Aim of the study is to standardize Manikkadai nool- a siddha diagnostic tool.
• Due to lack of theoretical evidences, it becomes a quite difficult to standardize Manikkadai in a better way. But the author tried best to present most possible outcome regarding Manikkadai nool.
• 100 patients were randomly selected from OPD with age group of 18 to 60 years at Government Siddha Medical College, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
• 4 threads were used to assess Manikkadai nool to analyze if there is any variation between threads.
• Manikkadai viratkadai alavu were taken in both Metacarpophalangeal and Interphalngeal joints of palmar and dorsal surfaces of the hand.
• Like this a total of 96 measurements were taken in each participant, to standardize the Measuring side (Right and Left), Measuring surface (Palmar and Dorsal), Measuring joints (MCP and IP), Measuring thread of Manikkadai nool (Pattu, Twine, Swing and Panjavarna thread).
• Along with Manikkadai, Other siddha diagnostic procedures such as Ennvagai thervu was also included to add strength to the study.
• Based on the statistical analysis, Observation and results:
• PANJAVARNA NOOL gives better results when compared to other threads used such as Pattu nool, Twine thread, Swing thread.
• Measurements of Both PALMAR SURFACE and DORSAL SURFACE presents better results.
• Measuring finger breadths in METACARPOPHALANGEAL JOINTS gives better results than interphalangeal joint.
• OPPOSITE SIDE MEASUREMENT i.e. measuring Manikkadai circumference and viratkadai (Finger breadth) of opposite side gives better results than the same side.
CONCLUSION:
On standardizing Manikkadai nool, Panjavarna nool, both Palmar surface & Dorsal surface and Metacarpophalangeal joint were considered as best when comparing it with symptoms proposed in siddha textual references. Besides that, other siddha parameters such as Naadi and Neikuri also helped in diagnosing a disease in a more efficient way. By this author concluded that siddha diagnostic tools can be also used confirmatory diagnostic tools when used in a proper and efficient way. So further studies should be needed to strengthen Siddha diagnostic parameters. The author encourage further studies on Manikkadai nool by taking this study as preliminary one because further studies will be needed prior to use these methods in clinical practice
