An open single arm clinical trial to determine the therapeutic effect of Uloga suttigai(Metal cauterisation) in the management of Mugavatham(Bells palsy)

Siddhasystem of medicine is one of the ancient traditional Indian system of medicines with unique diagnostic methods, therapeutics and treatment procedures. The medicines in Siddha are classified into Agamarunthugal (Internal medicines) and Puramarunthugal (External medicines). Suttigai is one of the external therapies which includes uloga suttigai, mann suttigai, mara suttigai, kaanthi suttigai, kaal suttigai. The metals commonly used for uloga suttigai are gold, silver, copper, iron, tin. In uloga suttai the metal probe will be heated and placed in and around the diseased parts. Bell’s palsy is the most common unilateral and quick-onset peripheral paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve. Bell’s palsy could be caused by immune, infectious, or ischaemic causes, although the exact mechanism is not known. Uloga suttigai (Metal cauterization) is indicated for Mugavatham in Siddha literature. This study aims to determine the therapeutic effect of Uloga Suttigai (Metal cauterization) by assessing the reduction in clinical signs and symptoms of Mugavatham (Bell’s palsy) through House brackmann scale. 20 participants will be recruited for trial and Informed consent will be obtained from each participant. The copper suttigai instrument will be heated up to red hot and will be touched at the varma points on the affected site of face, hand, leg and on tender points along the course of facial nerve. It is done at interval of 7 days upto 5 sittings.