Nutool therapy (irrigation) in Unani medicine: practical uses.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Nutool therapy (irrigation) and its practical applications in unani system of medicine
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Roohi Azam, Shubrina Nisar, Azhar Jabeen, Shazia Jilani, Umar Jahangir, Shagufta Parveen
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Nutool therapy (irrigation) and its practical applications in unani system of medicine
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201611-7300
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The Unani system of medicine, a traditional healing practice, employs four primary methods of treatment, which include Ilaj bit tadbeer (regimenal therapy), Dietotherapy, Pharmacotherapy, and surgery. Among these, Ilaj bit tadbeer involves various therapeutic interventions aimed at improving health and managing diseases through systematic lifestyle modifications. One of the notable techniques within this methodology is Nutool, or irrigation, which plays a vital role in treating a range of health issues by applying medicated liquids to specific areas of the body.
Nutool: The Concept of Irrigation in Unani Medicine
Nutool, also known as irrigation, is described as the pouring or dripping of medicated liquids—such as water, oils, or decoctions—onto targeted body parts. This practice follows a traditional approach where it is performed from a height for a specified duration, typically providing therapeutic effects like enhancing local absorption of medications and promoting the removal of morbid materials from the body. Nutool is holistically categorized into two types: Nutool Haar (hot irrigation) and Nutool Barid (cold irrigation). This differentiation is based on the nature of the liquids used, catering to various therapeutic effects depending on the patient's condition.
Therapeutic Objectives of Nutool
The primary objectives of Nutool therapy are to disperse morbid matter, modify the temperament of affected organs, relieve pain, and enhance blood circulation. This technique is particularly effective in treating chronic ailments, including arthritis, meningitis, and insomnia. By adjusting the temperature of the liquids used in Nutool, practitioners aim to facilitate recovery by improving blood flow, decreasing congestion, and providing nutritional benefits to weakened organs. The alternating application of hot and cold irrigation is specifically employed to optimize treatment outcomes.
Mechanism of Action and Physiological Effects
The physiological effects of Nutool therapy are attributed to the increase in local temperature, which elevates blood circulation and helps dissolve pathological materials. Various studies suggest that performing Nutool, especially on the forehead, can induce relaxation, leading to psychoneuroimmunological benefits, such as reduced anxiety and improved mood. Biochemical analyses have shown that this therapeutic method can influence neurotransmitter levels, resulting in sympathetic suppression and enhancing peripheral circulation, thus strengthening the body’s natural defenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nutool serves as an effective regimental therapy method within the Unani system of medicine, providing a multi-faceted approach to treat various disorders through the application of medicated liquors. The technique is not only cost-effective and safe but also promotes significant physical and psychological benefits. Continued research into the efficacy of Nutool can further validate its therapeutic potential and contribute to its application in modern medical settings, particularly for patients dealing with chronic conditions and psychological stress.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Nutool therapy in Unani medicine?
Nutool therapy is an irrigation method in Unani medicine, where medicated liquids are poured over specific body parts to enhance healing and alleviate various ailments.
What are the types of Nutool therapy?
Nutool therapy is classified into Nutool Haar (hot irrigation) and Nutool Barid (cold irrigation), depending on the temperature of the liquid used in treatment.
What are the therapeutic objectives of Nutool?
Nutool aims to disperse morbid matter, relieve pain, enhance blood circulation, correct temperament, and treat chronic diseases by applying heated or cooled medicated liquids.
How is Nutool therapy administered?
Nutool therapy involves pouring medicated oils or decoctions from a height onto the affected area, typically performed in a supine position for 20-30 minutes.
What conditions can Nutool therapy treat?
Nutool therapy is effective for conditions like arthritis, headaches, insomnia, and mental disorders, focusing on restoration and healing through regulation of body temperature.
What are the physiological effects of Nutool therapy?
