---
title: Do traditional Indian healing practices reduce PMS and menstrual cramps?
description: Most of the 20 women who followed a 3-month traditional Siddha practice (oil massage and lifestyle restrictions) reported fewer menstrual cramps and PMS sympt
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/exploring-the-therapeutic-effects-of-pinianuga-vidhi-and-pathiyam-practices-on-2024/
---

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- Do traditional Indian healing practices reduce PMS and menstrual cramps?

Survey study, 2024

# Do traditional Indian healing practices reduce PMS and menstrual cramps?

Most of the 20 women who followed a 3-month traditional Siddha practice (oil massage and lifestyle restrictions) reported fewer menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms. However, the study had no control group, so we can't know if improvements came from the practice or other factors.

 Early or limited evidence

20 young women aged 20-25 years with PMS and menstrual cramps

## What they did

Study of 20 girls aged 20-25 years with PMS and menstrual cramps. They were advised to follow Pinianuga Vidhi (applying pure gingely oil from toe to head and taking oil baths twice in 8 days on Tuesdays and Fridays) and Pathiyam practices (avoiding non-vegetarian, spicy and junk foods; avoiding daytime sleep, heavy exercise and heavy work) for 3 months. Results were assessed by survey.

## What they found

Following the 3-month intervention, the majority of surveyed girls reported reduction in menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms.

## What it means for you

Results suggest these practices may help, but the study had no control group and doesn't specify how many girls improved or by how much. The small sample (20 girls) and limited age range mean results may not apply to all women. Improvement could be due to placebo effect or natural symptom variation. Well-designed research with a control group is needed.

20

Young women studied

20-25 years

Age range of participants

3 months

Duration of intervention

## About the study

Original title Exploring the therapeutic effects of Pinianuga Vidhi and Pathiyam practices on premenstrual syndromes and menstrual cramps in young women: A three-month intervention study Authors Shanthi Thiruppathi chettiar Muthusamy, Bernaitis Lazer, Suganya Chithuraju et al. Journal World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences Year 2024 Study design Survey study What was tested Pinianuga Vidhi (oil massage twice every 8 days) and Pathiyam practices (dietary and lifestyle restrictions) for 3 months Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.30574/wjbphs.2024.18.2.0322](https://doi.org/10.30574/wjbphs.2024.18.2.0322) Original abstract

Premenstrual syndromes (PMS) and menstrual cramps are common issues affecting the quality of life for many women worldwide. Traditional systems of medicine, such as Siddha, offer holistic approaches to address such concerns. Siddha medicine, originating from ancient Tamil Nadu in India, emphasizes the use of natural remedies and lifestyle modifications to maintain health and treat ailments. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of Pinianuga Vidhi, a traditional Siddha practice, combined with Pathiyam dietary and lifestyle modifications, on PMS and menstrual cramps in young women. Twenty girls aged between 20-25 years experiencing PMS and menstrual cramps were surveyed. They were advised to follow the Pinianuga Vidhi procedure, which involves applying pure gingely oil from toe to head and taking oil baths twice in 8 days, specifically on Tuesday and Friday. Additionally, participants were recommended to adhere to Pathiyam practices, including dietary restrictions such as avoiding non-vegetarian foods, spicy foods, junk foods, and refraining from daytime sleep, heavy exercises, and heavy work. This intervention was followed for a duration of three months. Results indicated a reduction in menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms in the majority of surveyed girls following the intervention. The holistic approach combining Pinianuga Vidhi and Pathiyam practices from the Siddha system of medicine offers a promising alternative for managing menstrual discomfort and improving overall well-being in young women. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Siddha interventions on menstrual health.

Reproduced under CC-BY.

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Diet and nutrition](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diet/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)[Adolescents and young people](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-adolescents/)

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