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| - Last Updated on July 23, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A Facebook video claims that wearing a sacred wrist thread, or a kalava can prevent paralysis. Our fact check reveals that this claim is False.
The Claim
According to a Facebook video, the sacred wrist thread, usually worn in Hinduism and called a kalava, can prevent paralysis. The video cites an article published on Medical News Today, which allegedly states that wearing wrist accessories can reduce the chance of paralysis by 87%.
Fact Check
What is a kalava?
A kalava is a sacred thread tied around the wrist, especially by Hindus during various religious ceremonies. Generally, the thread is red and yellow, symbolising purity and protection. The ritual of tying the kalava is often accompanied by prayers and blessings from a priest, with the thread believed to offer protection from evil and bring good fortune.
Does it have any evidence-based health benefits?
Despite its cultural and religious significance, there is no scientific evidence to support the notion that a kalava has any health benefits, including the prevention of paralysis. The belief in the protective powers of the kalava is based on faith and tradition rather than empirical research. Scientific studies on the health benefits of religious or spiritual practices generally focus on psychological and social effects rather than direct physical health outcomes. Such practices can contribute to a sense of well-being and mental peace. However, they do not have a direct impact on preventing medical conditions like paralysis.
Can wearing a kalava on the wrist help prevent paralysis?
No, there is no scientific basis for the claim that wearing a kalava can prevent paralysis. The article from Medical News Today mentioned in the video does not exist; our search yielded no such publication. Here is a screenshot:
On examining the source document shown in the viral video, we found it actually discusses copper bracelets and arthritis. Using the byline and date from the video as clues, we searched the website of Medical News Today with relevant keywords and found the original report, published in Medical News Today on 16 April 2024, matching the date and byline. However, this report does not mention any discovery about wrist accessories preventing paralysis. Instead, it focuses on copper bracelets and arthritis, stating there is no evidence to support the claim that wearing copper bracelets has any benefit. The so-called UK study is manipulated and hence not credible.
We sought valuable insights from Dr Debayan Dutta, an Associate Consultant in Neurology at Apollo Multi-speciality Hospital, Kolkata. He states, “In Hinduism, a kalava is tied on the wrist during every worship. It is thought to be holy and sacred and is believed to protect against the evil eye. However, there is no strong scientific basis to claim that it prevents wrist paralysis. Wrist paralysis, or ‘wrist drop,’ is caused by damage to a nerve called the radial nerve, which traverses through the wrist to supply the fingers and helps in the extension movement of the fingers. The cause of radial nerve damage is mostly secondary to trauma, fracture, infection, and other neurological disorders, most of which cannot be prevented by wearing a kalava. Although it can work as your lucky charm, there is no evidence to suggest it prevents wrist paralysis.”
Why does paralysis happen?
Paralysis happens when there is a loss of muscle function in part of your body. This can be due to various reasons, including:
- Stroke: This is a leading cause of paralysis. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients.
- Spinal cord injury: Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt the communication between the brain and muscles. This can lead to paralysis.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): MS is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the protective sheath covering nerve fibres, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.
- Trauma: Injuries resulting from accidents or falls can lead to nerve damage and paralysis.
- Neurological conditions: Diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can cause progressive muscle weakness and paralysis.
What are the recommended treatments for paralysis?
Treatment for paralysis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some common approaches include:
- Physical therapy: Helps to maintain muscle strength and flexibility, and to improve mobility.
- Occupational therapy: Assists individuals in adapting to their condition by teaching new ways to perform daily activities.
- Medications: Drugs to treat underlying conditions, such as anticoagulants for stroke or immunosuppressants for MS.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to repair nerve damage or treat underlying conditions.
- Assistive devices: Wheelchairs, braces, and other devices can facilitate mobility and independence.
In conclusion, the kalava holds significant cultural and religious value. But, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that it can prevent paralysis. Paralysis is a serious medical condition requiring appropriate medical treatment and intervention. Relying on traditional beliefs and practices like wearing a kalava should not replace seeking professional medical advice and care. There have been several pseudoscientific explanations which attempt to connect spirituality and health. For example, claims like prayers can heal infirmities or chanting Vitthal mantra can prevent heart attacks or fish prasadam curing respiratory diseases are widespread and their impact is profound. They may be culturally important but lack scientific validation. Faith and spirituality can offer psychological support, but they should not serve as a substitute for evidence-based medical treatments.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
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