Information Gathering Methods

In order to determine the requirements of a system, information must be

gathered from the customer. Ideally, the information obtained will enable a
well-defined, accurate, and complete description of how the business functions
as well as the people, functions and data involved. However, this is not always
the case, and information is often misinterpreted or omitted entirely.

There are many techniques that can be employed when gathering information.
The type of information you are trying to obtain, as well as the people providing
the information, will determine which techniques you should use.

Traditional Methods of Gathering Information

Traditional methods of gathering information include:

 Interviews
 Questioning
 Questionnaires
 Observation
 Study of existing organizational documents, forms and reports

Traditional methods are often used when the overall objective is clear and
requirements are well defined. In addition, methods such as questioning and
interviewing are generally regarded as “the only choice” for particular phases
such as the initial contact.

Modern Methods of Gathering Information

Modern methods of gathering information include:

 JAD
 RAD
 Prototyping

Modern methods are often used when the requirements and objectives are not
clearly understood. Modern methods of gathering information require a greater
effort, but often the results are much faster and more accurate than those
gathered by traditional methods.
Definition of an SOP — (Standard Operating Procedures)
A written method of controlling a practice in accordance with predetermined
specifications to obtain a desired outcome. SOPs are written steps to explain
good manufacturing practices (GMP), plant safety routines, financial controls to
secure assets, or IT security measures that employees are to follow. SOPs
are step by step procedures on how to do something that is critical to quality,
critical to safe operations, or critical to security.

Why Do We Need Procedures?

Regulations may require them as part of the compliance (OSHA, SOX, EPA,
DOT, FDA). Some industries have voluntary guidelines that suggest them as a
best practice (OSHA VPP “Star”• program, ISO quality, GAAP, IFRS, ITIL, to
name a few). Organizations looking to become “World Class”•, the best in their
industry, demand them as part of defining their standard work. Company
policies, six sigma discipline, or engineering standards determine the need for
exacting consistency.

Procedures Protect Workers

Workers who are following established procedures have more confidence that
their actions are supported by management, the underlying statutes or
regulations, and that they are following industry best practices. Using standard
operating procedures regularly leads to fewer corrective actions. If there are
legal ramifications to your work, then following your procedures reduces
liabilities.

Procedures Protect Customers

Customers are entitled to dependable product or service delivery based on

established and accepted measures — not on any one worker’s personal values,
and not varying from one geographic area to another.

SOPs and Work Instructions

Some SOPs may have a two-tiered system that includes both procedures and
Work Instructions. Your procedures provide a general view of the higher level
steps, whereas Work Instructions are significantly more detailed.
One advantage of a two-tiered system is that SOPs change less often,
whereas work instructions may need to be changed or updated more
frequently due to changes in organizational structure, equipment, or
application software.
Designing Procedures

Procedures provide a description of who does what, when. An SOP

characterizes relationships and control measures. It defines the roles and
responsibilities to help workers “find themselves”• in the business process.
Procedures clarify different decision points and provide the necessary guidance
on criteria to make a decision.
When writing a procedure, make sure to answer the key questions:

 Who does what? (role or person responsible)

 What do they do? (tasks, frequency, to what standard or criteria)
 What is the outcome when they do it? (deliverables, measures, objective
results)
 Did you answer what needs to happen, clearly?
 Philippine Hilot: The Hands that Heal
Hilot is an ancient Filipino art of healing, commonly used today to relax
stressed muscles. Hilot employ chiropractic manipulation and massage for the
diagnosis and treatment of musculoligamentous and musculoskeletal ailments.
They also have been known to reset dislocated and sprained joints such as the
knee, ankle, fingers and metacarpal bones.
The Philippines own brand of touch therapy, most widely known as hilot, is an old
tradition. From its humble beginning in the countryside, it is earning
international fame as the prestigious 2007 Asia Spa Awards recently recognized
Mandala Spa & Villas Boracay’s Hilot Trilogy as “Holistic Treatment of the Year”.
Filipino Healers
A study of alternative medicine in the Philippines is, inevitably, a study of the
origins of its people and the amalgam of cultures and influences: Centuries of
Spanish colonial rule and the indelible consequences of its religion, hundreds of
years of trade with China and assimilation of its healing arts, tribal and provincial
diversities with its profusion of folklore and mythologies, all redounding into the
Filipino’s easy disposition for superstitions and the allure for the esoteric,
mystical, and fringe.
In the hierarchy of healers and specialists in
Philippine folk medicine, the albularyo may be
referred to as the “general practitioners,” specially
versed in the use of medicinal herbs. The hilot
ambiguously refers both to
the Manghihilot and Magpapaanak.
A Manghihilot is the term used in the Philippines for a person who specializes in
healing muscular aches and pains by using massage. The Magpapaanak,
besides prenatal visits and delivering babies, often performs the Suob ritual,
(Suob is a ritual of postpartum care performed two to three weeks after childbirth).
The albularyos and manghihilots are Filipino traditional healers in the
communities who deliver health services. By tradition, they are the primary
dispensers of health care. Historians and scholars had associated the Filipino
traditional hilot therapy with the traditional Chinese medicine and the Ayurvedic
traditional medicine.
 Some healers limit their practice of folkloric therapies to
more specialized modalities.

