Concept of 'Irq al-Nasā (Sciatica) from the Perspective of Unāni Literature: A Review

Unāni Medicine, a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), has been part of the healthcare system since antiquity and adopts a gentle and holistic approach to treating diseases. In Unāni Medicine, 'Irq al-Nasā (sciatica) falls under Waja'al-Mafāsil (arthritis), where the pain originates in the hip joint and radiates to the back of the thigh and occasionally to the knee, ankle, and toes.

This study aims to explore the interpretation of sciatica in Unāni classical literature, with a focus on its management.

This study employed a comprehensive review approach, analysing Unāni classical texts to gather data on sciatica. Additionally, electronic databases, namely PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, were explored for data collection.

The findings of the literature search revealed that four different treatment modalities are detailed in the traditional textbook of Unāni medicine, namely, 'Ilāj bi'l Tadbīr (Regimenal therapy), 'Ilāj bi'l Taghdhiya (Dietotherapy), 'Ilāj bi'l Dawā' (Pharmacotherapy), and 'Ilāj bi'l Yad (Surgery). Sciatica is commonly caused by derangement in the quality and quantity of Akhlāt (humours). Unāni physicians recommend specific diets, regimenal therapies, and medications based on the patient's temperament, humour causing the ailment, the faculty of the implicated organ, and the severity of the condition to promote health, prevent illness, and treat existing conditions.

The review of literature indicates that ancient Unāni physicians had a thorough understanding of sciatica, including its history, risk factors, etiopathogenesis, and management. Further research is required to enhance the therapeutic approaches for sciatica across traditional medical domains.

Unāni Medicine; 'Irq al-Nasā; Sciatica; 'Ilāj bi'l Tadbīr; Waja 'al-Mafāsil.