Nutool therapy increases blood circulation, induces relaxation, relieves stress, and enhances the body's defense mechanisms by stimulating nerve plexus and glands during treatment.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Nutool therapy (irrigation) in Unani medicine: practical uses.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Disease:
Disease refers to any abnormal condition affecting the body or mind, leading to a dysfunction of normal bodily functions. In Unani medicine, diseases are often treated through regimenal therapies such as Nutool, which aims to restore harmony by dissipating morbid humors and revitalizing the body’s defense mechanisms.
2) Water:
Water is a fundamental component in Unani therapeutic practices, including Nutool therapy. It serves as a medium for administering medicinal decoctions and oils, which are poured over specific body parts. The temperature and nature of the water influence treatment efficacy, aiding in hydration and detoxification processes.
3) Medicine:
Medicine in the context of Unani therapy refers to the various natural substances used to treat ailments. Nutool employs medicated decoctions, oils, and herbal infusions, aiming to repair, invigorate, and detoxify specific organs, thereby addressing the patient's health needs holistically while minimizing side effects.
4) Banafsha:
Banafsha, or Viola odorata, is a medicinal plant significant in Unani medicine. It is used in Nutool therapy, particularly for conditions like insomnia and mental disorders. This herb is believed to have calming properties and contributes to the treatment's aim of restoring balance in the body.
5) Drug:
In the Unani system, drugs are natural compounds derived from plants, minerals, or animal sources that possess therapeutic properties. The efficacy of these drugs is enhanced when used in treatments like Nutool, where they are applied topically to affected areas, leading to localized healing effects.
6) Soya:
Soya, referencing Anethum sowa, is a medicinal herb prominent in Unani pharmacopoeia. Used in Nutool therapy, it is incorporated for its therapeutic properties. Soya supports digestive health and is also utilized for managing headaches and mental disturbances, showcasing the versatility of herbal remedies in treatment.
7) Nature:
Nature pertains to the environment and the natural substances utilized in Unani healing practices. The Unani system emphasizes treating patients by harnessing natural elements and therapies, including the use of Nutool, which incorporates natural oils and decoctions, aligning treatments with the body's innate balance.
8) Blood:
Blood signifies a vital fluid in the body responsible for transporting nutrients and oxygen. In Unani therapy, blood health is paramount. Treatments like Nutool aim to improve circulation and blood quality, facilitating the removal of toxins and promoting overall wellness by balancing bodily humors.
9) New Delhi:
New Delhi is the capital of India where significant medical research, including studies on Unani medicine, takes place. Institutions like Jamia Hamdard play a prominent role in advancing Unani practices and educating healthcare practitioners, contributing to the integration of traditional medicine into modern healthcare.
10) Delhi:
Delhi, the national capital, serves as a hub for diverse medical traditions, including Unani. It is home to numerous medical institutions and practitioners focused on traditional therapies. This city plays a vital role in promoting and preserving Unani medicine and its historical legacies in healthcare practices.
11) Shakta (Sakta):
Sakta refers to shock in the context of Unani medicine. Nutool therapy can be employed to alleviate symptoms associated with shock by improving circulation and restoring balance through the application of medicated liquids, ultimately aiding the body's recovery process during acute health crises.
12) Cauterisation (Cauterization):
Cauterization is a medical procedure used in Unani medicine involving the application of heat to burn or cut tissue. This method is employed when addressing certain conditions, including wounds or excess tissue, aiding healing by preventing infection and promoting the body's natural recovery mechanisms.
13) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures. In Unani medicine, it is approached through holistic methods like Nutool, utilizing specific herbs to stabilize the nervous system and alleviate symptoms. Treatments aim to restore balance in the body's temperament, addressing the root causes of the disorder.
14) Vertigo:
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness often stemming from inner ear or neurological issues. Unani therapies, including herbs used in Nutool, aim to treat this condition by promoting circulation and soothing the nervous system, thereby reducing symptoms and enhancing overall stability.
15) Study (Studying):
Study in the field of Unani medicine involves researching traditional therapeutic practices and their effectiveness. Investigations into methods like Nutool have shown promising results, emphasizing the importance of scholarly inquiry in validating and refining traditional methods to fit contemporary healthcare needs.
