Abstract

GERIATRIC CARE IN UNANI MEDICINE

Dr. Ehsan Rauf*, Dr. Maqbool Ahmad Khan, Dr. Z.H. Siddiqui, Dr. Jamal Akhtar, Dr. Mohd Safwan Qidwai

ABSTRACT

The part of medicine which deals with old age diseases and problems is called Geriatric. On the basis of biased hypothesis it has been publicized that Anderson and Cowan has first time stressed the value of positive ascertainment of diseases in elderly. Ageing has become an important issue because of the dramatic changes in life expectancy. People over 60 years of age currently constitute a fifth of the British population but will be a third by 2030. In 1951, Britain had 300 people aged over 100 years. By 2031 it will have 34,000. Other developed countries have seen the same pattern while the recently emerging economies are witnessing a much more rapid transition in their age structure. Today 60% of those aged 60+ live in the developing countries. The proportion will increase to 80 percent by 2050. In fact eminent Unani scholar Galen (129-200 AD), Rhazes (850-923 AD) and Avicenna (980-1037 AD) had not only described various diseases of old age but under the title of “Tadbeer Mashaikh”, these author physicians have mentioned the management of elderly ailments and old age conditions in details. Unani Physicians have advocated the implication of Asbab-e-Sitta Zaruririya for prevention of geriatric problems. The eminent Unani physician Ali Bin Abbas Majusi mentioned the geriatric care under heading of “Tadbeer Mashshaiq”. According to Ali Bin Abbas Majusi as the normal temperament of elderly becom Barid Yabis (Cold and Dry) therefore Taskheen (Warming) and Tarteeb (Moistening) is suitable for elderly persons.

Keywords: Geriatric, Tadbeer Mashaikh, Asbab-e-Sitta Zaruriya, Barid Yabis, Taskheen.