The mangluluop specializes in diagnostic techniques,

usually referring the patients after diagnosis to the
albularyo, medico, or manghihilot for definitive treatments.
The medico is a further specialization, merging age-old
folkloric modalities with ingredients of western
medicine (prescription) medications, acupuncture, etc.

Most of these healers consider their healing craft as God-given, a calling from a
supernatural being, and consequently, their healing practices are profusely
infused with prayers and religious rituals, performed through mediation with the
Holy Spirit. Usually rural-based, they are also present in the urban and
suburban communities, albeit in small scattered niches, serving alternative
needs, the impoverished or the urban-transplanted rural folk.
Healing modalities used by Native Filipino Healers:
 Hilot
 Tawas
 Sapi
 Dwarf Healing (Dwende or Duwende)
 Herbal Healing
 Iconic
 Oracion
 Faith Healing
 Psychic Surgery
 Divine Healing
Hilot Massage
The principles of Hilot have been practiced in the Philippines for centuries,
dating back to an era that predates the country’s written history.
Although hilot is indigenously Filipino, it has traces of influence from the great
medical traditions, that is, traditional Chinese medicine, India’s Ayur-Veda, and
the Yunani-Tibb medical traditions of Persia and Greece.
 Hilot, This very old indigenous filipino
massage and healing practice is a combination of
different healing modalitites, that bring about
changes in the body.
It is a 3000 years old art of healing, and a part of
the filipino culture and tradition that predates
the coming of the spaniards and handed down
from generation to generation.
Hilot is a philosophy and a culture unlike the
other types of massages it not only relieves stress but also has “a rejuvenating ,
healing effect” on the patient or client. a good Hilot practitioner would know the
type of ailments his client is suffering from just by looking at him and sensing
his energy.
Hilot masahe is a common healing tool of Hilot that involves physical
manipulation of skin muscle tissues and nerves that is healing, initiating, life-
changing and operable therapy.
Hilot is not just a simple massage but it is a holistic art and science that heals
the person Physically, Mentally, Emotionally, Socially and Spiritually.

Hilot is a Holistic Arts and Science of Filipino Healing that is not only provides
Massage Services but also of the following:
 Banyos – is a therapeutic bath that is washing of the body with water or
with/through an herbal solution. The purpose of banyos is to cleanse, wash
away dirt and soil (dead skin cells) in the body, and prevent the spread of
bacteria causing diseases.
 Herbal Treatments – Herbs used by Hilot has been known as the early source
of modern medicine now-a-days, that´s why having a Hilot Treatment is just
like going back to basics of healthcare practices.
 Dagdagay – Traditional Filipino foot massage using two bamboo sticks.
Dagdagay foot massage was usually done after foot banyos treatment.
 Bentusa, (cupping) – is a healthcare system used to restore balance of the
four humors which is the blood, phlegm, yellow bile and the black bile.
Philippine Traditional Hilot Massage is a holistic primary healthcare
treatment modality that would benefit you in maintaining optimum health and
wellness.
HILOT: The Science and Philosophy of Ancient Filipino Healing Arts
Hilot
The ancient Filipino healing art known as Hilot can be classified as a type
of traditional/folk medical practice that details both the resourcefulness of
Filipinos as well as a rich culture overflowing with different influences. It also
ultimately showcases that our ancestors already possessed an ingenious
knowledge of medicine despite a formal education or background in the subject.
“Ang manghihilot at ang albularyo ay mangagamot ng tao, hindi
lang ng sakit”
(The hilot practitioner treats the whole man, not just his
illnesses)
Hilot incorporates various alternative medical techniques – like herbal
medication, chiropractic, and acupressure – into a shamanic ideology of healing
and curing. Since ancient times, it served as a mostly effective system of treating
and curing our ancestor’s medical problems. Even today, in a period where the
science of medicine is gathering tremendous developments, many remain faithful
to the old ways of healing through a Hilot.

