Abstract
In Unani system of medicine there are four modes of treatment these are; Illaj bil ghiza (dietotherapy), Illaj bil Dawa (pharmacotherapy), Illaj bit tadbeer (Regimenal therapy) and Illaj bil yad (surgery). Illaj bit Tadbeer includes a number of regimenal interventions such as Hijamah (cupping), Irsal alaq (leeching), Fasd (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 is a novel method in which 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). 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), Sarsaam (meningitis), Shaqiqah (migrane) Sakta (stroke), Ahtibase bol ( retention of urine), Warm e suddi (mastitis) and Warme raham (endometritis) etc. This review aims at highlighting the procedure, types and clinical uses of Nutool therapy in light of classical Unani literature.
