Unani Concepts of Brain Pathology: Humoral Mechanisms in Māddī Neurological Disorders

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | 02 | Page :
    By

    Shagufta Parveen,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of IBT, Hayat unani medical college and research center Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background The Unani System of Medicine (USM) considers the brain (Dimāgh) as the principal organ of Quwā Nafsāniyya (psychic faculties), responsible for sensation, cognition, memory, movement, and emotional regulation. According to Unani principles, health is maintained through equilibrium of Mizāj (temperament) and Akhlāṭ (humours), whereas disease develops when this balance is disturbed. Among neurological disorders, Sū’-i-Mizāj Māddī Dimāgh refers to pathological conditions of the brain associated with the accumulation of morbid matter (Māddā) or vapours (Bukhārāt). Classical Unani physicians extensively described the etiopathogenesis of these disorders in relation to humoral imbalance, obstruction of neural pathways, and disturbance in the circulation of Rūḥ Nafsānī. Objective To critically review and elaborate the pathogenesis, anatomical basis, humoral mechanisms, and clinical manifestations of Māddī disorders of the brain in Unani medicine. Materials and Methods This narrative review was conducted using classical Unani literature including Al-Qanun fi’l-Tibb, Kamil al-Sana‘a, Zakhira Khwarizam Shahi, Kitab al-Hawi, Firdaus al-Hikmat, and Moalajat Buqratiyah. Relevant modern scientific literature concerning neurological disorders, neuroinflammation, cerebrovascular disease, and psychosomatic disorders was also consulted. The collected material was critically analyzed, translated where necessary, and thematically organized. Results The review demonstrates that Māddī disorders of the brain arise due to qualitative and quantitative derangement of humours, leading to accumulation of cold, hot, viscous, or vapourous morbid matter within the ventricles, meninges, nerves, and cerebral tissues. These morbid substances impair the flow of Rūḥ Nafsānī and disturb psychic functions. Classical descriptions of Ṣar‘a (epilepsy), Sakta (apoplexy), Falij (paralysis), Mālankhūliyā (melancholia), Duwār (vertigo), and Shaqīqa (migraine) show notable conceptual similarities with modern neurological and psychiatric conditions. Conclusion The Unani concept of Sū’-i-Mizāj Māddī provides a holistic explanation for neurological and psychiatric disorders based on temperament, humoral imbalance, and obstruction of vital functions. Understanding these concepts remains important for diagnosis, preventive strategies, and rational therapeutics in USM and may contribute toward integrative neurological research.

Keywords: Unani Medicine, Māddī Disorders, Brain Diseases, Mizāj, Akhlāṭ, Humoral Pathology, Neurology, Quwā Nafsāniyya

How to cite this article:
Shagufta Parveen. Unani Concepts of Brain Pathology: Humoral Mechanisms in Māddī Neurological Disorders. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2026; 15(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Shagufta Parveen. Unani Concepts of Brain Pathology: Humoral Mechanisms in Māddī Neurological Disorders. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2026; 15(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joayush/article=2026/view=248276


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
02
Received 12/05/2026
Accepted 15/06/2026
Published 16/06/2026
Publication Time 35 Days
16

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