Migraine and Siddha

Migraine- Siddha view

Dr. K. Jagannathan, MD (Siddha), PhD

Reader, Department of Maruthuvam,

Santhigiri Siddha Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram.

drjagan.siddha@gamil.com

Mobile: 07736750331

In Siddha, Migraine is being known as Otrai thalaivali, which is characterized by severe head ache at one side of the head, later it spreads to entire head, visual or neuralgic aura, vomiting and prostration. Head ache in certain cases, will be active for several days. Mandai idi, Mandai soolai, Thalai nokkadu, Thalaikkuthu, Kabala soolai are some of other terminologies used for migraine.

According to modern side, though aetiology is unknown for migraine, genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, dietary precipitants, psychological stress are considered as some of factors which precipitates migraine. In Siddha, Vayu plays a major role and with the support of either Vatham or Kapham, manifests migraine. Improper food habits and personal habits also participate in the onset of disease. Siddha also deals about another two varieties of migraine pointed by the Siddhar “Yugi muni”, and they are Soorya vartham and Chandra vartham. Head ache starts from morning and will be persisted till evening in case of Soorya vartham where as in Chandra vartham pain will be felt entire night and disappear in the morning. Pain also will be felt in the areas like eye, in between eye brows, base of the nose in certain cases and neuralgic involvement also seen.

In Siddha, in addition to internal medicines, much importance is also given for external applications like medicated oil bath, Poochu, Nasyam, Pugai. Kasthuri mathirai, Linga chenduram, Maha elathi gulikai, Gowri chindamani, Ayakantha chenduram, Arumuga chenduram are some of the Classical preparations usually prescribed by Siddha doctors. For external use, Arakku thylam, Chukku thylam, Sirobara nivarana thylam, Chithira moola thylam, Aswagantha bala laksha thylam, Chandanathi thylam, Nochi thylam are being used as bath oil. Nasyam also giving much relief during attack and Chukku thylam, Nochi thylam and Peenisa thylam are used for this purpose. Since this migraine results from the impairment of vatham, in the beginning of treatment gentle purgation will be advisable. But these medicines could be taken only under medical supervision.

For the benefit of public, herewith some simple home remedies are mentioned.

Internal medicine:

1. Powder of chukku at the dose of 2 gm, could be taken with butter daily, two times for five days. Tamarind (Puli) in food strictly to be avoided.

2. Decoction prepared from Chitraratha, Sathakuppa and Thrikadugu each 5 gram, by adding 1 litre of water and reduced in to 100 ml by boiling. Dose: 30 ml 3 times a day.

Poochu:

1. Karuga veru is ground with milk and applied as poochu over the fore- head and vertex (Nerukayil) daily during episode.

2. Eswaramooli ver, Vayambu and Kurumulaku are ground with water and applied on head.

3. Velipparuthi ila, Ulli, and Vayambu are ground with water and applied as per the procedure mentioned above.

Patru: Dry ginger can be ground with hot water and applied as a poochu

Pugai (Smoke): for 3 days

1. Inhalation of smoke obtained from dried turmeric, by burning

2. Make a dried wick by packing with nicely grounded Chandana powder, Vilamicha ver(Iruveli), Kaayam with milk and after soaking with Nallenna, make smoke by burning the tip and inhaled.

3. By using Manjal, Kadugurohini, Vayambu, Make a dried wick and produce smoke by burning the tip of the wick and inhaled.

4. Elathinde ari should be powdered well and tied in a small cloth and smoke will be obtained by burning the tip. This smoke to be inhaled twice in a day for 10 days.

5. Kaayam, Kadugu, Jeeragam have to be ground with Cherunaranga juice and spreaded over white cloth and make a wick. This wick should be burnt and smoke to be inhaled.

Nasyam: for 3 days

Oil prepared from equal quantities of Keezharnelli juice, Velipparuthi juice, Kuppameni juice and Nallenna could be used as Nasyam. 1-2 drops in each nostril two times for 3 days.

1. Muringayude patta, Veluthulli both are crushed and juice has to be obtained. In right sided head ache instil 2 drops of the juice in left nostril and in left sided head ache-vice versa.

2. Kuppameni ver, Veluthulli and Vayambu to be ground and tied in a cloth and 1-2 drops to be instilled in both nostrils two times a day

3. Vayambu, Veluthulli and Nalvelai (karvela) are ground with milk, tied in a cloth and 1-2 drops to be instilled in both nostrils two times a day

4. Ghee preparation by using erattimathuram, Chukku, Vaividangam, Kottam, Kayyonni and applied as Nasyam in the morning and evening for 8 days.

5. Chukku, Chitamirth ela both are crushed and juice has to be obtained. In right sided head ache instil 2 drops of the juice in left nostril and in left sided head ache-vice versa for 5 days.

Oil application on head ½ an hour before bath (Bath oil) –daily, even during disease free days:

1. Oil prepared from Thumba poovu and Nallenna

2. Oil made up of Erikku pazhutha elayude juice 1/8 lit, Nallenna 1 lit, Chukku, Induppu, Erattimathuram, Vayambu, Thippili moolam, Veluthulli each 35 gm.

