Chennai: The National Institute of Siddha (NIS) entered the Guinness Book of World Records for providing Varmam therapy to 567 individuals simultaneously.
The event held today, at the NIS campus in Tambaram, Chennai, highlighted the growing recognition of Siddha medicine and its non-invasive, drug-free therapeutic methods, particularly through the practice of Varmam therapy.
The event saw 567 trained Varmanis (Varmam healers) simultaneously providing therapy to 567 individuals, underscoring the therapeutic reach and effectiveness of this traditional practice. The Guinness World Record not only demonstrated the therapeutic potential of Siddha medicine but also showcased the growing interest in traditional healing systems.
Varmam therapy, a unique and traditional healing modality within the Siddha system of medicine, has long been revered for its effectiveness in treating various health conditions. It is particularly renowned for its ability to provide rapid relief for musculoskeletal pain, injuries, and neurological disorders.
While Varmakalai (the martial art form associated with Varmam) is often misunderstood as a combat technique, in Siddha medicine, it is a scientifically grounded therapeutic practice used to treat acute and chronic diseases, including stroke, arthritis, and trauma-related injuries.
The Guinness World Record event was a part of the NIS’s ongoing efforts to bring global attention to the benefits of Siddha medicine and Varmam therapy. The Institute expressed its commitment to further promoting these traditional healing practices, ensuring they reach a wider audience both within India and internationally.
Professor Dr R. Meenakumari, Director of the National Institute of Siddha, said, “Siddha Varmam therapy is a unique, noninvasive, cost-effective, nonpharmacological treatment. It’s used in treating complicated neurological diseases, ortho and musculoskeletal diseases, autism spectrum disease, and cerebral palsy in children. This Guinness world record will help the Siddha system of medicine get a lot of attention from the world and within India.”
The National Institute of Siddha (NIS) celebrated the Guinness world record for mass Varmam therapy, stating that this serves as a testament to the growing global recognition of Siddha medicine and its healing potential. The Union State Minister of Ayush (Independent Charge) Prataprao Jadhav appreciated the efforts of NIS in a written message.
Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha congratulated the NIS team for this historic achievement and said “This type of event is not just about achieving an award; it’s about raising awareness among the new generation and helping them understand the science and value behind such wonderful practices”. He added, “The Siddha system of medicine is gaining significant attention both globally and within India. We are committed to sustaining this momentum. In recent years, the National Institute of Siddha has seen great progress.”
– global bihari bureau