Mang Kepweng is probably the most iconic image of the albularyo in Philippine
culture.

It is easy for some to doubt the veracity of the traditional healing practice since it
is largely based on untested practices and lack of solid scientific proof. Despite
this, some practitioners of this healing art proved, not just its effectiveness and
benefits, but also a philosophical healing approach that goes beyond physical
sickness.

Elements and Man

According to “Hilot: The Science of the Ancient Filipino Healing
Arts” by Bibiano S. Fajardo and Ma. Aleli V. Pansacol, Hilot identifies the
human body as if it is a little universe or microcosm. In parallel with
ancient Chinese beliefs (and also with the philosopher Empedocles idea) that the
universe is made from the primal elements – fire, water, air and earth – the
human body also shares the same components. Each element corresponds to
certain biological body parts/process and engkanto/elementals who allegedly
cause it. The list is as follows:

A table depicting the engkantos and their corresponding affinity with the elements
and human body parts.

Diseases are caused by the imbalance of certain elements within one’s body
(which is known generally before as Pilay). Excessive or inadequacy in any of these
elements can cause disharmony, which is the root cause of illnesses. Due to the
lack of proper medical terminology by our ancestors, imbalances are usually
coined using cultural words referring to elementals or nature spirits that
correspond to the affected elements of one’s body. This can be explained when
a manghihilot or albularyo will tell his patient that he is being possessed by
a lamang-lupa (earth elemental) but in reality he is just suffering from muscular
or bone problems such osteoporosis or rheumatism. Therefore, the manghihilot
might have the right diagnosis but due to the limited vocabulary, some will tend to
ridicule them due to words they use to label medical conditions.

A “quackery” or a real thing?

A manghihilot, like any other medical practitioner, has a lot of techniques that he
can utilize to bring order to the “imbalance” of the elements within their patient’s
body. This includes treating them through natural/organic medications. It largely
involves different herbs and fruits that are now scientifically proven to cure and
treat specific sickness. Practitioners of Hilot are widely known to have a vast and
practical botanical knowledge which encompasses different plants to counter
medical conditions. Some of these include lemon grass and bamboo roots for
neutralizing toxins from excess fat, guava leaves as an antibacterial agent, boiled
sweet potato (Kamote) for cleansing the toxins of the intestines, and many others
that are now being accepting as effective natural remedies.

Natural healers (sometimes known locally by the unflattering term “quack

doctors”), are often the focus of negative publicity, which overlooks the good they
can also provide.

Besides a vast knowledge of herbs, the art of Hilot is popularly recognized for the
massaging technique that does not only relieve simple muscle pains, but
also increases the blood flow in our bodies and even assists in mechanical
disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Under the concept of Init-Lamig (Hot
and Cold), a manghihilot can affect the flow of neuro-electrical energy in one’s
body. This natural electrical energy within us is responsible for the mechanical
functions of organs and muscles, converting food to energy, and the
complicated communication network of our central nervous system. Healers utilize
techniques ranging from acupressure, chiropractic, reflexology and Bentosa in
order to distribute our neuro-electricity properly in all the concerned areas of the
body.
In terms of diagnosing, manghihilot rely mostly on common knowledge with
regards to their patient’s movements, skin color/quality, pulse reading and
sometimes through their take on phrenology (measurement of the human skull). It
is necessary for a manghihilot to be a keen observer of their patient. In addition,
they must have a practical, but systematic way of knowing one’s disease by the
texture, shape, color and consistency of stool, urine, sweat and other bodily fluids.
 An example of a “Libreta” a booklet composed pf various oracion
Oración in a Different Perspective
One of the most dubious techniques of Hilot is called oración. These are words or
phrases that are a mix of Latin (after Christianity arrived) and the manghihilot’s
vernacular tongue – but mostly come from an unknown language taught by the
spirits to the practitioner. These are spoken or chanted in different tones and
modulation during the healing session of a manghihilot, which are said to aid in
treating their patient. Some might interpret these words and phrases as magical
incantations, while others tend to have a negative view regarding the puzzling,
misunderstood chants or prayer.
Oración might be entirely connected to the traditions and rituals that involve
invoking the names of deities and spirits. This is evident in the teaching
of Kabbalah, where practitioners are taught to chant the 72 sacred names of god
in varying modulation to produce a certain “awakening” within their soul.

