Abstract

JOINT CARE IN SIDDHA MEDICINE - REVIEW ARTICLE

*Dhashalini T., Paheerathan V. and Piratheepkumar R.

Abstract

Disorders of the musculoskeletal system affect all ages and ethnic groups. Joint diseases may arise from processes affecting bones, joints, muscles, or connective tissues such as skin and tendon. The principal manifestations are pain and impairment of locomotor function. Disease of musculoskeletal system tend to be more common in women and more increasing age. Two most common disorders are osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and affects up to 80’/, of people over the age of 75. Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease and affects 50’/, of women and 20’/, of men by their eighth decade. Diseases of musculoskeletal system are the most common cause of physical disability in older people and account for one-third of physical disability at all ages. This article briefly postulates how far Siddha system contributes in joint disorders in preventive and curative aspects. According to Siddha system Keelvayu is a general term which includes all kind of joint disorders. Vatham that is affects the Keel or joint. Joint diseases originate due to vitiation of Vatham and Kapham under various causes. Siddhars classified joint disorders into 10 type basis of Thrithosam and said about the treatment for joint disorders not only for removal of the disease but also for prevention and improving the body condition. This is said as Kappu, Neekam, Maruntheedu. Based on that Siddhars mentioned various kind of medicinal plants, metals and minerals to prepare medicines in the form of simple and or compound drug formulas. The treatment method includes internal and external therapies. The internal treatment consist 32 types of internal drugs such as decoction, chooranam, tablets, etc. The external treatment includes 32 type of external therapy such as oil application with massaging fumigation, sudation, fermentations, bandaging etc. Further Siddhars mentioned yoga asanas, diet and lifestyle modification to not only cure the joint diseases but also prevent the joint diseases in future.

Keywords: Keelvayu, vatham, kapham, Siddha Medicine, Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis.