EFFECTIVENESS OF VARMAM THERAPY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

Siddha system of medicine is the ancient traditional medicine practiced all over Tamil Nadu. Siddha system is bestowed with various specialities of few which are Varmam, Pranayamam, Yoga and Kayakarpam. This system has a vast repository of internal and external medicines; Varmam is one among such therapies used to treat multiple ailments, especially related to musculoskeletal and neurological deficits. Varmam is the vital life energy points located in human body and was identified as 108 points by the Siddhars. Here the Varmam treatment for Azhalkeelvaayu (Osteoarthritis), one of the types of Keelvaayu mentioned in the Siddha Noi naadal book is evaluated in a small group of patients. Among the elderly knee Osteoarthritis is leading cause of chronic disability in developed countries. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the second most common rheumatologic problem and is most frequent joint disease with prevalence of 22% to 39% in India. A study was done on 30 clinically diagnosed patients of osteoarthritis (knee joint). Such patients who underwent Varmam therapy are observed and results are presented. The results showed significant effect of Varmam therapy for the management of Osteoarthritis which is evident from the p value (P=1).