Abstract

A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF IMTILA (REPLETION) IN CONTEXT WITH HYPERTENSION

Mursaleen Naseer, Naved Ahmad*, Tabassum Latafat, Jamal Azmat

ABSTRACT

Background: Hypertension is a major global health problem associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. While modern medicine defines it based on elevated arterial pressure, the Unani system describes a comparable condition under Imtilā (vascular repletion), reflecting disturbances in the humoral balance and vascular dynamics. Objective: To critically analyze the Unani concept of hypertension, including its etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and management, and to correlate these principles with contemporary medical understanding. Methods: Key concepts such as Imtilā, Mizāj (temperament), Akhlāṭ (humors), and Quwā (faculties) were systematically examined and comparatively analyzed with modern pathophysiological mechanisms. Results: Unani medicine classifies hypertension into Imtilā-bi-Hasb-al Awwiyya (quantitative repletion) and Imtilā-bi-Hasb-al Quwa (qualitative repletion), corresponding to increased blood volume and altered humoral quality. These mechanisms contribute to vascular tension, arterial stiffness (Salābat-al-Sharāyīn), and increased peripheral resistance, closely aligning with modern concepts such as hypervolemia and arteriosclerosis. Lifestyle factors, including an improper diet, physical inactivity, psychological stress, and disturbed sleep, have consistently been identified as major contributors. Therapeutic approaches emphasize Usool-e-Ilaj, including the correction of causative factors, restoration of humoral equilibrium, and evacuation of morbid matter through dietotherapy, regimenal interventions, and pharmacotherapy. Conclusion: The Unani framework provides a holistic and preventive approach to hypertension, emphasizing lifestyle regulation and individualized care. Its conceptual parallels with modern medicine support its relevance in integrative healthcare; however, further evidence-based clinical studies are required to validate its efficacy.

Keywords: Hypertension, Imtil?, Etiopathogenesis, Miz?j, Akhl??, Sal?bat-al-Shar?y?n.