Do ECG, a pulse sensor and a Doppler have a role in a workshop on 'varma kalai,' the ancient healing art? These instruments were used, at a recent two-day event "Dasa Naadi: Clinical and Scientific Exploration" at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, to check if the Dasa Naadi, the 10 channels which are said to be part of the 96 siddha fundamental principles and also a basic component of the 'varma kalai', were present in the human body. Experiments at the workshop proved that they do, said experts.

Siddha treatment is based on the '10 channels', but their presence in the body is yet to be proved. "We have been researching this line since 2007. This is the first time we have been able to prove the channels' presence in the body by using ECG, pulse sensor and Doppler," said M Manivannan, associate professor, department of applied mechanics, IIT-M. The study was based on the detailed pathways, relation to each other and the clinical significance of the channels in the body.

The most important experiment at the workshop related to the regulation of 'vaata', 'pitta', 'kapha' by pressing vital points in the body.

When he started his research in 2007, Manivannan's first challenge was to prove the existence of the three elements scientifically. "Although all theories of ayurveda and siddha are based on their existence, there was no scientific evidence. So I got a 'varmaniam' expert (one who reads vital points in the body) to check the level of 'vaata', 'pitta', 'kapha' in a person's body by taking the pulse at three different spots on the arm. The experiment proved the levels of the three can be controlled by touching the vital points," he said. The test was repeated three times to check the result was correct.

S Arjunan of Varmaniam Foundation said: "The findings will help further research in this field." According to him, 'vaata', composed of air, controls movements in the mind and body, while 'pitta' composed of fire and water, governs metabolism and transformation. 'Kapha', cements the elements and provides material for physical structure.

At least 60 students and 15 faculty members from various siddha and ayurveda colleges in Tamil Nadu participated in the workshop, jointly organised by Touchlab, Biomedical Engineering Group, IIT-M and Varmaniam Foundation, Kanyakumari.