Dr. N A Khan (Unani Specialist)

Unable to conceive even after repeated attempts can be heart-wrenching. Infertility problems in both males and females have been on an unbelievable rise. In females, infertility often results from hormonal imbalance brought about by health conditions such as PCOS, Endometriosis, Hyperandrogenism. Incidences of infertility are also relatively higher in individuals (both males and females) suffering from diabetes, obesity, thyroid problems, stress, anxiety, and related problems.

Unani approach to deal with Infertility
The lifestyle habits (such as sleeping pattern, substance abuse, sedentary life sans any exercise or physical activities) and dietary practices contribute immensely towards the reproductive health of an individual. Leading an unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle or eating unhealthy foods often results in an accelerated built up of toxins in the body which disrupts the balance between the four humors (Dum or blood, Sauda or black bile, Balgham or Phlegm, Safra or yellow bile). More than often, this disruption affects the reproductive health of an individual making it difficult for a woman to conceive. Used since ancient times in India (as early as the 11th century),

Unani has truly been a savior for millions of couples who had given up all hopes of embracing parenthood naturally and safely without any complications or side effects (as often seen in the case of conventional treatment).

1. Ilaj Bil Ghiza (Dietotherapy): Time and again, Unani has stressed the importance of healthy and nutritious eating in dealing with infertility. The food that one eats can play a pivotal role in improving the quantity as well as the quality of the sperms and the eggs. With healthy eating, one also needs to lead a more relaxed and active life. Meditation, mild to moderate exercise and physical activities also work wonders to restore the hormonal balance. In general, walnuts, green leafy vegetables, salmon, oysters, raspberries, blueberries, eggs, bread (whole grain), flax seeds are known to improve the condition of infertility in both the sexes. For men, citrus fruits, garlic, pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, carrots, berries, red peppers contribute significantly to deal with infertility and related problems. For women, the fertility boosting food options include eggs, milk, yam, nuts, and lean meat and poultry. One is also expected to avoid or reduce the intake of coffee, alcohol, processed foods, saturated and trans fats, simple carbohydrates, soy products, tofu, fish with a high mercury content (King Mackerel, swordfish, shark, to name a few). 
2. Ilaj Bil Dawa or Pharmacotherapy: The use of Unani medicines (comprising of herbal concoctions and formulations) have been pathbreaking in dealing with a myriad of fertility problems including low libido, sperm and egg mortality and morphology, enhancing the sperm count. Some of the herbs often used in treating infertility include Withania somnifera, Nigella sativa, Sida cordifolia, Asparagus adscendens, Tribulus terrestris.
3. Ilaj Bil Tadbeer or Regimental Therapy: Elevated levels of toxins in the body can immensely interfere with the fertility in both men and women. Ilaj Bil Tadbeer is a detoxification process that goes a long way to cleanse the body of the harmful toxins.

A sexual interaction is not only about the physical intimacy, but has a lot to do with your mental and emotional state. Being in a perfect physical, mental, and emotional state of mind enhances the sexual performance by several folds. Unfortunately, for some couples, sex can be a nightmare, leaving them depressed and stressed out. Some individuals get cold feet at the mere thought of sex, a condition known as sexual anxiety or sexual performance anxiety.

There can be many factors that contribute towards sexual anxiety in both males and females. While stress (physical and mental) is believed to be a leading trigger, the problem can also be an outcome of a strained relationship or not being happy about one's own body. At times, sexual anxiety can also surface when an individual tries too hard to satisfy their partner in bed.

How unani can help in overcoming sexual anxiety?
Sexual anxiety may not be a small problem as it often appears to be. Unattended for long, sexual anxiety can trigger erectile and ejaculation problems (such as premature ejaculation, having difficulties in getting an erection) in males. Females too might find it difficult to get an orgasm. The Unani treatment, believed to have its origin in Greece (introduced in India by Persians and Arabs), never fails to enthrall us with its unique treatment.

Also known as Greco-Arabs medicine or Oriental medicine, Unani believes that a diseased condition is a natural body process while the associated symptoms are nothing but the body's reaction to the disease. According to Unani, there are four vital humors in the body - Phlegm (Balgham), Blood (Dum), Yellow bile (Safra) and Black bile (Sauda). These humors are responsible for keeping the body well nourished so as to ensure optimum activities of the vital body organs.

Before treating the patient, the physician (Hakim) will carefully study the pulse of the patient to understand the functioning of the humors and also to identify the humor that is dominant over the others. Depending on the severity of the sexual anxiety, the physician may recommend

• A detoxification of the body to exclude the harmful toxins out of the body, enhancing the overall functioning and immunity of the body. This procedure is also known as Regimental Therapy (Ilaj Bil Tadbeer).
• Since sexual anxiety is often found to be triggered by physical and mental stress, the Unani system also emphasizes the need to eat balanced and nutritious foods. The healthy dietary modifications go a long way to improve the condition of sexual performance anxiety. This therapy is known as Dietotherapy (Ilaj Bil Ghiza).
• Based on the associated discomfort, Unani medicines which are 100% natural (based on plant products and herbs) are given to the affected individuals, a therapy termed as Pharmacotherapy (Ilaj Bil Dawa). Pharmacotherapy, amalgamated with Regimental Therapy and Dietotherapy plays a pivotal role to alleviate the complications and discomfort associated with sexual Anxiety, ensuring all the four humors are in balance.
• In cases where sexual anxiety is a result of some some underlying medical condition, surgery (Jarahat) may be required.

