Avicenna's philosophy of body

This research examines Avicenna's approach to human body and his philosophy of body. Avicenna's philosophy of body examines human being with its reason, soul and body. In the metaphysics of Avicenna human being belong to the sublunary realm through its body, and to the celestial realm through its nafs. Formed of body and nafs, human being, despite being positioned in the sublunary realm, which is the realm of generation and corruption in the cosmic order because of its relation to matter; is considered most valuable being of the sublunary realm with reference to its rational and psychological faculties. Avicenna offers a comprehensive explanation on the ontological composition of human body through maintaining that the physical structure of human body is formed of mixture of air, water, dirt and fire, which are the cosmic elements; and the body is nourished and regulated by blood, yellow bile, black bile and phlegm, called humors; and balance formed by the qualities of hot, dry, cold and wet brings about the balance in temperaments. In order to preserve health, Avicenna advocates balance of the temperaments, taking of healthy food and fluids; discharge of residues; adequate maintenance of organs; purification of the air in the body; a healthy environment, and balance in physical and mental activities. In the circumstance of disease, he recommends methods of treatment through medicine, surgery, cupping, leaches and ambustion.