Also, the Hindu belief about the universal sound “Om Mani Padme Hum” or
simply “OM”, referring to Atman (soul, self within) and Brahman (ultimate reality,
entirety of the universe, truth, divine, supreme spirit, cosmic principles,
knowledge), may contribute to the development of oración; making it associated
with mysticism and religion.
However, oración (as explained in the book of Bibiano and Panascola) is not just
mere string of unexplained uttering. The pattern of sounds produced by oración is
said to induced changes in the electro-magnetic frequency of our body – which
stimulates the neuro-electrical process and leads to faster biological
changes. This harmonizes the four elements within us and eventually heals our
sickness.
Electro-magnetic forces (EMF) are ever present, not just in biological bodies, but
also in heavenly bodies such as planets and moons. Through their rotation, EMF
is generated to harmonize each of them within the solar system. Similarly, our
body which is composed of rotating electrons are also influenced by EMF. The only
difference is that the frequency of EMF in our body varies and can be changed
while a planet’s EMF is constant.
“The realization that extensive electrical activates occur in and
above the troposphere, extending to the ionosphere and
ultimately coupling to the magnetosphere have raised the
theoretical and experimental questions regarding the sources of
EMF which create the observed effects. The current work has
identified 17 Local Electrical Batteries (LEBs), which provide the
electrical EMF that can be linked to the observed effects of
Sprites, Elves, etc.”
– “Sources of EMF in Near Earth and Planetary Environments” (American
Geophysical Union, Spring Meeting 2008, abstract #SA41A-02), McCanney, J. M.
Healing beyond the Physical body
Unlike modern medicine that only heals the physical body, Hilot encompasses an
internal method that heals man from the inside to the outside; implementing a
holistic approach and staying true to their tradition that they heal, not just
sickness, but man himself. Balancing the four elements that affect both the
physical and spiritual aspect of man plays a very large role in this.
The manghihilot also incorporates the relationship between man and nature as
well as synchronizing their mind, emotion and action to prevent conflicts which
may cause chaos within themselves.

Via Pinterest. Credit to the artist.

Since the roots of our ancient healing art is traced back with values and
principles present in animism (harmony with nature and universe), it is no
wonder that healing “spiritual” illness is also an important factor for them in
attaining a healthy body, which eventually reflects a healthy community.
More importantly, true healing is attainable by improving our values and in taking
the path of goodness which was beautifully stated by the late Gregoria Ignacio, a
senior member of Union Adorades Cristiano Al Espiritu Divino (UNCAED) as
follows:
“Kailangan ang tao ay gumawa ng Mabuti, na Makakabuti, na
Makapagpapabuti”
(Man has to do good, that will make things good and that will
lead to goodness)
The Philosophy in accordance with Nature and Divine
There is so much to learn and to understand within our very own traditional
healing art. More than giving us practical knowledge in curing and treating
ourselves, it also promotes a philosophy that we need to introduce in our lives for
a better understanding of the deep connection between man and the
universe. From The Universal Law (the irrevocable rule that maintains the divine
order of everything in the universe – from the orbits of planets in the solar system),
to the Natural Law, these balances and limits of living beings to prevent
disorder were followed and respected by the manghihilot and albularyo and
consequently integrated into their community through healing their fellow men.