16) Kula:
Kula, in the Unani context, references medicinal formulations or treatments associated with specific conditions. Understanding the use of Kula in Nutool therapy allows practitioners to tailor treatments based on individual health complaints, emphasizing the personalized and holistic approach embedded in Unani practices.
17) Pain:
Pain is a subjective experience indicating a health issue and is often treated through Unani methods. Therapy such as Nutool aims to alleviate pain by enhancing blood circulation and addressing the underlying causes of discomfort, thus providing both immediate relief and long-term health benefits.
18) Mental disorder:
Mental disorders encompass various psychological conditions affecting mood, thinking, and behavior. Unani medicine approaches these disorders through holistic therapies, with Nutool serving to alleviate symptoms by providing therapeutic herbs that stabilize mood and support mental wellness through physical and biochemical mechanisms.
19) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, known as turmeric, is a significant herb in Unani medicine, valued for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. In Nutool therapy, turmeric enhances the therapeutic effect by improving circulation and reducing pain, making it a preferred choice for treating various ailments.
20) Pharmacotherapy:
Pharmacotherapy refers to the use of drugs to treat medical conditions. In the Unani system, pharmacotherapy is complemented by regimenal methods like Nutool to bolster the therapeutic effects of drugs, enhancing absorption and efficacy while reducing potential side effects, allowing for a more holistic treatment approach.
21) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological encompasses the study of drug effects on biological systems. In Unani therapy, understanding pharmacological interactions within treatments like Nutool can enhance the effectiveness of herbal remedies, allowing healthcare practitioners to optimize therapeutic strategies based on physiological responses induced by these substances.
22) Citrus medica:
Citrus medica, commonly known as citrons, is valued in Unani medicine for its medicinal properties. It is often utilized in conjunction with Nutool therapies to address digestive issues and enhance overall wellness, showcasing how traditional herbal practices integrate natural components effectively within treatment regimens.
23) Practising (Practicing):
Practicing refers to the application of traditional medicine in clinical settings. In Unani medicine, practicing therapists employ methodologies like Nutool to treat patients, emphasizing the need for skilled practitioners who understand the nuances of traditional therapies and their alignment with modern health approaches.
24) Depression:
Depression is a mental health condition that can significantly impair one's quality of life. Unani medicine addresses depression through holistic approaches, using therapies like Nutool with herbs that stimulate neurochemical balance, promoting emotional well-being and restoring mental health through natural means.
25) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to systematic knowledge acquired through observation and experimentation. In the context of Unani medicine, scientific inquiry validates traditional practices like Nutool, establishing their efficacy based on empirical evidence while aiding in the evolution of methods aligned with contemporary medical standards.
26) Stiffness:
Stiffness refers to restricted mobility in muscles or joints, often resulting from injury or chronic conditions. Unani treatments like Nutool aim to alleviate stiffness by enhancing blood flow and reducing inflammation, thereby promoting healing and restoring functional movement within the affected areas.
27) Activity:
Activity pertains to physical movements and exercises crucial for maintaining good health. Unani therapies, including Nutool, aim to encourage bodily activity by relieving ailments that hinder movement, thus fostering overall wellness and facilitating a positive feedback loop between treatment and active living.
28) Pouring:
Pouring is a technique used in Nutool therapy, where medicated liquids are dispensed over the body to enhance absorption and distribute therapeutic properties. This method is rooted in Unani practices aimed at addressing ailments and promotes local healing effects through fluid dynamics.
29) Kashmir:
Kashmir is a region known for its rich heritage in traditional medicine, including Unani practices. The area serves as a cultural hub where natural herbs and remedies flourish, contributing significantly to the understanding and practice of holistic approaches in treating various health conditions.
30) Castor:
Castor, derived from the Castor oil plant, is used in Unani medicine for its therapeutic properties. Castor oil is often employed in Nutool therapy for its ability to relieve pain and promote healing, emphasizing the importance of natural products in traditional treatment protocols.
