Mental health in Unani medicine: A classical and contemporary perspective

Abstract

Dimāghī Sehat (Mental Health) in Unani Medicine denotes a state of optimal health and well-being of the Dimāgh (brain/mind), Nukhāʿ (spinal cord), and Aʿṣāb (nerves), encompassing both their structural integrity and functional efficiency. In classical Unani literature, Dimāghī Sehat (mental health ) is used synonymously with Nafsānī Sehat (psychic or psychological health), reflecting the inseparable relationship between mental faculties and the soul ( Nafs ). Conversely, mental disabilities and psychological disorders represent a pathological state characterized by derangement in the structure ( Hayʾat ) and function ( Fiʿl ) of these neural organs. The Unani System of Medicine is fundamentally rooted in philosophical doctrines and metaphysical postulates derived from Greco-Arab medical thought. Consequently, its theoretical constructs, including principles, concepts, and descriptions, are largely hypothesis-driven and expressed through rational and observational interpretations, which are further strengthened with empiricism. Despite this, Unani medicine offers a coherent and systematic understanding of mental health grounded in Mizāj (Temperament), Iʿtidāl-e Akhlāṭ (humoral balance), and Quwwat (organ vitality). Mental health constitutes an integral dimension of the World Health Organization’s definition of health, underscoring that true well-being extends beyond physical normalcy to include psychological and emotional harmony. In the contemporary era of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement, the global burden of mental and psychological disorders has increased markedly, often in parallel with lifestyle-related diseases. This epidemiological shift highlights the urgent need for holistic and integrative approaches to mental health care. The present study aims to elucidate the conceptual framework of Dimāghī Sehat (mental health) in Unani Medicine, explore the probable pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the genesis of mental disorders, and delineate the scope and spectrum of their management through Unani therapeutic modalities. By bridging classical Unani insights with modern perspectives, this study seeks to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of mental health and its integrative management.