International Journal of Advances in Health Sciences (IJHS) ISSN 2349-7033 Vol 3, Issue 3, 2016, pp235-239 http://www.ijhsonline.com Research Article Defining Unani Research Framework: Means and Methods Mohammed Yasir Research Associate (U), Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Mumbai Email: yasirm7@gmail.com [Received-13/09/2016, Accepted-20/09/2016, Published- 30/09/2016] ABSTRACT Unani medicine actually encompasses long term researches of well experienced learned physicians from diverse countries e.g. Greece, Rome, Iran, Arab and India. Right from beginning till recent age of modern technology Unani medical system has been favouring ‘Natural’ approach of prevention and cure of disease. It is an integration of all the best possible beneficial medicines and procedures having least adverse effects. Today’s conventional research methodology does not suffice to analyse Unani medical approach especially due to its unique concept of Mizaj. In its course of time Unani system had been updated to satisfy the current needs of era by past scholars and physicians as reflected by Kitab Fil Mizaj of Galen, Bara’us Sa’ah of Rhazes, Kitabul Kulliyat of Ibne Rushd (Averroes) and Qanoone Asri of recent Indian scholars. Unani medicine is based on scientific principles of Qayas (hypothesis) and Tajreba (experiments) as mentioned elaborately in Kitab Al firaq fit tibb by Galen. Hence it is unwise to discard the older Unani theories not fitting the conventional rigid parameters of research methodology but instead necessary modifications must be done to best suit Unani system of medicine. These may include consideration of Mizaj, validity of holistic approach, determination and evaluation of Unani research style of classical Unani scholars, assessment of Unani diagnostic criteria like Nabz Baul wa Baraz, incorporating experimentally proved modern scientific knowledge and essential changes in Unani medical system if mandatory to advance and update it. Not deviating from consensus of Jamhoor physicians it is attempted in this article to explain the possible efforts and research directions in this regards. Key words: Unani, Research framework, Methodology, Galen, Qayas, Tajreba, Hypothesis, Experiments INTRODUCTION: Although the word Unani medicine indicates its origin only (Unan means Greece), it actually encompasses long term researches of well experienced learned physicians from diverse countries. Starting from Greece it adds the knowledge, theories and practices of Rome, Iran, Arab and India, on certain agreed principles. It is an integration of all the best possible beneficial medicines and procedures having least adverse effects. Right from beginning till recent age of modern technology Unani medical system has been favouring ‘Natural’ approach of prevention, diagnosis and cure of disease. This natural approach includes natural methods of diagnosis like Nabz (pulse), Baul (urine), Baraz (stool), use of natural tadabeer and use of naturally occurring substances for treatments.