Article: EVALUATION OF TRIHUMORAL AND CHRONICITY OF DISEASE THROUGH TONGUE CHANGES IN LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS (PATAVANMIKAM)

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.16254

Pages: 119-122

Author: Aruldevi Selvam *, Praise Prabha Devadoss, Girijarani Pethannan

Abstract: Siddha system of Medicine founded by Siddhars. They were the persons who attained the supreme power through astanka yokam (8 states to reach the divine power). Through the extreme knowledge and wisdom, they diagnose the disease and treat the disease. The disease Patavanmikam or Cilipata noy termed as Lymphatic Filariasis. It is broadly categorized into Vatam, Pittam and Kapam. The patients came with the complaints of Elephantiasis, lymph node swelling in the inguinal region, fever, male cases presented with scrotal swelling in chronic condition. Siddhars elaborated the disease diagnostic procedure into eight categories as “Envagai Thervu” also known as “Maruthuvar ayutham” (weapon for physician). Among that, one such tool is Tongue. On the Trihumoral variation the tongue is categorised into Vatam, Pittam and Kapam. The Physiological appearance of the tongue might be altered when the disease interrupts. The changes could be black spots, redness, white spots, fissure in the tongue and coating. 30 patients were enrolled in the study from National Filariasis centre, Chengalpattu and tongue changes were evaluated. In acute condition of disease, the tongue shows Vatam and Pittam and chronic condition the tongue shows Kapam humour.

Keyword: Siddha, astanka yokam, Envakai tervu, Patavanmikam, Maruthuvar ayutham