"Psammotherapy": A Wellness Treatment in Unani Medicine – Dr. Liyaqat Ali Mansury
The practice of "Psammotherapy" originated in ancient Egypt and was subsequently adopted by the Greeks. It is a traditional and natural therapeutic method. In Unani medicine, it is referred to as "Psammotherapy"—a term derived from the Greek word "Psammos," meaning "sand." Consequently, it is also known as a "Sand Hammam" or "Sand Bath." As a form of medical treatment, it involves burying the body in hot sand to alleviate pain, facilitate detoxification, and improve blood circulation.
*Procedure:* Sand that has been naturally heated by sunlight is utilized for this therapy. A shallow pit is dug within the hot sand. The individual is then laid on their back inside the pit and covered with sand up to the neck. This entire process typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Due to being completely enveloped in the heat of the sand, the body begins to perspire profusely. After a short while, the body begins to cool down; once the allotted time has elapsed, the individual is wrapped in a warm blanket. Since a person can typically endure being buried in the sand for only two to five minutes at a time, they are removed from the pit and immediately wrapped in a blanket. They remain comfortably wrapped in the blanket for approximately 45 minutes; during this time, the perspiration mixes with the residual sand on the skin, forming a mud-like layer. Subsequently, this muddy residue is washed off by bathing, at which point the treatment is considered complete. If desired, the individual may then proceed to a different pit to repeat the entire process.
*Benefits:*
1. Sand contains natural minerals (such as silica and calcium) that provide nourishment to the skin and bones.
2. This therapy improves blood circulation. 3. According to Unani principles, this therapy regulates metabolism by raising the body's temperature and facilitates the elimination of morbid substances.
4. Arthritis and Joint Pain: Warm sand fomentation provides significant relief from pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and sciatica.
5. Muscle Relaxation: The weight and natural warmth of the sand help alleviate muscle stiffness.
6. Detoxification and Skin Disorders: Sweating facilitates the expulsion of harmful toxins. The sand particles exfoliate the skin, offering therapeutic benefits for conditions such as psoriasis. Sweating purges toxic substances from the body, while the sand particles cleanse dry skin. The weight of the sand aids in relaxing the muscles and calming the mind. Sand Hammams are also utilized to treat various skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and other dermatological ailments. Specialized "Sand Hammam" centers are established to provide this treatment in a clinical setting.
Precautions:
1. As this is a natural treatment, patients suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, or open skin wounds must consult a certified Unani physician before undergoing this therapy.
2. Patients are continuously monitored throughout the therapy session while they remain submerged in the sand.
3. Caregivers position umbrellas over the sand to shield individuals from direct sunlight.
4. To prevent dehydration during the therapy, patients should be assisted in consuming water.
5. As a safety measure, a reduced amount of sand is applied over the cardiac region.
साभार :
© CopyRight Pressnote.in | A Avid Web Solutions Venture.