TJPRC: International Journal of AYUSH

Medicine & Research (TJPRC: IJAMR)

Vol. 1, Issue 1, Jun 2016, 21-26
© TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.

STUDY OF HAMAM – A REGIMENTAL THERAPY

OMME SALMA1 & NAZEER HUSSAIN2

1
Hony. Research Associate, Center for Unani Ilaj Bit Tadbeer – Regimental Therapy,Project funded by Ministry of
AYUSH, Government of India, A unit of Niamath Science Academy, Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India
2
Junior Research Fellow, Center for Unani Ilaj Bit Tadbeer – Regimental Therapy,Project funded by Ministry of
AYUSH, Government of India, A unit of Niamath Science Academy, Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT

Hamam is one among the regimental therapy indicated in the Unani system of Medicine from the ancient time
onwards; Hamam was given importance in maintaining the health of people by properly and systematically applying
Bathing techniques. It helps to cure several discomforts like metabolic disorders. Hamam is a specified type of bath
designed for the human body. In this communication the highlights and the importance of HAMAM- Bath and its uses
are highlighted.

KEYWORDS: Hamam, Turkish bath, Regimental Therapy

Original Article
Received: Mar 25, 2016; Accepted: Apr 21, 2016; Published: Apr 25, 2016; Paper Id.: TJPRC:IJAMRJUN201604

INTRODUCTION

Hamam means “That produces heat” or spreader of warmth, Hamm means “Bath room” in many dialects.
Bath room is a place used for bathing with specific provisions and conditions customized according to the disease
to be treated.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

Hamam is given to the patients to cure the following discomfort.

 To reduce viscosity of the humour.

 To improve health in debilitated individuals.

 To increase the inner heat of the body.

 To improve metabolism.

 To evacuate waste produces through skin.

 To treat the paralysis and muscular wasting.

 To give relief to cervical and lumbar Spondylosis, paralysis, obesity, rheumatism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials
The following materials were used for the Hamam treatment.

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22 Omme Salma & Nazeer Hussain

 Bath robe

 Coarse cloth (Turkish towel)

 Coarse gloves (Scrubber made of palm root)

 Pumice stone (Feet massage)

 Soap (Herbal or Medicated)

 Herbal or aromatic oil for massage and

 Shampoo (Herbal or medicated for hair wash)

Methods

The etiquettes of Hamam are strictly followed. The therapy begins with undressing the patient or loosening of
clothes with a relaxation of 10-15 minutes.

This therapy involves the cleansing of body through a series of water based treatment. The selected patients were
allowed to perspire well in the steam bath for about 20 minutes and then were moved to the massage room where the
masseur or the therapist massages for 15 minutes with a scrubber and then moves to the Hamam room were the Jacuzzi tub
is filled with required quantity of medicated water of herbal - dried Gul- e- Palas (Butea Monosperma). The Jacuzzi is
provided with underwater jets that massage the body with different pressure through different outlet in order to control the
required pressure needed for various parts of the body as desired by the physician.

The patients were then moved to the normal room and asked to relax for a while, and they were provided with a
drink and a short nap if desired. Patients are kept under observation for about 15-20 minutes and all vital parameters like
blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate were recorded. After assisting that all the parameters were normal the patients
were advised for discharge with a review date.

Photographs of Hamam Therapy given for various diseases done at the Center

Figure 1: Paralysis

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Study of Hamam – A Regimental Therapy 23

Figure 2: Skin Disorder

Hamam Therapy Data

 The following data reveals the total number of patients treated followed by Graphical representation:

Total Number of Patient’s Data

Table 1
Total number of
Total number
Therapy Period Patients in
of Patients
Hamam
HAMAM OCT 2011 - SEP 2015 53639 2366

Figure 3: Hamam Oct 2011 – Sep 2015

Table 2

Period & Total

Therapy Inpatient Outpatient Total
Number of Patients
Oct 2011 - Sep 2015 &
HAMAM 1169 1197 2366
53639

 Similarly, the data shown are for the treatment given by Hamam therapy in order to alleviate certain diseases or
illness like pain, sinusitis, and skin disorders with graphical representation.

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24 Omme Salma & Nazeer Hussain

Total Number of Patient’s Data

In a Particular Disease

Table 3

Therapy Pain Sinusitis Skin Others Total

HAMAM 1206 178 865 117 2366

Figure 4

DISCUSSION AND RESULTS

In Center for Unani Ilaj Bit Tadbeer, we have treated several cases around 2366 patients totally in Hamam In
which for pain 1206 patients, for sinusitis 178 patients, for skin disorder 865 patients and other diseases 117 patients.

This Center has a success rate and a breakthrough in treating 40 patients (other cases) affected with Paralysis in
different parts of the body with different percentage.

Thus, the research revealed that Jacuzzi arrangement can be utilized in facilities and fulfils the need of Hamam.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors of this communication on Hamam bath – one of the Regimental Therapies are indebted to the
Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India for sanctioning the project and financial support for the successful completion of the
five years and bringing out this scientific communication.

We further, much grateful to Dr. Hakim Syed Khaleefathullah, Founder President, Niamath Science Academy for
his vigilant, valuable suggestions, insistent help and advices in every manner towards a better completion of this
communication.

We are indebted to our colleagues (Mr. A. Ramasamy, Dr. Syed M.A. Iqbal and Mr. Mohammed Niyas) in
extending their services in bringing out this communication in a successful manner.

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Study of Hamam – A Regimental Therapy 25

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