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According to Tibb philosophy there are four main types of headaches categorised according to each temperament and
there specific location on the head. These headaches present differently due to different causes such as excess or
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imbalance of the humours as a result of improper diet or other causes related to lifestyle factors or trauma. The four
main headaches classified by Tibb philosophy include: melancholic headache, bilious headache, sanguinous headache
and a phlegmatic headache. There is also a strong link between predisposition to these types of headaches and the
individuals temperament e.g. individuals with a dominant phlegmatic temperament will be more inclined to
phlegmatic headaches (frontal headaches).
Melancholic headaches are due to excess or abnormal melancholic humour associated with excess cold & dryness
present in the body due to factors such as stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, excess intake of cold and dry food and drink
(e.g. tea/coffee, sour foods, and lack of water intake) or emotions like grief. It presents with pain and discomfort in the
occipital area (back) of the head which may become generalised and spread to the neck and shoulders. A bilious
headache can be described as pain occurring in the parietal areas of the head and temples, either bilateral or unilateral
distribution. It is often described as a throbbing sensation and is associated with excess heat and dryness in the system
associated with excess or abnormal bilious humour. Some of the causes related to this type of headache are excessive
exposure to heat and dryness from the external and internal environment such as standing in the heat of summer for
long hours, excess intake of alcohol, excessive emotions like anger and frustration, excessive strenuous exercise, lack
of water intake, and excessive intake of spicy food. When the headache is on located on the top part of the head
(sagital area) it is called a sanguinous headache. The causes of a sanguinous headache are an excess or abnormal state
of sanguinous humour associated with excess heat and moistness. This is commonly due to hypervolaemia which
occurs mostly in individuals with hypertension (sanguinous hypertension). Other causes include excessive intake of
salty foods, a diet high in hot and moist foods, and strenuous exercise. Phlegmatic headaches are located in the frontal
area due to an excessive amount of moistness and cold in the system associated with abnormal or excess phlegmatic
humour. This is prevalent in conditions such as colds and flu as well as in situations of over exposure to cold and rainy
environments, excessive intake of cold & moist food and drink (e.g. rice, dairy, cold drinks), emotions like depression
and sadness, excessive sleep and lack of exercise (Manxiwa, 2009).
Blog Archive
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January (3)
Natural remedies for headaches
Meditation: Fact or Fiction?
Unrevealing the Sc...
Temperament:The factors that
make us unique
About Me
In allopathic medicine, the classification of headaches is quite extensive based on the cause, presentation,
distribution, associated factors and precipitating factors. Headaches associated with pain above the eye or in the
cheekbone area uni- or bilaterally can be correlated with a phlegmatic headache. A tension headache on the other
hand has a wider distribution as it is usually bilateral but may be generalised or localised to the back of the head
and upper neck or to the frontotemporal area so it is hard to match this exactly with a headache of Tibb
philosophy. However, the symptoms associated with a tension headache can give a better perspective on the
specific link to the Tibb philosophy e.g. if the tension headache is associated with anxiety and stress it is more
likely that the headache will be most prominent in the occipital area associated with a melancholic headache but
if symptoms of depression are present instead then it is most likely a frontal phlegmatic headache. A cluster
headache on the other hand is usually unilateral and precipitated by alcohol (has a quality of heat and dryness)
which suggests that this type of headache could be linked to a bilious headache (Bate's guide to physical
examination and history taking 10th ed., 2009).
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blind scientific studies revealed that peppermint decreases pain sensitivity thus relieving tension
headaches (Joseph E. Pizzorno, 1999) . Peppermint creates a cooling sensation and its scent acts as a
carminative and clears nasal passages which can be especially useful if the headache is caused by stress or
sinus pressure (Melgren, 2010).
The application of eucalyptus oil to the forehead or as an inhalant can also help with headaches
(especially associated with congestion) by exerting a soothing and relaxing sensation to the muscles and
clear nasal passages (Melgren, 2010).
