Blogs

ayushadmin | Nov 24, 2020 | 370

Siddha medicine : unique healing system of medicine

Siddha is one of the traditional medicinal systems in India and part of the Trio Indian medicines: Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. The term ‘Siddhi’ means achievement and the person who achieved results through Yoga or Tapas.

Siddha form of medicine was invented even before the birth of Jesus Christ. Siddhas (exponents of Siddha system) who invented this form of medicine were supernatural saints and such powers were handed over by Hindu God – Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.

The founders of Siddha are the following great Saints:

1.Nandi

2.Agasthyar

3.Thirumular

4.Punnakkeesar

5.Pulasthiyar

6.Poonaikannar

7.Idalkadar

8.Bogar

9.Pulikar Isar

10.Karuvurar

11.Konkanavar

12.Kalangi

13.Sattainathar

14.Azhuganni

15.Agappai

16.Pambatti

17.Theraiyar

18.Kudhambai

The basic concept of Siddha medicine is similar to Ayurveda. The difference between Siddha and Ayurveda is Siddha recognizes predominance of Vatha, Pittha and Kapha in Childhood, adulthood and old age; while, in old age and Pitta in Adults.

The psychological and physiological functions of the body are attributed to the combination of seven elements:

• first is Saram (plasma) which is responsible for growth, development and nourishment;
• second is cheneer (blood) responsible for nourishing muscles, imparting colour and improving intellect;
• third is ooun (muscles) responsible for shape of the body;
• fourth is kollzuppu (fatty tissues) which is responsible for lubricating joints and oil balance;
• fifth is enbu (bone) responsible for body structure, posture and movement;
• sixth is moolai (nerve) responsible for strength and the last sukila (semen) responsible for reproduction.

Siddha is the oldest systems of medicine practiced in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. Since this type of medicine evolved with Dravidian’s culture, it is known as Dravidian system of medicine.

The objective of Siddha Medicine is to make the body imperishable, perfect and promote longevity. This is the first system to emphasize health as the perfect state of physical, mental, social, moral and spiritual component of human beings.

Siddha is based on ‘Andapinda Thathvam’ – which means that the relationship between the universe and human body. These two are interlinked through the give basic principles which are known as ‘Panchaboothas’. In Siddha, the classifications of diseases are done as per below entities:

1. Clinical signs and symptoms
2. Derangement of three physiological units i.e, Vatha, Pitha and Kapha
3. Causative factor of a particular disease
4. Injury to vital points of the body (Varma points)
5. Psychological causes
6. Involvement of affected parts of the body
7. Infestation of worms and other infective organisms
8. Genetical inheritance (also known as ‘Karma Doshas)

Diagnosis :Eight parameters are analyzed to diagnose ailments, which are known as ‘Astasthana pariksa’. These are:

1. na (tongue)
2. varna (colour)
3. svara (voice)
4. kan (eyes)
5. sparisam (touch)
6. mala (stool)
7. neer (urine)
8. nadi (pulse)

Drugs used by Siddhas : The drugs used by Siddhars could be classified into three groups:

1.Thavaram (Herbal products)

2.Thathu (Inroganic substances)

1. Uppu (water soluble inorganic substances that give out vapour when put into fire)
2. Pashanam (drugs not dissolved in water but emit vapour when fired)
3. Uparasam (Similar to pashanam but differ in action)

Drugs in Siddha form of medicine were classified on the basis of five vital properties:

1. Suvai (taste)
2. Guna (Character)
3. Veerya (Potency)
4. Pirivu (Class)
5. Mahimai (Action)

It is important note that the present day treatment such as Physiotherapy, Panchakarmam, Mamam, Acupressure, Naturopathy and Yoga are all evolved from Siddha System of Medicine or siddha. Siddha system of Medicine emphasizes not only a healthy body but a peaceful mind and a pure soul. It is very unique compared to any other medical system.