Achieving a harmonious connection with both

the universal and natural law will not only
make man healthy, but will give the answers
in understanding how we are all connected
and a part of something bigger – thus filling
the gap and intolerance in our soul; the true
sickness that every man must learn to cure.
Balance of Four Elements (HILOT)

Over the weekend I had the great pleasure of presenting a drum circle to a
group of ladies at a women’s retreat that I have presented at twice a year for
the past three years. The first three events were held on the beach around a
fire pit, then last year they moved this retreat to another facility and we now do
these drum circles indoors. The intent around my particular segment of their
retreat is conjuring up the fire from within – hence the fire pit on the
beach. Now that we do this indoors (which wonderfully omits lugging drums
through the sand, cold hands and soggy, beach-air drums) the retreat leader
takes the women through some exercises to help them tap into the element of
fire without any flames present. For many women (and men) this can be a
challenge. Here in the West we have become so disconnected from our bodies,
nature and our innate connection to the elements of Earth, Air, Water and
Fire. This disconnect leads to a lack of harmony, wholeness and can even lead
to illness.
The German physician Max Gerson said “Stay close to nature and its eternal
laws will protect you.” This is such
a profound statement on so many
levels. Although this declaration
refers to diet, it really goes deeper
than just food and can be applied to
all aspects of life. When we are
aligned with the four basic elements
of nature and seek to balance these
elements within ourselves we will
step onto a path of blissfully
basking in a state of balance and wellness. It’s quite simple really; yet
simplicity does not always equate to ease. When we have been out of touch
with the natural world for extended periods of time we tend to develop habits
and patterns that are familiar, perhaps even comfortable, yet incongruent with
nature.
We can break down each element and see its direct connection to an aspect of
our life. This helps us to reveal where there may be an imbalance as well as
suggest a solution. On a very basic level, we can look at this esoteric poetic
statement to begin to associate the four cardinal elements with our being:
Air My Breath
Water My Blood
Earth My Body
Fire My Spirit

If you’re into drumming, chanting or spiritual endeavors, this is a great chant

to help align with the elements to create balance. A more linear approach that
is also advantageous is to also look at the four aspects or “bodies” of the
human being – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual and see their
correlation to the elements.

Earth/The Physical Body – there is an obvious connection between the earth

and our physical body…at least it’s obvious to me. There is no denying the
physical effect the earth realm has on our bodies. Our moon affects the tides
and the fluids on the human body – particularly the blood and a woman’s
reproductive cycle. Many women bleed and ovulate with the new and full
moon. Think about how good you feel when you are in an especially beautiful
place in nature. That feeling is a balancing happening within you.
The element of Earth helps us ground, provides us food and nourishment and
connects us to water and our need for it. When our Earth element is out of
balance we might find ourselves eating the wrong foods or not getting enough
nourishment; under or over exercising; being over or under weight; feeling
spacey and ungrounded.
An easy-to-access application that can help re-connect you to your Earth
element is to walk outside barefoot or sit directly on the earth. Even a few
minutes can foster essential energetic sustenance for the body as well as the
mind and spirit. Wonderfully, just doing this simple little exercise and allowing
the Earth’s healing energy to fill you can help you hear your inner wisdom
more clearly therefore knowing and even desiring that which will create an
elemental balance within your being.

Air/The Mental Body – Although science connects the mind with the brain, I
have found in my work that the mind is also connected to our energetic field or
aura. Not only do our own thoughts affect and even create our reality, but so
to does the collective mind, that we all tap into unconsciously, affect what we
perceive. One of the sayings I use with my students to help them understand
this is “whatever you believe you will perceive. When our Air element is out of
balance we might find ourselves thinking negatively or being affected by
someone else’s negative thoughts/energy. We also might find ourselves
experiencing difficulty around breathing. I commonly see people who have
tapped into negative thought, be it there own or another’s, suffer from nasal
allergies, asthma or anxiety which causes us to breath incorrectly.
So what can you do to disconnect from negative thought…first and foremost –
TURN OF THE NEWS! Sorry to yell at you like that, but weather you believe it
or not, I promise you, the garbage that is spewed from news casts, which are
altered facts with additional fluff to affect ratings, infiltrates your awareness. I
do not have TV/cable service in my home. Sure there are programs I like to
watch, and that’s what Hulu or Netflix is for. Although I originally made the
decision to drop the cable for budgetary reasons, the peaceful affect in my
home is priceless.
Another very effective tool you can utilize to balance your Air element is
affirmations in conjunction with breath. I recommend using a few deep belly
breaths before speaking affirmations out loud to activate the Air element and
clear your mind. Then, speak an affirmation out loud such as “my world is
peaceful and calm.” Breathe it into your being, slowly. With the exhale, let go
of any blockages to that affirmation. Repeat this process at least three
times. You will notice an immediate shift in your energy. That’s the Air
element coming into balance.

