EFFECT OF VARMAM THERAPY IN SANTHU VATHAM (OSTEO ARTHRITIS–KNEE JOINT)-A SINGLE CASE STUDY

Santhu vatham is a vatha disease mentioned in the Siddha text book Yugi vaidhya chindhamani. The clinical features can be equated to osteo arthritis of knee joint. Varmam therapy is one of the external therapies mentioned in Siddha literature. A 68 y old male from chennai reported to the varmam, narambiyal matrum enbumurivu OPD of Siddha Central Research Institute (SCRI) on 2.5.2015 with chief complaints of pain and swelling in both knee joints since 5 y. He was given varmam therapy. Varma points are points where the pranan, ie, vital energy of our body is concentrated (residing). The treatment is given for 45 d for once in 2 d for 15 min. The pain was assessed using visual analogue score before and after treatment. The pain was markedly reduced after treatment. The range of movements of the knee joint was also improved.