 In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Proper rest and a sound sleep are prerequisites for keeping the physical and mental health in good shape. Difficulty to fall asleep or having a disturbed and interrupted sleep day after day can be a nightmare. In addition to the immense physical exhaustion and fatigue, insomnia can leave a person stressed out mentally which is bound to have an impact on their professional as well as personal lives and commitments. Over the last few years, incidences of insomnia have been rising at an alarming rate.

Insomnia does not always exhibit similar symptoms in all the affected individuals. In some, the condition may be short-term, lasting for a few days or weeks (Transient Insomnia). In some, the problem may appear on and off (Intermittent Insomnia). In extreme cases, insomnia and the associated discomfort may continue for months (Chronic Insomnia). In some instances, insomnia appears as a symptom associated with health conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, heart ailments, GERD, to name a few. Severe stress and anxiety along with unhealthy dietary and lifestyle habits are also known to play a pivotal role resulting in insomnia.

The goodness of Unani in treating Insomnia
Unani is one of the ancient forms of medications that has gained immense worldwide appreciation due to its effectiveness in treating various threatening and complicated health conditions including insomnia. In case of Insomnia, the Unani treatment involves a combination of Dietotherapy, Regimental Therapy, and Pharmacotherapy. The main aim of the Unani treatment is to treat insomnia by restoring the balance between the four humors namely, Blood (Dum), Yellow bile (Safra), Phlegm (Balgham), and Black bile (Sauda). It is these four humors that not only nourish the body and the vital organs but also keeps the various health conditions at bay.

With Dietotherapy or Ilaj Bil Ghiza, the aim is to bring the necessary dietary changes to deal with insomnia. The daily intake of banana, walnuts, kale, lettuce leaves, sweet potatoes, herbal tea (especially Chamomile), grapefruits, turkey and red meat (in moderation), whole grains, go a long way to improve the condition of insomnia. People with insomnia should, however, try and avoid processed foods, cheese, pork, aerated, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, as much as possible. Unani also suggests that the dinner should be light and taken at least 2-3 hours before going to sleep.

Pharmacotherapy or Ilaj Bil Dawa involves the use of Unani medicine to alleviate the discomfort. Some of the medicines often used in treating insomnia includes:

• Rogan Kaddo
• Rogan Badaam
• Hareera Magaz Badaam

To treat insomnia, a Unani specialist will also carry out a detoxification of the body, known as Regimental Therapy or Ilaj Bil Tadbeer, the detoxification is brought about through

• Exercise (Riyazat)
• Massages (Dalk)
• Leeching (Taleeq-e-Alaq)
• Venesection (Fasd)
• Turkish bath (Hammam)

A lot of elements go into making a profound and loving relationship among couples including sex. In fact, a healthy sex life is a key to a strong relationship. By a healthy sexual life, what is meant is the capacity of having erotic responses and experiences. A healthy sex life is necessary for one to be in his or her best mental shape and feel good about himself too. Poor sexual performance can not only cause vitriolic tensions among a couple but also can hamper their daily activities by creating emotional dissatisfaction. However, the ancient Unani medicine offers help in dealing with your sexual problems, while ensuring a healthy and fulfilling sexual life. The system of medicine can provide solutions for sexual and reproductive problems of both males and females.

Why is a healthy sex life important?
A healthy sex life is not only about mental or physical satisfaction. From lowering the stress levels to reduced risks of strokes and high blood pressure, when the sex life is a healthy one, various health hazards automatically decreases. There's no denying that sex is the ultimate tool for productivity and achieving the pleasure of the highest order as well as a primary tool for ensuring a fulfilling relationship. Therefore, to keep various physiological and psychological problems from troubling your relationship, it's important to take care of your sex life.

What is Unani medicine?
Unani system of medicine primarily originated and evolved in Greece, and was introduced in India by the Arabs and hence is often referred to as Arabian medicine. Hippocrates is considered to be the father of Unani medicine. And over time, this traditional medicine system has been refined and developed through systematic experiments, conducted by the Arabs. All the medicines offered by Unani medicine are not only safe and completely free from any side effects but are also very much effective. The medications are typically prepared from the various minerals, medicinal plants, and animal sources and the combination of different drugs and single drugs are preferred over compound formulations.

How Can Unani medicine help?
Usually, Unani medicines are available in four different forms, i.e., regimental therapy, dietotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and surgery. And when it comes to ensuring a healthy sex life, there are a number of Unani drugs that are known for their power to boost vitality and vigor.

