Diagnosis of signs of death according to Naadi reading (pulse): a literature study

Abstract

Siddha system has unique methods in diagnosis and prognosis of diseases and is mainly based on the methods "Envagaithervugal". Among the Envagaithervugal Naadi is an important diagnostic and prognostic indicator and was explained by sage Therayar as well as eighteen Siddhars. Sage Therayar in his verse mentioned naadi only at the end of Envagaithervugal as it is used to confirm the diagnosis of disease and death. As this method is based on wisdom, the study aimed to conduct a literature survey on this method. Systemic review was done using the Siddha literature and research articles. The pulse assessment was done by feeling the naadi at wrist. If there is any imbalance in the normal proportion (l: l/2: l/4vatha. pitha, ayya respectively) of Uyirlhathukkal it is reflected through naadi. For instance, Siddhars mentioned that death is sure when Ayya naadi independently doubles with the reduction or disapperance of vatham and pitham. It is futile to treat a patient when his or her Vatha and Pitha pulse have disappeared. If the three naadis are combined and felt as one naadi simultaneously disappearing or the pulse felt like the fluttering of the cut tail of a streaked lizard, the signs show the nearing of death. The Naadi reading method is a convenient reliable and inexpensive method for diagnosis and prognosis of a disease which is gained by experience. Validation of this method may have impact on public health prospective.