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World Unani Day 2025: In the Indian subcontinent, Hakim Ajmal Khan pioneered the practice of Unani medicine.
World Unani Day is celebrated to mark Hakim Ajmal Khan’s birth anniversary. (Image: Shutterstock)
World Unani Day is celebrated on February 11 to mark the birth anniversary of Unani practitioner, scholar and visionary Hakim Ajmal Khan. He is regarded as the pioneer of Unani medicine in India. The day is also marked to raise awareness about Unani medicine — one of the world’s oldest healthcare systems.
Who Is The Father Of Unani Medicine?
Unani is based on the teachings of Hippocrates. He is regarded as the father of this system of medicine. Over the centuries, it evolved through the contributions of Arab scholars, who later introduced the system of medicine in the Indian subcontinent. Unani medicine then thrived under the influence of Hakim Ajmal Khan.
World Unani Day 2025 Theme
The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine, Ministry of Ayush, will host an international conference on February 11 and 12 in a hybrid mode. This year’s theme is “Innovations in Unani Medicine for Integrative Health Solutions – A Way Forward.” The main aim of the conference is to understand the role of Unani medicine in addressing contemporary health issues.
History of Unani Medicine
The history of Unani medicine dates back thousands of years, and it is a blend of Greek, Roman, and Islamic medical knowledge. Based on the teachings of Greek physicians like Hippocrates and Galen. The term “Unani” comes from the Arabic word Yunani, which means Greek, pointing towards its origin.
The system of Unani medicine is built on the concept of four humours, phlegm, blood, yellow bile, and black bile, present in the body. The system aims to maintain the balance between these humours to prevent disease and promote good health.
Significance of Unani Medicine
The Unani system of medicine encourages the integration of traditional knowledge with modern and advanced healthcare practices. Every year, World Unani Day is celebrated to raise awareness and promote natural and holistic approaches to health and wellness.
Benefits of Unani Medicine
Unani medicine looks at the body as a whole, unlike modern medicine, which targets specific conditions. It emphasises balance and harmony in health and approaches health holistically, focusing on the mind, body and spirit. Unani medicine, which is a natural healing alternative, can help in managing chronic diseases with fewer side effects.