Tibb (aka Unani-Tibb, or Unani medicine), is a widely practiced, traditional system of healthcare which draws on the original principles of care developed by the three champions of effective medicine – Hippocrates, Galen, and Ibn Sina (Avicenna). Tibb’s ‘A Science of Medicine, the Art of Care’is based upon a number of axioms. One is the uniqueness of each person, expressed as temperament; this is an important aspect of Tibb diagnosis and treatment. Another is the concept of Physis, or the body's innate power to heal from within. Tibb focuses totally on encouraging inner healing, rather than just relieving symptoms. The third axiom is the concept of bodyhumours, and the fourth is the Lifestyle Factors. Common to temperament, humours and Lifestyle Factors is the concept of the fundamental qualities of heat, coldness, moistness and dryness. In both health promotion and illness management the objectiveis to maintain or restore humoral balance and in so doing support the patient’s Physis. Therapy includes realistic advice on lifestyle improvement, natural medications, and appropriate diet therapy. Tibb as an acceptable partner in Integrative Medicine is briefly discussed.
