A Siddha Management of Attai vidal (Leech therapy) with internal and
external medicines for Naalavibatha Punn (Varicose Ulcer): A Case Report
Abstract
According to various classical Siddha literature, the varicose ulcer is
compared with the symptoms of Naalavibatha punn / Naalasurrutu punn /
Naalaviruvu punn. Treat varicose ulcers by prescribing Siddha internal
medicines and external therapies. On August 5, 2022, a 48-year-old
female patient attended the OPD of Santhigiri Siddha Medical College and
Hospital, Trivandrum, with the following complaints: dilatation of veins
present in the right lower limb for 6 years; hyperpigmented lesion with
itching and swelling above the medial malleolus of the right lower limb
for 6 months; and an ulcer present above the medial malleolus for the
last 3 months. She had a known case of varicose veins and had taken
sclerotherapy three times but did not have satisfaction with the
allopathic medication. The majority of the symptoms were significantly
reduced in 60 days under the Siddha medications, such as a combination
of Siddha preparation (Parangipattai Chooranam, Sangu Parpam, and
Silasathu Parpam), Rasa gandhi mezhugu for internal, Padikara neer
washing, wound dressing with Mathan thailam for external for 2 months,
and attai vidal (leech application) done in 3 sittings in the gap of 10
days. No recurrence of any chronic varicose ulcer was observed during
the 1 year of follow-up, and relevant preventive Siddha medication for
Naalavibatha punn was given and advised the patient to do exercises that
strengthen the legs and compression therapy. To summarize, the case
report exhibited that Siddha leech therapy with both internal and
external medications is very effective in the management of varicose
ulcers.