ANALYSIS OF PATIENTS FOOTFALL IN SIDDHA DISEASE PREVENTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH OUT PATIENT DEPARTMENT
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Abstract
Background: Noi Anuga Vidhi Ozhukkam (NAVO) is an outpatient department functioning mainly on providing dietary regimens and lifestyle modification advice for various diseases. Understanding the disease footfall among patients referred from different departments helps identify common disease patterns and their Siddha perspectives.
Objective: To document and analyze the disease footfall of patients referred from various outpatient departments visiting the Noi Anuga Vidhi Ozhukkam (NAVO) outpatient department.
Methods: Patients diagnosed and referred from various outpatient departments attended the NAVO OPD at the National Institute of Siddha, Tambaram Sanatorium, Chennai. The department primarily provides dietary regimens and lifestyle modification advice. Disease footfall was analyzed over an 8-month period from July 2024 to February 2025. Major diseases analyzed included Madhumegam (Diabetes mellitus), Keelvayu (Arthritis), Pithapaikal (Cholelithiasis), Azhalkeelvayu (Osteoarthritis), Gunmam (Gastric/Peptic ulcer), Thandagavadham (Lumbar spondylosis), Athithoolam (Obesity), Vali Azhal Keel Vaayu (Rheumatoid arthritis), and Moolam (Haemorrhoids).
Results: Diabetes mellitus, arthritis, obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and haemorrhoids constituted the major disease footfall observed during the study period. In Siddha concept, health is maintained by the equilibrium of the three humors (Mukkutram)—Vatham, Pitham, and Kabam. Seasonal variations (Paruvangal) directly influence these humors, and their imbalance predisposes the body to specific diseases. Siddha recognizes six Tamil seasons (Aaru Paruvangal), each affecting the accumulation, aggravation, or pacification of humors.
Conclusion: The study highlights the disease pattern among patients attending NAVO OPD and emphasizes the importance of Siddha concepts, dietary regimens, lifestyle modifications, and seasonal influences in disease prevention and management.
References
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J.Shiyamala
Associate professor, National Institute of Siddha, Tamabaram sanatorium, chennai-47 Contact number :8610094732