Water/The Emotional Body – It is the water in our body and environment

that connect us directly with our emotions. Water can cleanse away painful
emotions and enhance joyful feelings when it is balanced in our being. Too
much water can lead to a manic kind of state where we feel huge emotional
highs and deep depressing lows. Too little water can lead to a sense of
numbness and feeling disconnected from our emotions. Think about the whole
concept of PMS or even a high tide, which is affected by the full moon. During
a full moon statistics show that emergency rooms are fuller, storms are
stronger (Sandy happened during a full moon), and people’s emotions can be
erratic. Then there is PMS and it’s accompanying emotional rollercoaster when
a woman is full of blood and often retaining water. Men get their own kind of
PMS which although not related to menstruation, is likely related to a high
water ratio in their being/environment.
To balance the Water element in our bodies it is essential to take a pause and
go inward and ask your wisdom where there may be lack or excess. If you live
near a body of water, spending time near that juicy mass will automatically
help balance your Water element, particularly if it is salt water. Similar to the
grounding technique described in the Earth section, connecting with a natural
water source can flush out excess fluid in your being or open the damn that
might be keeping you parched. If you or not near a body of water, (or even if
you are) a fantastic ritual to mimic the effect of actually being near a body of
salt water is to take a salt bath. If you don’t have a bath tub, you can make
your own salt scrub and use it in the shower, but a bath is preferable to get the
soak. Of course, drinking appropriate amounts of water for your nourishment
is essential. And, when you feel you are retaining water or have too much of
this element in your being, foods that have a diuretic effect can help bring
balance such as asparagus or dandelion leaf. There are also nourishing herbs
that used in the form of an infusion or tincture can have natural diuretic
constituents such as Burdock Root and of course, my favorite Stinging Nettle.

Fire/The Spiritual Body – regardless of our spiritual path, even a lack-there-

of, science has proven that we are all energy which is connected to the element
of Fire. Our fire element is associated with our passion, our faith, our inner
wisdom and our psychic senses. When our Fire element is balanced in our life
there is plenty of soul food to nourish our spirit. We regularly engage in
passionate endeavors and feel a strong connection to Source, Universe,
God/Goddess, Great Spirit – whatever you want to call it. When that Fire
element is not balanced we find ourselves feeling apathetic, depressed, lost,
without faith and disconnected from our intuition. There is a reason why
lighting a candle is one of the most common acts of prayer or intention-setting
across all faiths. It ignites our Fire element and on a deep subconscious level
reminds us of who we really are and the power of our faith and intent.
Bringing balance to your Fire element requires getting in touch with your
passions as well as allowing yourself to believe that your intuition is a natural
gift and when followed will always lead you in the direction of your highest
good. Lighting candles and setting intent is one way to invoke this element
within you as well as using fire on a grander basis in ceremony such as
utilizing a fire pit for a bond fire or an indoor fireplace. When connecting with
fire literally is not possible, which was the case for the women I drummed with,
your intent and movement will always conjure your inner blaze in a way that is
amazingly healing. Dancing and drumming are two of the most powerful tools
I’ve experienced in summoning our inner inferno. However, Yoga, jogging,
walking and certain forms of breath work are superbly effective in balancing
the element of Fire.
When we engage in balancing our elements there is usually a cross action that
occurs in that balancing one naturally brings the other three into wholeness as
well. Connecting with nature frequently will formulate regular maintenance of
your inner elements as humans are irrefutably and fundamentally a part of
nature. Reaffirming that connection awakens a glorious sense of freedom in our
lives as we surrender to natural cycles and rhythms.
Speaking of rhythm, the group of women that I drummed with last weekend
had clearly done an outstanding job of connecting with their inner fire. Not
only was the energy in the room absolutely electrifying, but there was not a dry
bone in the house. We were all drenched in sweat. This is a good thing. I call
it sacred sweat. It reminds us that we are alive and healthy and operating from
a state of balanced elemental wholeness. Our Body/Earth feels the rhythm
that gets us moving. Our Mind/Air utilizes breath and expands and contracts
without trying. Our Emotions/Water pumps our blood and moves toxins out of
the body. Our Spirit/Fire is ignited and engaged in joy and passion.

