Modes of Treatment
In the Unani system of medicine, there are four modes of treatment as follows:
1. Ilaj-Bil-Tadbir (Regimental Therapy)
It is a special technique/physical method of treatment to improve the constitution of the body by removing waste materials and improving the defense mechanism of the body to protect health. Ilaj-Bil-Tadbir (Regimental Therapy) is moderation in Asbab Sittah Zarooriyah. The procedures/regimens (therapies) include:
- Purging (Ishal)
- Vomiting (Qai)
- Sweating (Tareeq)
- Diuresis (Idrar-e-Baul)
- Venesection (Fasd, Blood letting)
- Enema (Huqna)
- Turkish bath (Hamam)
- Massage (Dalk, Malish)
- Exercise (Riyazat)
- Douches (Nutul)
- Cauterization (Amal-e-Kae)
- Cupping (Hijama)
- Leech application (Taleeq-e-Alaq)
2. Ilaj-Bil-Ghiza (Diet Therapy)
In this therapy, the patient is treated with specific diets, as diet itself plays an important role in human life. At times it acts as a drug, and the very same diet can become harmful to the same person. In this therapy, specific diets are administered, or some alteration is made in the quality and quantity of the patient's diet.
3. Ilaj-Bil-Dawa (Pharmaco Therapy)
This therapy aims at treating the disease with drugs of natural origin, like herbs, animal origin and mineral origin. Mostly they are used as various complex compound formulations.
4. Ilaj-Bil-Yad (Surgery)
The practice of Jarahat in Unani is as old as human existence. Special techniques and instruments are applied in this field.