrating its significant role in holistic mental health management.

67) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the body responsible for transporting nutrients and oxygen. In Unani medicine, the health of blood and its humors is closely linked to mental health, emphasizing the need for balanced circulation and nourishment for optimal psychological well-being.

68) Hand:
Hand symbolizes both physical engagement and healing practices within therapeutic frameworks. In traditional health systems, the use of hands in healing (like massage) emphasizes a holistic approach to address anxiety and enhance mental well-being.

69) Yoga:
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline aimed at enhancing well-being. It is utilized alongside traditional systems like Unani Medicine to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and foster mental clarity, highlighting the interconnectedness of mind and body.

70) Shada (Sada, Sadas):
Sada refers to pure or unadulterated forms of substances or medicines in Unani practices. Emphasizing the use of Sada substances ensures that treatments for anxiety and other mental disorders are both effective and harmonious with the body's natural processes.

71) Viti:
Viti comes from the root indicating a state of being impaired or corrupted. Within Unani Medicine, addressing Viti, or vitiated humor, is crucial for restoring balance and combating psychological issues like anxiety through holistic treatments.

72) Mana:
Mana refers to the vital force or energy underlying life in various philosophical contexts. In traditional medicine systems like Unani, maintaining Mana is essential for health, especially concerning mental resilience and overcoming conditions like anxiety.

73) Anar:
Anar, or pomegranate, is a fruit celebrated in traditional medicine for its health benefits. In Unani Medicine, Anar is often recommended for its nutritional properties that support mental health and emotional stability, especially during stress-induced crises.

74) Jali:
Jali refers to something that is prepared or crafted, often in a manner that emphasizes quality. In the context of traditional medicine, the preparation of Jali remedies plays a crucial role in the efficacy of treatments for mental health concerns.

75) Ghat (Gham):
Gham refers to grief or sorrow, often associated with loss or distress. Understanding and addressing Gham is essential for effective mental health management during turbulent periods like the COVID-19 pandemic, where emotional support is paramount.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 79]

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Unani medicine's approach to managing anxiety during COVID-19.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Vital organ, Preventive medicine, Psychotherapy, World Health Organization, Lifestyle disorder, COVID-19 Pandemic, Cardio tonic, Dietary restriction, Unani medicine, Mental health problem.

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