Anthropometric Measurement on Wrist and Manikkadai Alavu (Forearm Circumference) in Gunmam (Gastric Ulcer) Patients – A Comparative Study

Abstract

Siddha Medicine is a system of traditional medicine originating in ancient Tamil Nadu in South India and Sri Lanka. Traditionally, it is taught that the Siddhars laid the foundation for this system of medicine. Siddha system has a unique diagnostic method to identify the diseases and their causes. Manikkadai Nool is one of the diagnostic tools. It is explained in the Agasthiyar Soodamani Kajiru Soothiram by Saint Veadammamuni in Pathinen Siddhar Naadi Nool. The aim of this study was to compare the wrist circumference and Manikkadai alavu (cm) in gunmam patients. It is an observational study. After identifying the eligible subjects, Data was collected by using the interview administrated questionnaire & relevant data was collected by measurement. Collected data were processed and statistically analyzed by a SPSS. The mean age of the subjects was 46.06 (SD±13.833). Majority of subjects in 14 (28%) were between 51 – 60 years of age. The majority of subjects in 30 (60%) were female. The average wrist circumference of the subjects was 16.3cm (SD ± 1.34) and 16.616cm (SD ± 1.24) and Manikkadai alavu was 18.10cm (SD ± 1.81) and 17.97cm (SD ± 1.82) in right and left hand. In group I, II and III, the mean value of right and left wrist circumferences was almost same. On the other hand, right and left Manikkadai alavu in cm was increase slightly. In the present study revealed that In Group I, II and III, the mean value of right and left wrist circumference.was almost same. On the other hand, right and left Manikkadai alavu in cm was increase slightly. These slight differences may influence in the disease diagnosis by Manikkadai Nool.