International Journal of Medical and Health Research

Authors
Mohd Nayab

Abstract
In Unani system of Medicine, Amal-i-Kaiyy is the practice of burning the flesh for therapeutic purposes; to stop bleeding or other fluids, to remove unwanted skin or to create an entry point into the skin. Amal-i-Kaiyy (Cauterization) is an ancient medical practice and one of the modalities included in Ilāj bit Tadbir. It is the application of corrosive drug or hot metal over the affected site for the therapeutic purposes. The use of Amal-i-Kaiyy is found in Surgical Papyrus which is supposed to be written in 1550 BC. Amal-i-Kaiyy was also in use in Tibb-i-Hindī. Sushrat (800 BC) used this therapy for cauterizing the veins and tendons for various body ailments. It appears in the writings of Buqrat (Hippocrates) around the 4^th century BC, in the form to treat haemorrhoids. He also advised that make the iron rod red-hot and burn the haemorrhoid while it became dried up, and so as that no part may be left behind. Buqrat also suggested the use of Amal-i-Kaiyy for opening the abscesses, done “either by incision or actual Amal-i-Kaiyy, to open fluid build-up under the skin called dropsies and in treating sciatica where bone has come out of its socket. The enlarged lymph nodes in plague were also treated by Amal-i-Kaiyy.