Sitz Bath (Abzan) and its Role in Management of Gynaecological Disorders

Abstract

Tibb-e-Unani is an integral part of the Indian system of medicine. There are four important modes for the management and treatment of various diseases in Unani medicine, namely, nutrition therapy (Ilaj-bil-Ghiza), cognitional therapy (Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer), medicinal therapy (Ilaj-bil-Dawa) and surgery (Ilaj-bil-Yad). Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer is a treatment modification that involves a degree of change or tweak in the Asbab-e-sitta daruriya (six basic variables) for the well-being of people with disabilities or to prevent diseases in the general population. It incorporates some of the restorative intercessions, for example, Hijamah (cupping therapy), Irsale-Alaq (leech therapy), Fasad (phlebotomy), Dalak (massage), Nutul (irrigation), Abzan (Sitz bath) etc. Among these, Abzan is a novel, basic, protected, non-obtrusive and powerful external therapy. Basically, it is a type of shower where the buttocks and hips are poured into water for remedial purposes. Repeatedly, the entire reproductive system is immersed in water. This procedure is used to reduce inflammation and pain in the lower and upper extremities of the body, such as haemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, uterine spasms, uterine prolapse, pelvic inflammatory disease, irritable bowel syndrome, episiotomy, bladder disease, prostate and vaginal problems etc. In the present paper, an attempt has been made to review the role of sitz bath in various gynaecological diseases.