The very reason for the failure to have a healthy sex life is either excessive stress and anxiety or any sexual problem. With, Unani medicines, as it becomes possible to cure the problems from their core, by strengthening the body's self-preservation power, it ensures a side-effect and illness free health that is capable of having essential sexual characteristics naturally.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Sexual debility is one of the most common sexual problems faced by the individuals. Sexual debility refers to a situation where a person is unable to perform sexual acts properly. Though, often people consider sexual debility to be nothing but a moment's lack of sexual vitality; but in reality, it's a serious sexual issue that if left untreated can cause serious trouble in a relationship, and can lead to mental stress. However, this problem can be treated with the help of medication, with or without side effects. Unani medicines help treat sexual debility without side effects.

Why does sexual debility occur in a person?
While there is no specific reason that could be stated to cause the problem, lack of energy and malnutrition can excessively lead to the problem. Also, obesity and lack of confidence can also lead to sexual debility. Sexual debility can affect one due to injury to the genitalia, excessive indulgence in sexual activities, such as masturbation, and poor lifestyle habits, which include drinking, smoking, etc.

Possible symptoms
Some of the most common signs of sexual debility include lack of sexual desire, fatigue, impotence, and low level of energy or vitality. Sometimes, people with sexual debility, also suffer from nocturnal emissions, palpitation, premature ejaculation, and nervousness during or before engaging in sexual activities. People with sexual debility often tend to suffer from lower back pain, frequent desire to urinate, and weak kidney functionality. Remember, sexual debility is not infertility; rather, it is a condition where erectile dysfunction leads to infertility if not treated.

How can Unani help get rid of the condition?
According to the ancient Unani discipline, the human body has been created with seven natural components that are responsible for wellbeing and maintenance of the overall health. And keeping in mind this very concept, Unani medicines focus on learning about the various states of the body and restoring them to their original selves by strengthening, so that the body learns to heal its own problems. When it comes to treating sexual debility, Unani treatment delves deeper into the cause and then offers necessary medications along with various healthy lifestyle changes, if necessary. In the majority of cases, different combinations of different Unani medicines are used to treat sexual debility effectively. Therefore, it is advised to consult a Unani medicine expert before opting for these medications.

Often considered to be synonymous with impotence, sexual debility can be a serious threat to a happy life if not treated at its early stages. Sometimes, other medications can lead to certain side effects. As the approach of Unani diagnosis and medicine prescription is different, the method of treatment guarantees no side effects and hence allows a patient to lead a healthy life after the completion of the course of the treatment.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Unlike what you may think, anxiety is a common emotional response in a situation where we are worried about an outcome. It is, in fact, beneficial to us as it keeps us alert and charged for a reaction. Anxiety disorder, however, comes when you lose control over your reaction and let it take control of your life in a way that disables you from living a normal life. 
The first thing to do as a positive step is to accept that you have a disorder. Mental health problems are as big as physical problems. Just like the body needs to be treated to cure a disease, the mind too can be treated to cure you of your problems. The next thing to do is to know what type of disorder you are suffering from to get specific treatment for it.

Connection between anxiety and depression:
Anxiety is not just incessant worrying. It is sometimes an obsessive compulsive disorder that can takeover your life or a terrifying phobia that can prevent you from doing things that are routine for others. Over a period of time, living with such a disorder can take an emotional toll leading to depression. 

The chances of developing depression in addition to anxiety is quite high. In fact, almost half of all people with major depression also suffer from severe and persistent anxiety. In many cases people suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety are also victims of depression.

Symptoms of anxiety and depression disorder

• Constant fear and worry
• Loss of interest in normal life, hobbies and activities
• Insomnia and fatigue with inability to relax
• Panic attacks
• Feeling of sadness and worthlessness

Coping with anxiety and depression disorder
The first and most important thing to know is that both conditions are treatable and patients who get regular care, medication and support from friends and family can come back to living a normal life. Here are some of the treatments available:

1. Medication: Taking proper medication is very important as it acts quickly and is quite safe. Most people do not take medication, such as sleeping pills, fearing they might get addicted to them, which is a myth. Also, medications prescribed by your doctor are safe and specific that is why they have been prescribed.

2. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): It is used to first figure out what the cause behind the anxiety or depression. It is then used to teach people to manage their fears, anxieties, and depressive symptoms and also learn how to take control of their emotions. Another therapy used for treating depression is Emotive Behaviour therapy.

3. Lifestyle modification: In order to overcome, anxiety and depression, certain lifestyle changes are required, such as one should exercise daily at least for 30 minutes and eat a healthy diet.

4. Counselling: Counselling helps the person to overcome the oppressive thoughts and cope up with the feeling of worthlessness.

5. Group therapy: Knowing you are not alone with your pains and fears can often come as a big relief. Not only will the patient benefit from joining a local support group, the care giver will also learn how to cope with the developments of the disorder and how they can continue to provide care and support to their loved ones.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!