Management of chronic dysphagia with Siddha Varma therapy: A case report

Abstract

Dysphagia is a medical condition characterized by difficulty swallowing, which can be painful and, in severe cases, may even make swallowing impossible. Occasional difficulty swallowing, for instance, when eating too quickly or not chewing food well enough, is usually not a cause for concern. However, persistent or progressive dysphagia can indicate a serious underlying medical condition that requires treatment. A 49-year-old male with a 2-year history of severe dysphagia, unable to tolerate solids or liquids, was referred for esophageal replacement surgery due to gross esophageal dysfunction detected during endoscopy. According to Siddha principles, the condition was diagnosed as Sanguthiry Varmam, attributed to trauma-induced disruption of swallowing reflexes. The patient underwent Siddha Varma therapy involving sequential stimulation of specific points, Kuththy Varmam, Kondai Kolli Varmam, Kavala Varmam, and Konasanni Varmam, using graded finger pressure (Mathirai). Remarkable improvement was reported by the second day of Varma therapy treatment, with further progress by the fourth day. By August 9, 2025, the patient experienced complete resolution of dysphagia, regaining normal swallowing function and thereby avoiding major surgery. This case report highlights the therapeutic potential of Siddha Varma therapy in restoring neuromuscular and pranic balance. From a biomedical perspective, surgical correction is generally the standard management for severe esophageal dysfunction, yet this case demonstrated that noninvasive Varma stimulation achieved comparable outcomes at a minimal cost, without hospitalization, anesthesia, or surgical risks. Siddha Varma therapy may, therefore, serve as an effective, safe, and affordable alternative to surgery for selected cases of dysphagia, warranting further clinical studies to substantiate these findings.