AN OVERVIEW OF CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF LEUCORRHOEA IN CLASSICS OF UNANI MEDICAL SYSTEM

Abstract

Unani System of Medicine is a comprehensive medical system, which provides preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative healthcare. The fundamental basis of this ancient art of healing lies on the Hippocratic (Buqrat) theory of four Humours (Akhlat-e-Arba), according to which any balance of humours is a prerequisite for healthy state while any deviation in the equilibrium of humours causes disease, and thus the line of treatment in unani medicine initially focuses at reestablishing the humoural balance. Temperament (Mizäj) of a patient has a primary significance in diagnosis and treatment of diseases. While selecting the most suitable diet and lifestyle for promoting the health of a particular individual temperament is also taken into consideration. Leucorrhoea is an abnormal condition of the reproductive organs of women. If not treated properly in the initial stages, it may become chronic. Recent investigations have shown that secretions from the uterus and upper part of the vagina flow down and are reabsorbed in the lower parts of the vagina. This is the normal constant flow within the female organs. The whitish discharge is, however, caused by the presence of infection in any of these tissues and a variety of other factors. Leucorrhoea condition may continue for weeks or months at a time. In the Unani system it is called Sailan-ur-rahem, which is caused due to poor quwwat-e-ghaziya (nutritive faculty) of the rahem (uterus) that results in accumulation of fuzlaat (waste materials). It is necessary to be treated with the safest drug and Unani medicine plays an important role in this. Unani Medical System has a long history of the Sailan-ur-rahem management with effectiveness, without having any toxic effect on the human body. The present study’s objective was to systematically review the classical unani literature related to the subject matter i.e etiopathogenesis, clinical sign symptoms and holistic management of this very common gynaecological disorder and to with an aim to disseminate the knowledge for unani preventive measures, and the management of the leucorrhoea through Unani single and compound drugs without having any side effect on the human body.