In the centre of naturopathic, herbal, and alternative medicine is a living healthcare tradition called Tibb. Prophetic medicine provided the foundation, and over time integrated elements from Egypt, India, China and classical Greece. Tibb is an Arabic word, which in different places has been referred to as Arabic, Greco-Arab, Hikmah, Unani, Islamic and Sufi medicine.
This is the first systematic study of Tibb – Islamic Medicine – as a living tradition, by a practising Hakim, to be published in the English language. Originally published in 1986, this is the 5th revised edition.
This book introduces the reader to Tibb as a holistic paradigm of health. It explains the history and philosophy of Islamic Medicine, as well as its psychological and physiological concepts. The book discusses Tibb’s theory of causes, diagnostic methods and offerings for preventative healthcare.
M. Salim Khan M.D. (M.A.) M.H. D.O. is an international authority on natural medicine known especially for his person-centred, wisdom-based practice of naturopathy, herbal medicine, nutrition, iridology, and counselling / psychotherapy.
M Salim Khan has practised Tibb since 1978. His teachers and inspirations include Shabeer Husain Sahib (ra), Moulana Nisaar Ahmed (ra) and Hakim Nabi Khan Sahib (ra). He trained in herbal medicine and osteopathy with the ‘General Council and Register of Consultant Medical Herbalists’ (now IRCH). He studied iridology and nutrition with Dr. B. C. Jensen and Farida Sharan.
During his 40+ year career, he has helped 1000s of patients and 100s of Tibb students. He currently presides over two professional natural health guilds: The Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists International (GNI) and The Guild of Unani Tibb (TGU). He is a founding trustee of the World Unani Foundation.
This BBC documentary clip from the 1980s titled “Keep Taking Rose Petals” features M Salim Khan’s complementary and alternative medicine clinic where he continues to run a holistic Tibb practice, including herbal medicine, nutrition, iridology, and counselling/psychotherapy [known the Tibb tradition as Nafsiyat].
Principal M Salim Khan was invited to give a keynote presentation at Parliament Quarters (London, UK), titled ‘Unani Tibb for Public Health’. The event was well attended by MPs, High Commission members from different countries, and many practitioners and supporters of traditional healthcare and medicine.
Chapter 1
Historical Background
Chapter 2
Philosophical Conceptions
Chapter 3
The Psychological Foundations
Chapter 4
Physiological Concepts
Chapter 5
Life Balance
Chapter 6
Diagnosis
Chapter 7
Preventative Aspects
Chapter 8
Principles of Treatment
Chapter 9
The Future of Islamic Medicine
“This well written and easy to read book provides a concise and clear overview of a holistic medical understanding from an Islamic perspective. A very insightful read which has lead me to look further into this particular field.”
“A must read. This book is an excellent introduction and very easy to understand. It gives a clear picture of how this medicine works in very accessible terms.”
“There are a dearth of books on Eastern medicine including on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, but almost none in English on Unani-Tibb/Greco-Arabic Medicine. This short book covers the history of Tibb medicine, its incorporation of earlier traditions (Egyptian, Babylonian, Greek, etc) and introduces the topics of humours, temperaments and elements.”
“The perfect introduction, and a comprehensive resource for continued study of this ancient yet wholly relevant field of medicine. Invaluable to all those interested in taking responsibility for their own health, happiness and wellbeing!”