Pathogenesis of Amraz-e-Riya (Lung Disease) in Unani Medicine - A Review

Abstract

Background & objective: In the Unani system of medicine (USM), the lungs are considered an essential organ that plays a crucial role in maintaining health by respiration. The lungs are closely associated with the sanguine humour, and, any imbalance in this humour may lead to various respiratory disorders and other health issues. In USM, the diseases are understood based on Asbāb (Causes), Alamat (signs, and symptoms), and Mahiyat-e-Mardi (pathogenesis). This study aims to describe the pathogenesis of Amraz-e-Riya (lung disease) for a better understanding of the disease and proper treatment. Methodology: Literature related to the pathogenesis of lung disease was surveyed from classical books of Ṭibb-i-Unani, their translations, commentaries, previous dissertations, journals, proceedings, etc. Result and conclusion: Unani physicians explained respiration is completed by two movements and two resting phases. The inhaled air moderates the heat of Rūḥ(Pneuma), which is very important for maintaining health and life because its disturbance has immediate consequences on health. By exhalation, the lungs expel smoky vapours from the body because inappropriate or bad air is likely to dissolve the Ḥarārat Gharīziyya (innate heat). So, it can be concluded that respiration plays an important role in the survival and continuation of life. Keywords: Lung’s pathogenesis, lung temperament, Pneumonia, Pleurisy, phthisis, Unani medicine.