A Role of Varma Manipulation on Trigeminal Neuralgia – A Case Report

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by episodic sporadic, sudden, excruciating facial pain especially on one side of the face. It may last from a few seconds to few minutes caused due to a variety of conditions such as blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve, demyelination of  trigeminal nerve’s myelin sheath, nerve compression from a tumor or arteriovenous malformation  as it exits the brain stem. lasts anywhere from a few seconds to as long as two minutes per episode. Present day treatment modality of trigeminal neuralgia involves antidepressants, anticonvulsants and surgical management that are not affordable by common people. The present study is a case report of a typical case of trigeminal neuralgia. The subject was treated with non-pharmacological measure of varma manipulation, a traditional south Indian art. The pressure points named as Kondai kolli, Kambothiri Kaalam II, Janni varmam, Chunnambu kaalam, Annan kaalam, Kuththi kaalam, Poigai kaalam, Porchai kaalam and Sevi kuththi kaalam were manipulated weekly twice in the morning. The symptomatic improvement was recorded after every session. The patient had rapid relief after seven sessions.