Feverfew: for centuries it has been used in treatment of migraines (mostly prophylactic) and as a
febrifuge. Studies conducted in Britain during the 1970s-1980 have concluded that feverfew (dried
leaves) reduced the number and severity of attacks in patients who suffer from migraines (Joseph E.
Pizzorno, 1999).
Lavender can be used externally for headaches as a lotion or as an inhalant using the essential oil (Felter,
2001). The scent of lavender has a carminative effect and has been proven to be effective in treatment of
headaches associated with insomnia, stress and anxiety (Melgren, 2010).
Roman chamomile and valerian root is also known for its use in treatment of headaches (McClintock,
1999).
Belladonna is also a well known herb used in specific doses for treating congestion, throbbing congestive
headache, nervo-congestive headaches; or for dull, heavy headaches with feelings of drowsiness (Felter,
2001)
The root of Bryonia dioica (commonly known as Bryonia) is practically unused in mainstream medicine
but very well known to Homeopaths for its use for headaches that occur mostly in frontal regions due to
congestion but can spread to occiput regions with eyes pain and exacerbated by movement (Felter, 2001).
Another interesting herb used for occipital headaches is oats (Avena sativa).
Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) is a remedy used for all conditions associated with cold and dampness
such as congestive headaches (Blair, 1907).
Nigella sativa (Black seed) was recommended by both Dioscorides and Ibn Sina for use in treatment of
headaches (Goreja, 2003).
Other forms of alternative therapies used in treatment of headaches include acupressure, acupuncture,
reflexology, massage therapy and cupping which work on the energy meridians of the body to unblock
energy channels to allow energy flow through the body (Carson-DeWitt, 2009).
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A good example is the use of eucalyptus oil which has a hot & dry quality in treatment of phlegmatic headaches
associated with congestion which has a cold & moist quality and usually presents as an acute condition. This has
proven to be effective as a form of treatment when used as an inhalant, compress or during massage. Lavender has a
dry & hot quality with carminative and sedative properties (Kisten, 2009). Uses for lavender include treatment of
headaches associated with insomnia, stress and tension which are all associated with an excess cold & dry quality of
the melancholic humour which is also most commonly a chronic problem. It makes perfect sense that this type of
headache will be treated with the adjacent frames: dry & hot (lavender), hot & dry and hot & moist quality frames; as
this will gradually increase the amount of heat then moistness in the system thus decreasing melancholic humour. Oats
has a hot & moist quality and is therefore effective in treatment of an acute occipital melancholic headache (cold &
dry) as it lie in the opposite quality frame thus increasing moistness and heat in the system and decreasing the amount
of coldness and dryness. The quality of the herb, Belladonna, is not exactly clear but its actions and indications would
suggest that it has a Dry and hot quality since it dries up mucous secretions (Moore, 1995). Anecdotal evidence shows
that Belladonna is used for congestion and headaches associated with congestion with symptoms of sleepiness and
drowsiness that correlates to excess phlegmatic humour which is a cold & moist imbalance (Felter, 2001).
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scientific evidence proved the effectiveness of the herb. This is a clear example of the difference between
spiritual/religious healing and anecdotal remedies. Certain schools of thought believe that a headache (especially
recurring ones) can be an indication of ghosts, demons, evil spirits or negative energies invading the individual and in
this case spiritual healing (chanting, meditation and prayer) is done to eradicate these evil spirits (Control of
migraine/severe headache through spiritual healing remedies, 2010). Faith healing refers to the use of prayer and belief
in the power of God to treat disease and other disorders. During this type of healing, faith healer use lying of hands to
enhance healing. A strong belief in a higher power is believed to enhance the mind-body state and accelerate the
healing response (Navarra, 2004).
Some of the Biblical herbs used to treat headaches include coriander, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, barley, henna,
myrtle, vetiver and horse radish (Duke, 2008).
