Detect early signs of stroke through innovative ‘Namaste’ technique

A city-based neurologist working at a private hospital has devised an innovative way to detect a stroke. His mantra: stand upright, fold your hands and say “Namaste”.

Explaining the initiative to spread awareness about early stroke detection using the traditional greeting, Dr Shriram Varadharajan said, “A simple ‘Namaste’ can save lives during an acute stroke. By performing a Namaste, individuals can quickly check for key stroke symptoms. Joining hands can help detect arm weakness or drift, standing straight with a smile can reveal facial droop or asymmetry, and saying ‘Namaste’ aloud can highlight slurred speech. Additionally, closing your eyes can test for vestibular or sensory issues.”

The current pre-hospital stroke assessment scales focus on facial droop, arm drift, grip weakness and slurring of speech — all of which can be tested simultaneously through the traditional Namaste.

“If someone is alone, self-assessment can be done in front of a mirror. Closing one’s eyes while performing the Namaste can also help detect sensory or balance abnormalities, which may indicate posterior circulation strokes,” he added.

Breaking it down further, Varadharajan explained, “The ‘Namaste’ posture involves flexion with abduction at the shoulder, flexion at the elbows, and wrist extension with palms pressed together. This position can reveal arm drift and grip weakness. Smiling and saying ‘Namaste’ aloud helps detect facial asymmetry and slurred speech. The simplicity of this technique makes it adaptable, with regional greetings like ‘Vanakkam’ in Tamil serving as effective alternatives.”

Experts envision the technique as a simple, accessible screening method to promote early stroke detection.

Varadharajan stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate people on stroke symptoms, emphasising that timely detection and intervention within the narrow treatment window can be lifesaving.