By : Dr. Tanzeel Y. Khan
B.U.M.S, RUMC, Jaipur, Founder and Director Oasis: A Unani Clinic
www.daylifenews.in
March marks the beginning of the spring season. In regions like Rajasthan, the weather will soon turn extremely hot and dry. From April the Temperature begins to rise. According to the Unani system of medicine, such environmental changes directly influence the balance of the body’s temperament (Mizaj) and can lead to several health issues.
As the Temperature reaches at its peak During summer, the dominant qualities in the environment are heat and dryness. These qualities can increase the body’s internal heat and disturb its natural equilibrium. As a result, certain diseases start appearing more frequently, and people who already suffer from heat-related conditions may experience worsening of their symptoms.
Some of the most common problems seen during this season include urticaria, heat rash, loose motions, certain types of eczema, acne, Shingles, migraine-like headaches, nausea, vertigo, palpitations, irritability, anxiety, acidity, and increased hair fall. these conditions are linked to the rise in internal body heat.
According to Unani principles, seasonal diseases can often be prevented through proper diet and lifestyle adjustments that help maintain the balance of the body.
Foods to Avoid During Summer
Certain foods are considered heat-producing and may aggravate summer-related health problems. It is advisable to limit or avoid the following Commonly eaten food items:
Beverages: Tea, coffee and green tea (hot and cold both), Hot milk, Hot Chocolate,
Spices: all types of “Garam Masala” should be limited, Red chili must be avoided, Garlic and Ginger should be Limited.
Vegetables: Spinach, Beet Root, Carrot,
Non-Veg: Mutton, Chicken, Fish and egg yolk should be avoided or cooked with corrective Measures.
Fruits: Apple, Papaya, Mangoes should be eaten in limit or with corrective measure such as buttermilk or cooled Milk.
Dry Fruits: Cashews, Walnuts, Dates, Fig, apricot, Raisin should not be eaten in summers.
Lentils: Urad, Chana
Cereals: Wheat, Corn, Raagi, Bajra
Foods to Include in Your Diet
To counteract heat and dryness, Unani medicine recommends some commonly eaten foods that help cool the body and maintain hydration:
Beverages: Buttermilk, Citrus Fruit juice (orange, Lemon, Sweet lime, Mandarin, Kinnow), Imli Sharbat, Pineapple Juice
Spices: use Garam Masala in lesser amount, Use Coriander powder, Cardamom, Fennel more
Vegetables: Green Vegetables (except Spinach), all types of Gourds
Non-Veg: Egg White
Fruits: All types of Citrus and Juicy fruits, Banana, Pineapple.
Dry Fruits: Almond, Pistachio
Lentils: Moong, Masoor
Cereals: Rice, Jow (Barley), oats, Jowar
By following these dietary and lifestyle guidelines, people can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and maintain better health during the harsh summer months.
Cupping Therapy (Hijama) reduces body Heat:
Hijama Therapy is recommended during the spring season, particularly from March to May, before extreme summer heat begins. this therapy helps detoxify the body and reduces internal body heat. Hijama during this period prepares the body to better adapt to the upcoming hot weather conditions.
a person should ideally take at least one Hijama session before the arrival of peak summer. For greater benefits, it is recommended to undergo one Hijama therapy session every month typically between April and July, to help maintain balance and support overall well-being. (The author has his own research and opinions.)