MANAGEMENT OF WAJA UL MAFASIL (ARTHRITIS) IN UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE: A REVIEW

Abstract

Arthritis is described in Unan i system of medicine under a broad term Waja - ul - Mafasil which encompasses entire joint disorders like inflammatory, non - inflammatory, infectious, metabolic and other musculoskeletal disorders. With the advent of science and technology, modern cl assificatio n has separated these individually accordi ng to their etio pathology. O n deep insight of Unani literature , arthritis can be correlated with various types of Waja - ul - Mafasil in resemblance to the predisposing factors, aggravating factors and pattern of joint involvement. According to Unani concept, the pathological changes in the joints are caused mainly by derangement of hum ou ral temperament and accumulation of Mawad - e - Fasida (Morbid material) in the joint spaces. The derangement of humoural temperament may be simple, causing only functional disturbance of articular surfaces, or it may be compound in which organic disturbance and quantitative changes take place in the joints. The main principles of treatment in Unani system of medicine include Ilaj Bil Ghiza (D ieto - therapy), Ilaj Bit Tadbeer (Regimenal therapy) and Ilaj Bid Dawa (P harmacotherapy). All the said principles are recommended for the treatment of Waja - ul - Mafasil . The principles of management of different varieties of Waja - ul - Mafasil differ from one another. The aim of treatment for patient with Waja - ul - Mafasil is to reduce morbidity and disability. The principle of treatment aims at restoring the normal temperament, and correcting the imbalance in the Khilt (humour) through Imala (Diversion of morbid material ) and Istifraagh (E vacuation of morbid material ).