AN INSIGHT INTO ‘ILĀJ BI’L TADBĪR (REGIMENAL THERAPY) FROM PAST TO CONTEMPORARY INNOVATIONS

Abstract

There are four methods of treatment employed in Unani system of medicine, namely ‘Ilāj bi’l Dawā (Pharmacotherapy), ‘Ilāj bi’l Ghidha’ (Dietotherapy), ‘Ilāj bi’l Tadbīr (Regimenal therapy), ‘Ilāj bi’l Yad (Surgery). Pharmacotherapy deals with the use of naturally occurring drugs derived from plant, animal and mineral sources. Dietotherapy aims at treating certain ailments by the administration of specific diets or by regulating the quality and quantity of food. The Regimenal therapy includes regimens such as Faṣd (venesection/phlebotomy), Ḥijāma (cupping), Ta‘līq al-‘alaq (hirudotherapy/leech therapy), Dalk (massage), Shamūm (Aromatherapy), Kaiyy (Cauterization), Naṭūl, (Irrigation), etc., Surgery that has been in use in Unani practice for a long time employs surgical procedures for which certain instruments and techniques have been designed. Regimenal therapy works on the principle of modifying or modulating the Asbāb Sitta Ḍarūriyya (six essential factors) for maintenance of health and prevention from diseases. The core of these six factors is dispersion/excretion of morbid matter which is known as Istifrāgh. In the last few decades, medical scientists all over the globe have shown immense interest in the Regimenal therapy because of its time-tested efficacy and safety. Scientific studies have proven the safety and efficacy of various regimenal procedures and thus it holds an important place in Unani medicine. Over the years, we are noticing innovations in these therapies by means of incorporating the modern technology. This review demonstrates that Regimenal therapy has undergone a remarkable transition from a classical therapeutic discipline rooted in humoral theory to an evidence-informed, technology-supported healthcare modality. Published clinical studies, systematic reviews, and experimental investigations suggest that several regimenal therapies demonstrate beneficial effects in musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain syndromes, osteoarthritis, migraine, varicose veins, dermatological disorders, and selected inflammatory conditions. This article summarizes the journey of Regimenal therapy from classical bedside practice to the digital era, and exemplifies how traditional medicine can evolve through innovation while remaining rooted in its original therapeutic philosophy. The authors have gone through the published literature related to the comprehensive review of Regimenal therapy. Sources detailing innovations in the individual therapies either utilized in Unani or any other traditional systems of medicine or even modern medicine were included. Electronic searches of relevant databases (PubMed, Google Scholar and ResearchGate) were conducted using keywords.