NUTOOL (IRRIGATION): AN ANCIENT THERAPEUTIC REGIMEN OF UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE IN LIGHT OF SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCES- A REVIEW

Abstract

In Unani system of medicine treatment is done by four modes, these are Ilaj bi’l ghidha (dietotherapy), Ilaj bi’l dawa (pharmacotherapy), Ilaj bi’l tadbir (regimenal therapy) and Ilaj bi’l yad (surgery). Ilaj bi’l tadbir include therapies such as  Irsal-i-‘Alaq (leeching), Fasd (venesection), Dalk (massage), Nutool (irrigation), Qay’ (emesis), Hijama (cupping), Idrar-i-bawl (diuresis), Ta’riq (diaphoresis), Mushil (purgative), Kaiyy (cauterization), Takmeed (fomentation), Hammam (Turkish bath) etc. Nutool therapy or irrigation  is  a popular and effective mode of treatment in which  continuously pouring or dripping of liquid from a certain height over specific sites of body in various diseases. The liquid used can be plain water, decoction of herbs, medicated oils, khaisanda (infusion) and milk. It is broadly classified into two types as Nutool Harr (hot irrigation) and Nutool Barid (cold irrigation). Nutool is used to achieve the dispersion of morbid matter, to alter the temperament, anti-inflammatory, tonic and to improve the defense mechanism of body to get the desired neurological, psychological and pharmacological effects. It also increases the local absorption of drugs through skin thus helps in getting the desired action of medicine locally. Nutool therapy is most commonly used in treating out the neurological problem, musculoskeletal problem, renal and reproductive disease etc. Several Unani drug formulations have been prescribed in Unani literature which is used in Nutool therapy. This paper aims to review the benefits and uses of Nutool as in the classical literature, and its growing importance in present scenario in the light of scientific evidence.