Abstract

UNANI PERSPECTIVE ON ETIOPATHOGENESIS OF WAJAULMUFASIL (ARTHRITIS): A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Saba Bano*, Afreen Fatima and Rifat Kausar

ABSTRACT

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints and their muscles and ligaments. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. Other symptoms may include redness, warmth, swelling, and decreased range of motion of the affected joints. Onset can be gradual or sudden. The most common forms are osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune disorder). According to Unani concept, the pathological changes in the joints are caused by mainly derangement of humours and accumulation of Mawad fuzooni (vitiated matter) in the joint spaces. In Unani medicine, different kinds of Wajaul-mafasil have been described in the term of joint pain which may be Niqris (gout), Irqunnisa (sciatica), Wajaul-warik (ischial pain/hip joint pain), Wajaul-zahr (low backache), Wajaul-raqba (knee arthritis). The ancient classical manuscripts of Unani medicine contain a detailed description of Wajaul-mafasil including its etiology, types, pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, complications, and different regimens for its management and preventive measures. Unani scholars combat the disease with a multidirectional approach where they recommended various treatment modalities like Ilaj bil-Ghidha (Dietotherapy), Ilaj bil-Tadabir (Regimental therapies), and Ilaj bil-Dawa (Pharmacotherapy) with several preventive measures, of these Ilaj bil-Tadabir (Regimental therapies) is the cornerstone of the treatment. In this article, we have tried to explore all etiopathogenesis of Wajaul-mafasil as described by various Unani scholars, together with its analytical study. It is hoped that the paper will develop a new way for the treatment and research of Wajaul-mafasil and will be able to cure people's pain.

Keywords: Wajaul-mafasil, Arthritis, Etiopathogenesis, Unani medicine.