An Overview of Waja-ur-Rukbah (Knee Osteoarthritis) with Reference to Waja-ul-Mafasil and its Regimenal Management (Ilaj bit tadbeer) in Unani System of Medicine

Document Type : Review

Authors

Department of Ilaj bit tadbeer, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Kottigepalya, Bangalore, India

Abstract

Pain in joints is a major clinical problem since ancient times. Inflammatory or non-inflammatory joint disorders have been described elaborately by eminent Unani physicians under one caption of Waja-ul-Mafasil, which stands for pain in joints. On the basis of clinical presentation, osteoarthritis looks very similar to Waja-ul-Mafasil Balghami. One of the most common forms of osteoarthritis is Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA), which can be translated as Waja-ur-Rukbah. Osteoarthritis, a chronic painful disorder, is primarily treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that have a large number of adverse effects, while its management has multidirectional approach in Unani system of medicine. Waja-ur-Rukbah is managed with Istefragh (evacuation) followed by Tadeel (rejuvenation), Taqwiyat (strengthening) of the joint and joint structures and Taskeen (analgesia). Istefragh is achieved by specific poly-herbal Unani formulations i.e. Munzij-Mushil Therapy followed by normalization of temperament (Tadeel-e-Mizaj) of affected joint and adjacent structures by employing various regimenal modalities such as Hijama (cupping), Dalk (massage), Irsal-e-Alaq (leeching), Hammam (Turkish Bath), Takmeed (Fomentation), Nutul (Irrigation), Qai (Vomiting), Huqna (Enema), etc. Taskeen and Taqwiyat are achieved by employing either drugs or regimenal modalities. This overview will address Waja-ur-Rukbah and its regimenal management.

Keywords


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