Abstract

NUTOOL THERAPY (IRRIGATION) AND ITS PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS IN UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

Roohi Azam*, Shubrina Nisar, Azhar Jabeen, Shazia Jilani, Umar Jahangir, Shagufta Parveen

Abstract

Ilaj bit tadbeer or regimenal therapy is one of the four methods of treatment in Unani system of medicine. The other three being Illaj bil giza (Dietotherapy), Illaj bil dawa (Pharmacotherapy) and Illaj bil yad (surgery). Illaj bit Tadbeer includes a number of regimenal interventions such as Hijamah (cupping), Irsal alaq (leeching), Hijamah , Fasad(venesection), Dalak (massage), Nutool (irrigation), Qay (Emesis), Idrar-i-Bawl (Diuresis), Tariq (Diaphoresis), Munzij and Mu'shil therapy (Concoction and purgation), Bukhoor (medicated steam), kayy (cauterization), Huqna (enema) etc. Among these regimens Nutool or irrigation is a classical and an effective method in regeminal therapy which refers to pouring or dripping of drugs on specific body parts. For this purpose usually water, oil or medicated decoction is poured from a height over specific sites of body in certain diseases. This process is called Tanteel (irrigation). Depending upon the nature of liquids used for desired actions in this therapy it has been broadly divided into two types; Nutool Haar and Nutool Barid. Nutool or irrigation is done with a purpose of acceleration of process of Ikhraj-e-mawad (evacuation of morbid material) and Ta’dil-i Mizaj-e-Aza (normalization of morbid temperament) and to improve the Quwat-e –Mudafiat (defense mechanism of body), this results in desired neurological, psychological and pharmacological effects in various diseases. It also enhances the local absorption of medicines thus helps in getting the desired action of medicine locally. Nutool is effective in relieving chronic disease, pains and stiffness of various types, as in Waja- ul mafasil (arthritis), Suddaa (headache), Surra (Epilepsy) Sarsaam (meningitis), Shaqiqah (migrane) Sakta (stroke), Bekhwabi (Insomnia), Dawar (vertigo), Mania, Malancholia (Melancholia), Nisyan (Amnesia), Ahtibase bol ( retention of urine), Warm e suddi ( mastitis) and Warme raham (endometritis) etc.

Keywords: Hijamah, bukhoor, Illaj bit tadbeer, Tanteel, Nutool, Mania.