Quotations from Dukes Handbook of Medicinal Herbs of the Bible referring to these herbs include:
And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it
was like wafers made with honey. Exodus 16:31 (KJV)
I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert
the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together. Isaiah 41:19 (KJV)
Islamic sufi healing is another example of religious/spiritual healing which is based on prayer, chanting,
meditation as well as use of essential oils and other practices in order for healing to occur. Sufi healers believe
that healing the sick is the most important duty to humanity. Also included in these practices are dietary
recommendations of the Prophet (Pbuh), the preparation of herbal formulas, healing with essential oils, fasting
and prayer, and talismans (Navarra, 2004).
In African traditional medicine, a sangoma (shaman/healer) plays the role as the healer and they are a selected
few who are said to have been given the calling to heal. They heal by a certain process and are largely linked to
the psychic world and similar media. They rely upon ancestors who guide them to diagnose and treat illnesses
and its cause to ward off evil spirits using various tools e.g. bones, herbs, dolls and personal possessions of the
individual (Navarra, 2004).
Alternative/ Natural medicine can be very effective in treatment of most types of headaches and it can definitely be the
solution to the eradication of OTC drugs/medication like NSAIDs that can have long term implications on ones
health due to its harmful side effects. A more natural and holistic approach can be easily adopted by society if more
people become aware of the various forms of natural treatment methods available to them. There are various options
available but some will be more appropriate than others depending on your school of thought and what you are open
to. One of the most popular and simple methods of treating a headache includes simple home remedies that can be
inexpensive and effective. One should not however, that a recurring headache with other neurological symptoms
should be closely monitored and attended to by a specialist to rule out any severe/life threatening diseases.
References
Astin, J. A. (1998). Why Patients Use Alternative Medicine: Results of a National Study. JAMA , 1548.
Bate's guide to physical examination and history taking 10th ed. (2009). Lippinkot & Williams.
BK Vogler, M. P. (1998). Feverfew as a preventive treatment for migraine: a systematic review. Cephalagia , 704.
Blair, T. (1907). A Practitioner's Handbookof Materia medica and therapeutics. Philidephia: The Medical council.
Carson-DeWitt, R. (2009, February 15). About.com headaches and migraines. Retrieved July 30, 2010, from
About.com:
http://headaches.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Conditions-and-diseases/Alternative-Therapies-forTreating-Migraines.htm
Control of migraine/severe headache through spiritual healing remedies. (2010). Retrieved july 30, 2010, from
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Spiritual
science
research
foundation:
http://www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org/articles/id/spiritualresearch/spiritualityandhealth/control_migraine
Duke, J. A. (2008). Duke's handbook of medicinal herbs of the bible. Boca Raton: CRC press.
Felter, H. W. (2001). The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Arizona: Cincinnati.
Goreja, W. (2003). Black Seed, Nature' Miracle Remedy. New York: Amazing Herbs Press.
Joseph E. Pizzorno, M. T. (1999). Textbook of Natural Medicine (2 volume set) 2nd edition. Churchill Livinngstone.
Kaszubski, F. &. (2004). Absolute beginner's guide to alternative medicine. Indianapolis: Sam's Pubishing.
Kisten, N. (2009). Plants and the nervous system. PHARMACOLOGY, PHARMACY AND HERBAL MEDICINE
Lecture notes . Faculty of Community health sciences, School of NAtural Medicine: University of the Western cape.
Mandile, M. N. (2003, August). 50 home remedies that work: these safe, fast, and effective fixes will relieve what ails.
Retrieved July 30, 2010, from Natural Health: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_moNAH
Manxiwa, F. (2009). Clinical practice. Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
Marcovitch, H. (2005 ). Black's Medical Dictionary 41st edition. London: A & C Black.
McClintock, R. (1999). God's healing leaves. Rapidan: Hartland publications.
Melgren, S. (2010, March 6). Natural headache and migraine relief. Retrieved July 30, 2010, from Natural Home
Magazine: http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/natural-health/natural-headache-and-migraine-relief.aspx
Moore, M. (1995). An Herbal/Medical dictionary. New mexico: SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF BOTANICAL
MEDICINE.
