Hammam-i-Bukhari (Turkish bath): A promising regimenal mode of Unani treatment

Hammam-i-Bukhari (Turkish bath) is one of the important regimens used for the prevention and cure of several bodily ailments in Unani system of medicine. This regimen is usually practiced in the Arab world. The classical Turkish bath is built in the form of cavernous structure with beautiful classy mosaics and fountains. This regimenal therapy advocates physical, psychological and cosmetic health by integral cleansing which has different corporal effects appearing in biological along with molecular level. This therapy reduces the viscosity of the khilt (humour), eliminates the khilt-i-radi (morbid matters) and also diverts the morbid matters to the surface of the body from deep seated organs. Unani physicians, sometimes advise to patients for massage and several other regimens with different medicated substances before hammam to enhance the physiological activity from where hammam eliminates by its unique actions which helps in establishing a state of humoural equilibrium thus promoting health. Due to its efficacy and necessity; this therapeutic module is gaining popularity and assuming greater prominence among patients who are referred by physicians. The present review will dwell at length various modalities of hammam with its beneficial effects so that wholesome wellness could be attained by practical indulgence.