European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

TAKM?D (FOMENTATION)-AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT COMPONENT OF ‘IL?J BI’L TADB?R (REGIMENAL THERAPY) IN UNANI MEDICINE FOR VARIOUS AILMENTS

Azma Waseem*, Waseem Ahmad, Anwar Jamal, Mohammad Fazil, Asim Ali Khan

ABSTRACT

‘Ilāj bi’l Tadbīr (Regimenal Therapy) is one of the treatment modules of Unani system of medicine in which the cure of a sick person and general health is achieved by Tanqiya (elimination ), Imāla (diverting of morbid humors) and by enhancing the defense mechanism of the body through performing certain procedures of ‘Ilāj bi’l Tadbīr (IBT). Ibn Sina, a worldwide fame physician of 10th century has discussed various non pharmacological procedures under regimental therapy including Takmīd (Fomentation). Takmīd is a simple, noble non pharmacological effective mode of treatment described in Unani system of medicine to relieve pain, subsides the inflammatory conditions and to disperse gaseous collection and evacuation of Mawād-i-Fāsida (morbid materials) from the affected parts. Heat of hot fomentation also enhances the local absorption of medicines thus helps in getting the desired action of medicine locally. It results in desired neurological and pharmacological effects in various diseases. Cold fomentation produces vasoconstriction that helps in reducing inflammation. Takmīd is specifically effective in the management of neurological and inflammatory conditions like headache, backache, cystitis, mastitis, arthritis, epilepsy, renal colic, gastritis, dysmenorrhoea, etc. This paper aims to highlight the information on Takmīd, benefits and uses of Takmīd therapy in light of classical Unani literature and try to explore the scientific basis of mechanism of effects produced by Takmīd (fomentation).

Keywords: Unani medicine, Takm?d, Fomentation, Regimenal therapy, ‘Il?j bi’l Tadb?r.