QAI (EMESIS): FROM ANCIENT TO MODERN ERA AND ITS THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY IN VARIOUS DISORDERS

Abstract

Promotion of positive health and prevention of diseases purposely requires keeping the body free of excess and morbid humors which inadvertently accumulate as a result of various physiological processes. Qai is a simple and effective method for removing such wastes and free of complications if the prescribed guidelines are followed. Muqiyat (emetics) induce qai either by stimulating the stomach and casing reverse peristalsis, or by stimulation of vomiting centre. Hammam, exercises and stimulation of the throat with a feather are also supportive measures to induce qai. In both cases, there are definite hormonal and immunological changes in the body. It is said to be the best method for excretion of balghami and safravi wastes, especially from the liver and stomach. The physical stress on the body during the act of qai mobilizes the humors in distant viscera also. If carried out in a proper manner, qai causes cleanses the stomach of morbid wastes, corrects digestion, promotes healthy weight gain, relieves the heaviness in head, and improves vision. However, qai should be avoided in pregnant and asthenic patients, in those who have a weak perineum, in patients having no plethora in their body, and certain other conditions. Nevertheless, over-enthusiastic procedure should be discouraged as it may lead to general weakness, damages the liver, lungs and eyes, causes weakening of the stomach, increases the flow of morbid humors towards the stomach, is harmful for the teeth and may cause haemoptysis due to increased intra-thoracic pressure. As a therapeutic measure, qai is recommended in patients of epilepsy, indigestion, gastralgia, gout, arthritis, rheumatic fever and various other disorders.