Navarra, T. (2004). The Encyclopedia of Complementary & Alternative Medicine (ebook). New York.
The British Medical Association Illustrated Medical Dictionary. London: A Dorling Kindersley Book.
1 comment:
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levels too. One method of meditation called mindfulness showed fascinating results in a study conducted in individuals
on an 8 week clinical training program. This type of meditation originates from ancient Buddhist practice which
centers around philosophy and meditation in which one lives in the moment, in other words, one becomes more
aware and concentrates on being actively involved in everything you do and pay attention to each detail e.g. eating a
fruit- tasting and enjoying the fruit and not have wandering thoughts (Kaszubski, 2004). This study showed significant
results in how meditation can alter your brain activity and even immune function. The outcome of this clinical trial
showed that there was an increase in the left-sided anterior activation associated with a decrease in anxiety, as well as
increase in influenza antibody titers in individuals undertaking the mindfulness meditation training compared to nonmeditators.
Research carried out at Austin-Repatriation Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Melbourne in conjunction with La Trobe
University on the relationship between meditation (mainly yoga and transcendental meditation) and melatonin showed
that there was a definite increase in plasma melatonin levels after a period of mediation. The conclusion was that it is
either related to specific placebo effect of meditation or direct physiological mechanism such as an increase in the
release by the pineal gland or decrease hepatic metabolism of melatonin. Whatever the reason may be, the outcome is
especially interesting since melatonin plays an important role in regulating stress levels, its antioxidant effects protects
against cellular damage and it also acts as a powerful free radical scavenger, anticancer, anti-aging and
immunoaugmentation (Gregory A. Tooley, 1999).
Meditation also seemed to have beneficial effects in patients with anxiety disorders by decreasing symptoms of
anxiety according to studies conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Pochon CHA University College of Medicine
(Sang Hyuk Leea, 2006). In todays life, stress is the main contributing factor to many diseases of lifestyle especially
in psychological, cardiovascular and endocrine related disorders (Monk-Turner, 2003). Effectiveness of meditation on
the central and autonomic nervous system have been documented showing positive results in the regulation of these
systems related to heart rate, respiratory system physiology, as well as skin conductance response (Yi-Yuan Tanga,
2009). This concludes scientific proof of the mind-body interaction which has been the foundation of alternative
medicine and healing. Its ironic how people are now turning back to ancient healing techniques offered by natural
medicine after years of conventional medicine and the realization of the beneficial effects as opposed to the harmful
effects that come with conventional medicine.
Meditation is but only a small portion of the positive impact of natural medicine and the power of the mind. People
underestimate the power of the mind, as the saying goes mind-over-matter, we can overcome anything with tuning
our mind the right way and if we achieve that, our quality of life will become much better. Its amazing how
meditation seems to enhance your bodys functions and this makes one think of how much potential we have within us
if we tap into our mind and learn to unlock it.
References
Gregory A. Tooley, S. M. (1999). Acute increases in night-time plasma melatonin. Elsevier, Biological psychology ,
69, 70, 71, 76.
Kaszubski, F. &. (2004). Absolute beginner's guide to alternative medicine. Indianapolis: Sam's Pubishing.
Monk-Turner, E. (2003). The benefits of meditation: experimental findings. The social science journal , 465-467.
Navarra. (2004). Encyclopedia to alternating & complementary medicine. New York: Facts on File, Inc.
Sang Hyuk Leea, S. C. (2006). Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress management program as an adjunct to
pharmacotherapy in patients with anxiety disorder. Journal of psychosomatic research , 189-190.
Yi-Yuan Tanga, b. Y. (2009). Central and autonomic nervous system interaction is altered by short-term meditation.
PNAS , 88658870.