31) Miti:
Meethi refers to Trigonella foenum-graecum, or fenugreek, which is significant in Unani medicine for its health benefits. Used in therapies like Nutool, Meethi aids metabolic health and helps in managing conditions like diabetes, showcasing the comprehensive approach of herbal medicine in overall wellness.
32) Karna:
Karna refers to the region of Jammu and Kashmir, where traditional practices like Unani medicine are prevalent. The integration of local herbs and therapeutic techniques enhances the efficacy of treatments such as Nutool, reflecting the cultural significance of healing traditions in specific geographical areas.
33) Shahar (Sahar):
Sahar, relating to insomnia, embodies a condition in which individuals struggle to sleep. Unani therapies, especially Nutool employing calming herbs, seek to address this ailment by enhancing relaxation and promoting restful sleep, indicating a holistic approach to managing sleep disorders.
34) Earth:
Earth symbolizes the natural environment, which provides healing resources in Unani medicine. The utilization of earth-derived substances, such as minerals and herbs, underscores the holistic practices integral to treatments like Nutool, which harmonize natural elements with therapeutic techniques to restore health.
35) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
Burnt refers to the process of cooking or heating substances to enhance their medicinal properties. In Unani therapy, certain herbal mixtures are burnt to release their therapeutic components, which are then utilized in treatments like Nutool to maximize their efficacy and medicinal benefits.
36) Sura (Shura):
Sura refers to various natural remedies that are utilized in Unani medicine for treating health issues. These remedies, often applied in Nutool therapy, aim to stimulate healing processes within the body, highlighting the importance of integrating traditional medicinal practices into holistic treatment approaches.
37) Hina:
Hina, or Lawsonia inermis, is a plant used in Unani medicine for its cooling and soothing properties. It is often incorporated into Nutool as a topical application, reflecting how traditional herbal therapies leverage natural ingredients to treat various skin and health conditions effectively.
38) Sena (Shena):
Sena refers to Cassia senna, a medicinal plant used in Unani for its laxative properties. In the context of Nutool therapy, Sena may be applied to facilitate detoxification and promote digestive health, showcasing the broader therapeutic applications of herbal treatments within traditional medicine.
39) Viti:
Viti denotes the concept of temperamental balance in Unani medicine. Treatments such as Nutool focus on correcting vitiated humors by applying appropriate herbal solutions, thereby restoring the body's equilibrium, which is essential for promoting health and preventing disease.
40) Suda (Shuda):
Suda represents ailments characterized by pain or discomfort in Unani terminology. Addressing Suda involves utilizing therapies like Nutool with specific herbal formulations, facilitating relief and fostering the healing process while ensuring overall well-being through a balanced approach.
41) Sah:
Shah, referring to king or ruler in Persian, symbolizes the governance of health in Ayurveda and Unani practices. The integration of effective treatments like Nutool exemplifies the tradition's heritage, where holistic healing becomes paramount, aiming for the highest quality of health and prosperity.
42) Diet:
Diet plays a crucial role in Unani medicine, representing the dietary regulations that promote health and prevent diseases. Therapeutic approaches, including Nutool, are often complemented by specific diet plans tailored to individual needs, reinforcing the importance of nutrition in holistic health.
43) Sign:
Sign pertains to the indicators of health or disease present in patients. In Unani practices, recognizing these signs is pivotal for effective treatment diagnosis and determining appropriate therapies like Nutool, which targets the underlying issues based on observed health indicators.
44) Milk:
Milk is considered a nourishing substance in Unani medicine, often used in formulations for its restorative properties. In Nutool therapy, milk may be utilized as an ingredient to enhance the soothing effects of treatments, emphasizing the significance of dietary components in holistic healing.
45) Post:
Post refers to the outcomes or results following a treatment or therapy. In the context of Unani medicine, understanding the post-therapy effects of regimes like Nutool is critical for evaluating its efficacy and adjusting treatment protocols based on patient responses.
46) Life:
Life encompasses the vitality and health of individuals, which Unani medicine seeks to enhance through natural healing practices. Treatments like Nutool aim to promote life quality by restoring balance and harmony in the body, underscoring the holistic perspective of health and wellness.