The Three Forces

(Faculties) of the Body

We must distinguish between faculty and function. Faculties originate

functions. A faculty is a power, a potentiality. The ultimate faculty is the soul,
while the ultimate function is life. There are three natural faculties: the vital
(baywaniat), the natural (taby'yat), and the psychic (nafsaniat).

There are two types of vital forces: the active and the acted upon. An active
vital force would be one that causes the heart and arteries to dilate. The acted-
upon vital forces are those that underlie anger, contempt, competition for
victory, leadership, or fame, and other emotions. Thus, the
emotional/psychological aspects of health and disease are considered
holistically, as part of the entire person. For example, severe anger is believed
to be the result of an excess of moisture in the heart humor, and its correction
is accomplished with diet.

There are also two types of natural forces: those that serve other functions
and those that are served by others. The natural forces that are served by other
forces are three kinds: the generative, the growth-promoting, and the nutritive.
The servant natural forces are four: the attractive, the retentive, the digestive,
and the propulsive. These various forces interact intimately each with the
other. The four servant forces serve the nutritive forces (by attracting,
retaining, digesting, and propelling), and the nutritive force serves the growth-
promoting force. The tint two forces serve the generative force.

The psychic forces perform three functions: (1) to mediate behavior, (2) to
cause voluntary movement, and (3) to create sensation. Within these functions
are found the various events that serve imagination, create thinking, and
underlie memory.

Now, the seat of each of these three forces has a point of origin: the natural
forces arise in the liver; the vital forces arise in the heart; and the psychic
forces arise in the brain. Over each of these natural forces is a corresponding
spirit faculty, which serves as the nexus or interconnecting link with the
nonmanifest realms. That is, according to Avicenna, all life is dependent upon
the divine permission (idbn) for life to begin and continue. The divine
permission or cosmic force travels in through the indrawn breath and tint
alights in the heart, where it is dispersed by the arteries throughout the whole
body and activates both the natural forces and psychic forces.

Astronomy And Unani

Astronomy was widely regarded as an integral part of medical science. The

stars were seen as directly influencing the condition and well-being of human
beings on earth. Many hakims believed in the importance of the position of the
planets in treating their patients. It was believed that the position within the
zodiac at any time of seven planets--Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury,
Sun and Moon--affected human beings. The survival of a baby born before the
normal period of gestation was completed, for instance, was believed to depend
to some extent on the planet in ascendancy at the time of its birth.

The twelve signs of the zodiac were divided into three groups: the four
elements (fire, earth, air and water); the four humours (blood, phlegm, black
bile and yellow bile); and the four qualities of temperature and humidity (cold,
hot, moist and dry).19

This cosmic make-up clearly conformed to, and reflected, the principal
concepts of Unani medicine.
 The correction of subtle emotional and spiritual imbalances, while of
concern to the Hakim, is often treated by spiritual remedies and practices.
See The Book of Sufi Healing which elaborates the spiritual side of Unani
healing.

Thus, according to the Unani system, all of the physical, emotional, and
spiritual mechanisms of life are included in the evaluation of a person's health.
I mentioned before that according to Tibb, the human being possesses a soul
(rub), which is independent of and superior to all of the physiological functions
of the body--including all mental functions, such as thought processes,
memory, and the emotions. Once a human life ends, the activization of the
three faculties ends, all physical functions cease, and we observe what is called
death.

The science of maintaining the human body in a state of balance, harmony,

and vigor is the purpose of Unani--the treatment of the physical, mental, and
spiritual forces of human life. The foregoing is a necessary explanation of the
basic theories of the human being and its parts.