Posted by Dr. Faeeza Abdullatief at 11:59 AM
1 comment:
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Earth
Water
Air
Fire
Tendency
Spreading
Drooping
To and from
Rising
Bodily system
Skeleton
Muscles
Circulation
Liver
Excretion
Faeces
Urine
Saliva
Sweat, tears
Sense
Touch
Taste
Hearing
Smell
Bodily function
Form
Nutrition
Respiration
Digestion,
voluntary bodily
movements
Mentality
Torpid
Phlegmatic
Cheerful
Emotional
Mental state
Obstinancy,
fearfulness
Submission,
affection
Humor
Weeping, anger
To determine one's temperamental contitution it is important to note that you will have a dominant and
sub-dominant temperament depending on the quantitative quality that is most dominant (e.g. heat,
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dryness, moisture or cold). the following is a guideline to assess your temperament. note that you should
tick one box for each question that best describes you. at the end of the questionnaire add your totals, the
temperament with the highest score is your dominant and the one with the 2nd highest score is your subdominant temperament. note that there should be a common quality between the dominant and subdominant temperament e.g. Sanguinous dominant and phlegmatic subdominant has a dominance of
moisture. Also, your temperament only fully develops in you 20's.
Temperamental Evaluation Form (Unani Tibb)
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Category
Sanguinous
(Hot & Moist)
Phlegmatic
(Cold & Moist)
Bilious
(Hot & Dry)
Melancholic
(Cold & Dry)
1. Physical
features
-head
-hairline
-hands
-frame
-eyes
-veins
Squarish shape,
Hourglass shape,
shape, delicate,
Face: squarish,
elongated build.
Face: oval/oblong,
arched eyebrows,
Hands: small,
to nose, wide
hairline.
eyes, narrowing
Hands: large,
temples in men.
apparent.
knuckles at base of
Prominent.
2. Gait
Macho stride
Slow pace
Firm stride
3. Speech
Clear, moderate to
Slow, soft
Introvert, Calm
Extrovert,
Extrovert, Thoughtful
loud
4. Skin
texture
5.
Introvert, Persuasive,
moistness, warm
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Personality
traits
sociable, outgoing,
accommodating,
resourceful,
talkative.
outspoken, dominant,
to be perfectionists.
6. Emotional
traits
-Anger
-Joy
Forgiveness
Playful, cheerful,
Aggressive, angry,
Fearful, insecure,
excitable,
indecisive.
irritable, impatient.
suspicious, anxious.
disorganized, tends
to exaggerate.
quick to forgive
slow to forgive
quick to forgive
family, enjoys
celebration ever, no
expense spared,
invites people to
faces, likes to do
loves recognition,
service to others,
loves to recognise
expression, music,
singing, dancing,
others
friend
off to self
adventure
7. Mental
activity
Balanced response
Critical, decisive,
Restless, enquiring,
sharp minded
philosophical,
imaginative.
8. Climatic
preferences
9. Sleep
patterns
conditions
conditions
conditions.
occasional
strong tendency to
with occasional
insomnia (Deep 6-
sleeplessness(heavy:
tendency to
8hrs)
at least 8hrs,
sound)
sleeplessness
oversleeps)
10. Appetite
(interrupted sleep)
Good appetite,
moderate to
excessive thirst,
excessive thirst.
meals.
11. Drinks
temperature
Cold
Hot
Cold
Hot
12. Snacks/
food craving
Creamy &
spicy/crunchy
textures, salted
peanuts, pretzels,
loves cinnamon,
muffins, cereal,
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beef, burgers,
cream, cheese,
desserts.
slow, cheesecake/pie
for dessert.
13. Health
problems
for dessert.
Hypertension,
Phlegm related
Inflammation, rashes
diabetes, congestion
respiratory disorders
or redness, hayfever
disorders and
esp. in head
insomnia.
14.
Attraction
Melancholic
Choleric
Phlegmatic
Sanguine
15. Weight
distribution
backs of thighs
of thighs
waist, shoulders,
breasts, love
handles, waist, legs
stay thin, face
16. Method
of learning
Smell/taste: Let me
Perceives by touch,
Perceives by sight,
Perceives by sound,
judges by
judges by intuition,
judges by adequacy of
Judges by feelings,
demonstration, wants
wants a diagram,
explanation, wants to
picture.
source
repetition
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