Dalk (Massage) in Unani Medicine: An Ancient Regimen for Preventive and Rehabilitative Treatment of Various Diseases

Abstract

Dalk (Massage) was a traditional medical practice of many ancient cultures including Chinese, Egyptian, Greeks, Hindus, Japanese, and Romans. Therapeutic massage is an age-old remedy and widely practiced method of Regimenal therapy which is found in all major civilization past and present. Massage is a form of Riyazat (Exercise) undertaken with hands as a manipulative technique over the surface of body to increase blood circulation and remove waste materials from body which strengthens ligaments, tendons and provide tone to flaccid muscles and also to bring about generalized improvement in health. Massage is responsible for tanqiya mawad (evacuation of morbid matter) and imala-e-mawad (diversion of morbid matter). Massage has been generally used for its preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative purpose since the time of Buqrat (Hippocartes). There are several types of massage in Unani system of medicine which are indicated for health benefits according to different age groups, condition of person (healthy, obese, lean and thin), season, mizaj (temperament) of person and strength of organ to be massaged. The paper will try to attempt the details and use of massage therapy as preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative mode of treatment.

Keywords: Dalk, massage, unani medicine, regimenal therapy, buqrat

Cite this Article

Muzafar D.A Bhat, Mohammad Irfan Ansari, Rabia Malik. Dalk (Massage) in Unani Medicine: An Ancient Regimen for Preventive and Rehabilitative Treatment of Various Diseases. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2017; 4(1): 19–27p.

Dalk (Massage) was a traditional medical practice of many ancient cultures including Chinese, Egyptian, Greeks, Hindus, Japanese, and Romans. Therapeutic massage is an age-old remedy and widely practiced method of Regimenal therapy which is found in all major civilization past and present. Massage is a form of Riyazat (Exercise) undertaken with hands as a manipulative technique over the surface of body to increase blood circulation and remove waste materials from body which strengthens ligaments, tendons and provide tone to flaccid muscles and also to bring about generalized improvement in health. Massage is responsible for tanqiya mawad (evacuation of morbid matter) and imala-e-mawad (diversion of morbid matter). Massage has been generally used for its preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative purpose since the time of Buqrat (Hippocartes). There are several types of massage in Unani system of medicine which are indicated for health benefits according to different age groups, condition of person (healthy, obese, lean and thin), season, mizaj (temperament) of person and strength of organ to be massaged. The paper will try to attempt the details and use of massage therapy as preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative mode of treatment.

Keywords: Dalk, massage, unani medicine, regimenal therapy, buqrat