PALLIATIVE CARE APPROACHES IN UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Palliative care is defined as an approach to reduce physical and psychological distress while enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families during the initial phases of diagnosed illnesses. It applies to terminal illnesses, acute or chronic conditions and actual or potentially life-threatening diseases, which are identified as triggers for palliative care. Key features of palliative care include holistic care, interdisciplinary collaboration and compassionate, patient- and family-focused support. Benefits include improved patient’s quality of life, greater human dignity, enhanced self-care and stronger coping skills. Palliative care in Unani medicine offers a holistic approach to managing patients with life-limiting illnesses, emphasizing symptom relief, improves quality of life and psychological well-being that rooted on the principles of akhlat (humoral theory), Mizaj (temperament) and individualized treatment. Unani palliative care integrates natural remedies, dietary interventions and balanced lifestyle through modification in Asbabe-e-sitta zaruriya (six essential elements) to address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Unani medicine, focusing on its therapeutic modalities, such as Ilaj bil-Tadbeer (regimental therapy), Ilaj bilGhiza (dietotherapy) and Ilaj bil-Dawa (pharmacotherapy) which employ minimal invasive regimenal techniques, herbal formulations and dietary supplements that are specified to the patient’s temperament and disease condition, ensuring nutritional supports and overall wellbeing. Due to maximum efficacy, minimal invasive techniques and least side effects these treatment modalities are now become center of attraction for palliative care management.