Mohammad Shahid Khan’s scientific contributions

Backgroud: Hijama Bila Shart(HBS) a regimen used in Unani system of medicine for various indication, out of such one is alleviating pain of various origin. Several clinical trials evaluated and also validated HBS effect as good pain reliver. Therefore, all such published studies are reviewed systematically. Method: Clinical studies of HBS (Dry Cupping) in alleviating pain was searched from the electronic data base and printed version of journals available at NIUM library. Result: a total of 8 clinical studies published between 2005 - 2013 were identified i9n various journals includes 4 observational, 3 RCTs and 1 cross sectional. Conclusion: As per the results the quality and quantity of studies on HBS in Unani medicine is improved during the past one decade in India. These studies evidence HBS potential effect in alleviating pain associated with joints like back ache, knee pain, sciatica and gynaecological condition(primary dysmenorrhea) with certain limitation. Key words: Hijamat Bila Shart, dry cupping, Unani medicine, pain management.

The objective of medical science mainly comprises of prevention and treatment of diseases in order to maintain health. Unani system of medicine also focuses on the same objectives Hifzane Sehat (preservation of health) and Ilajul Amarz (restoration of health) with glorifying history of serving humanity since Hippocratic era. Pain is a clinical feature of several diseases and commonest manifestation which tends to bring the patient to physician. Pain makes sufferer as well as doctor aware to protect the body from disease for preservation or restoration of health and maintain homeostasis which accomplishes both the goal. It has certain characteristics, location, course which provides important diagnostic hints. It is prime responsibility of the physician's to relieve pain efficiently. Influences of sustained or chronic pain have varying degrees of physical dysfunction, personality changes, depression, anxiety, social isolation, may also affect the patient's quality of life. At present therapeutic alternatives is being preferred over conventional medicine. This review article is aimed to highlight the concept of pain in Unani system of medicine, its management and correlation with modern theories. The article may also serve the objective of providing well being or to improve quality of life of the sufferer.