Natural forces (Umoor-e-Tabiya) in Unani medicine and functional physiology of organ systems: A comparative perspective

Abstract

Unani medicine describes health as a dynamic equilibrium maintained by seven fundamental natural forces known as Umoor-e-Tabiya: Arkan (elements), Mizaj (temperament), Akhlat (humours), Aza (organs), Arwah (vital spirit), Quwa (faculties), and Af’al (functions). These principles collectively regulate the body’s physiology and pathology. Systems biology in modern science similarly interprets health through the lens of interdependent biological networks and functional organ systems. This paper presents a comparative analysis of Umoor-e-Tabiya and organ-based physiology, identifying conceptual parallels between traditional Unani understanding and modern functional systems biology. The integration of these paradigms could foster a more holistic, personalized approach to healthcare.