A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY UTILIZED REGIMENAL THERAPIES ( TADABEER ) FOR MANAGING JOINT PAIN IN THE UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Fasihuddeen*, Nusrat Parveen, Mohammad Tausif and Saima Sharfuddin

ABSTRACT

Joint pain (
Waja ul Mafasil ) is a significant clinical concern that may present with or without inflammation.
Researchers and healthcare professionals are continuously striving to identify the most effective treatment
approaches for managing joint pain. Unani scholars have historically advocated for the use of various Tadabeer
(regimenal therapies) in addressing joint disorders. The aim of this critical review is to evaluate the cla ims made by
Unani practitioners and to analyse clinical studies assessing the effectiveness of Dalk (massage) and Hijama
(cupping therapy) in joint pain management. This review includes references from classical Unani texts, peer
reviewed journal articles, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that specifically investigate the application of
Dalk and Hijama for joint pain relief. Several published studies highlight the effectiveness of these Unani
therapies, demonstrating significant improvements in patie nts. However, while some clinical trials have reported
positive outcomes, their effects were observed to be short term in certain cases. Therefore, there is a need for well
designed, rigorous, randomized, controlled, and blinded studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow up
periods. Such research, conducted by skilled clinicians and investigators is essential to firmly establish the efficacy
of Dalk and Hijama in the management of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Keywords: Waja ul Mafasil, Hijam a, Dalk, Imala, Humour, Musculoskeletal Disorders.