DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF THERAPEUTIC PRACTICES AND TREATMENT MODALITIES AMONG TRADITIONAL PRACTITIONERS IN TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT
Dr. M. Rajagopal*, Dr. P. Dharani, Dr. V. Sowmiya, Dr. M. Varunapriya, Dr. M. Santhiya, Dr. A. Seethaladevi, Dr. R. Umabharathi
ABSTRACT
Background: Traditional medical systems employ diverse therapeutic practices including internal medicines,
external applications, and manual treatment modalities. These practices continue to play a vital role in disease
management at the community level. Aim: To document and analyze the therapeutic practices and treatment
modalities followed by traditional practitioners in Tirunelveli district. Materials and Methods: A descriptive
qualitative study was conducted among ten traditional practitioners using face-to-face interviews with a preplanned
questionnaire. Snowball sampling technique was employed. Data related to internal medicines, external
therapies, and treatment modalities were documented and analyzed. Results: The majority of practitioners
practiced both internal and external therapies. Herbal-based internal medicines such as karkam, kudineer, and
choornam were predominantly used. External therapies including pattru, ennai application, and manual procedures
such as varmam and thokkanam were commonly practiced for musculoskeletal, dermatological, and neurological
disorders. Conclusion: Traditional practitioners follow a holistic therapeutic approach combining medicinal and
manual therapies. Documentation and scientific validation of these practices are essential for ensuring safety,
standardization, and integration into contemporary healthcare.
Keywords: Traditional practitioners, Therapeutic practices, Treatment modalities, Siddha medicine.
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