AcidityIltihab-e-Ma'da / Sozish-e-Meda — classical name in Unani
Overview
In the Unani system of medicine, 'Acidity' is understood through classical terms like 'Iltihab-e-Ma'da' or 'Sozish-e-Meda'. These terms translate to inflammation or burning sensation within the stomach, aligning with the symptoms experienced in modern-day acidity.
The Unani approach views such conditions as arising from an imbalance in the body's humours (Akhlat) and temperaments (Mizaj), often related to an excess of heat (Hot temperament) or derangement in the digestive fire (Mizaj-e-Meda).
This perspective differs from the biomedical view which focuses on the overproduction of stomach acid. Unani medicine seeks to address the underlying humoral imbalance and restore the natural equilibrium of the stomach's temperament.
Causes According to Unani
- 🔥 Imbalance of humours, particularly an increase in the hot and dry temperament, leading to inflammation and burning sensations in the stomach.
- 🔥 Derangement of the digestive faculty (Quwwat-e-Hafiza) and impairment of the stomach's natural temperament.
- 🔥 Accumulation of morbid humours in the stomach that irritate its lining.
- 🔥 Lifestyle factors such as irregular eating patterns, consumption of incompatible foods, and excessive stress can disturb the digestive equilibrium.
Signs & Symptoms Recognised in Unani
- 🌡️ Burning sensation in the chest and upper abdomen, often described as 'Sozish-e-Meda'.
- 🌡️ Sour eructations and a sour taste in the mouth.
- 🌡️ Indigestion and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
- 🌡️ Belching and flatulence.
- 🌡️ Nausea or discomfort after eating.
Herbs & Natural Substances
Therapeutic Approaches in Unani
Unani treatment for Iltihab-e-Ma'da / Sozish-e-Meda focuses on correcting the humoral imbalance and restoring the stomach's natural temperament. This involves using cooling and soothing agents to counteract the excess heat and inflammation.
Internal treatments often include herbal decoctions, powders, and preparations aimed at pacifying the hot and dry temperament and strengthening the digestive faculty. The goal is to reduce the burning sensation and promote healing of the stomach lining.
Therapeutic regimens are tailored to the individual's specific constitution (Mizaj) and the severity of the condition. Lifestyle modifications and dietary adjustments are integral parts of the Unani approach to managing acidity and preventing recurrence.
Dietary Guidance
✓ Favour
- Cool and moist foods like cucumber, melon, yogurt, and rice.
- Easily digestible foods such as boiled vegetables and lean meats.
- Sweet fruits like bananas and pears.
- Herbal teas like fennel or coriander tea.
✗ Avoid
- Spicy, fried, and oily foods that increase heat and irritation.
- Sour and fermented foods that can aggravate acidity.
- Carbonated beverages and excessive caffeine.
- Hot beverages and foods that increase the body's heat.
- Irregular meal timings and overeating.
Lifestyle & Daily Routine
- 🧘 Maintain regular meal times and avoid skipping meals.
- 🧘 Avoid eating large meals late at night.
- 🧘 Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or gentle exercise.
- 🧘 Ensure adequate rest and sleep.
- 🧘 Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- 🧘 Wear loose-fitting clothing around the abdomen.
Traditional Preparations
Cooling Fennel and Coriander Infusion for Acidity
Gently crush the fennel and coriander seeds. Add them to one cup of water and let it steep for about 10-15 minutes. Strain the infusion.
Drink this cooling infusion warm, twice daily, to help soothe the stomach and relieve acidity.
Rose Petal Preserve (Gulkand) for Stomach Cooling
Wash the rose petals thoroughly. In a clean jar, layer the rose petals and sugar. Seal the jar and place it in direct sunlight for about 10-15 days, shaking it gently daily. The mixture will become syrupy.
Take 1-2 teaspoons of Gulkand once daily, preferably in the morning, to cool the stomach and alleviate burning sensations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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