Role of Asbāb Sitta Ḍarūriyya in the Prevention and Control of Lifestyle Ailments: A Comprehensive Review

Background: Lifestyle diseases stem largely from recurring unhealthy behavioral patterns in daily life, which are developed from unhealthy lifestyle choices that are related to smoking, alcohol intake, drugs, and a sedentary lifestyle. These diseases include, but are not limited to, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and some forms of cancer. Since these diseases are linked to lifestyle and are not passed on by infected people, they are also called non-communicable diseases. The prevalence of lifestyle diseases is rapidly increasing worldwide. According to the WHO, lifestyle-related illnesses have become the primary contributors to global mortality around the world. The rise in prevalence due to sedentary lifestyle, use of tobacco, alcohol, smoking, and poor and unhealthy diet. To prevent such diseases, people are trying to adopt such modalities that can keep them fit and healthy. Unani medical theory attributes these disorders to a disruption in balancing six essential life factors, known as Asbāb Sitta Ḍarūriyya, (Six essential factors) over a long period, which are foundational to maintaining health and preventing disease. Objective: This review aims to explore the role of Asbāb Sitta Ḍarūriyya in the prevention and control of lifestyle Ailments. Methodology: A systematic review of classical Unani literature and peer-reviewed studies was conducted to analyze the impact of Asbāb Sitta Ḍarūriyya. A search of published articles was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to explore the relationship between Asbāb Sitta Ḍarūriyya and lifestyle diseases. Result: The findings suggested that optimizing these Asbāb Sitta Ḍarūriyya (six essential factors) contributes significantly to the prevention and management of lifestyle diseases. Conclusion: The Unani concept of Asbāb Sitta Ḍarūriyya provides a comprehensive and natural approach to managing lifestyle diseases. Incorporating these principles into modern healthcare can offer a sustainable and holistic strategy for disease prevention and management. Keywords: Asbāb Sitta Ḍarūriyya, Lifestyle, Unani Medicine, prevention and management.