3. Cheru cheera, Kurumulaku and Manjal plu Nallenna. Prepare oil and apply.

Pathyam:

Take plenty of water and fresh juice

Avoid Puli, Pungent, Oily and fatty items

Adequate rest is essential and avoid sleep at day time

Avoid stress, eye strain and noisy atmosphere and wandering in the sunlight

Avoid constipation

Practicing yoga and Dhyanam is much beneficial.

Liver disorders and Siddha

LIVER CARE & MANAGEMENT OF LIVER DISORDERS IN SIDDHA

Dr. K. Jagannathan, MD (Siddha), PhD

Reader & HOD, Dept. Of Maruthuvam,

Dr. G. Mohanambigai, MD (Siddha)

Reader & HOD, Dept. Of Udalkoorugal,

Santhigiri Siddha Medical College & Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram

drjagan.siddha@gmail.com, www.siddhaglobal.blogspot.com

Siddha system of medicine developed by ancient Siddhars some thousands years ago, recognizable among the Dravidian population that prevails in South India. Siddha system, primarily based on 96 thathwas, offers better solutions to 4448 diseases supposed to be affecting mankind and everything have been portrayed in the literatures. This exceptional traditional system, contributed quite number of liver tonics, liver corrective and liver protective agents, of herbal and mineral origin for the benefit of mankind. In fact, this concept, laid an incredible platform for the researchers to identify/ establish/ develop praiseworthy drugs for liver disorders. Though modern medicine is providing few innovative measures and medicines, Siddha proved its uniqueness with number of effective formulations for years in combating liver disorders.

Role of Liver in human physiology: - Since liver is being considered as the largest gland and one of the vital organs of the body, it is mandatory for us to review the importance of this organ. It has a wide range of activities including a) Metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and hormones. b) Storage of glycogen, amino acids, iron, folic acid, vitamins etc. c) Synthesis of glucose, clotting factors, proteins, steroids, and heparin d) Secretion of bile. e) Excretion of cholesterol, bile pigments, heavy metals, bacteria, virus etc. f) heat production g) Synthesis of haemopoietic factor. h) Thrombopoietin production. i) Destruction of aged RBC. j) Inactivation of toxins and hormones k) Detoxification of foreign bodies etc. The above mentioned information itself a self explanatory about the value of this vital organ and the necessity of maintaining it in a healthy manner.

Incidence of liver disorders and damaging agents: -It is not surprising that diseases of liver are the major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout world in the present scenario, for example cirrhosis. In the developing countries like India, infections caused by hepatitis viruses and parasites are responsible for most of the chronic liver diseases and hepato-biliary carcinoma. In developed countries, in contrast, alcohol and obesity become major causes. Auto immunity, drugs, genetic factors, metabolic disorders are the other reasons standing beside in accelerating liver disorders. “Unavathi seyal marupadu (altered food habits, environment and lifestyle) and Karma vinai (Genetic reasons) “are the elementary factors which provoke liver diseases, as far as Siddhars point of view. Recent studies and available documents and reports are substantiating the same. “Pitham” one among three vital forces regulating all physiological functions of human body, deliberately affects liver in its impaired state. To normalize this vitiated “Pitham”, simple purgatives and emetics like papaya juice, Keezhanelli juice or drakshadi kudineer are commonly prescribed. “Vyanan”, a subclass of vatham accountable for nourishment of Saptha thathus, deranged by the deteriorated Pitham in liver disorders also gets corrected concurrently by this practice.

Kalleeral thetri (Liver tonic) in Siddha: - Keezhanelli (Phyllanthus amarus), Karisalai (Eclipta alba), Manjal (Curcuma longa), Athimadhuram (Glycirrhiza glabra), Kadugurohini (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Seenthil (Tinospora cordifolia), Kadukkai (Terminalia chebula), Nerunjil (Tribulus terrestris), Thandrikkai (Terminalia bellerica), Katrazhai (Aloe vera), Aamanakku (Ricinus communis), Jeeragam (Cuminum cyminum), Chukku (Zingiber officinale) are some of the vital medicinal plants frequently used in Siddha to tonify liver and to correct liver problems. Bitterness in the tongue, anorexia, indigestion, water brash, nausea, vomiting are the premonitory symptoms projected in all form of Liver disorders and the medicines made up of the above mentioned plants found to be beneficial in clinical practice to correct such setbacks.

Scientific vision of Siddhars: - Keezhanelli pointed out by Siddhars, is an outstanding anti- viral drug used in Jaundice from time immemorial, and is a good example for Siddhar’s scientific vision. Recent studies reveals that chemical component of this plant, inhibits DNA- polymerase activity in Virus (which is responsible for speedy replication of virus) and consequently protects liver from further damage by reducing viral load and cures jaundice. Keezhanelli yield better results even in HBV and HCV infections to some extent, when given with buttermilk. Immuno modulating effect of Kadugurohini, both on cell mediated and humoral immunity helps the patient to get rid of viral hepatitis. Reduced liver enzyme level in the administration of polysaccharide contents of Athimadhuram (Glycirrhiza glabra) reveals the hepato protective effects of the plant in viral and drug induced hepatitis. Likewise we can list out plenty of experimental study reports to endorse the complete knowledge (Siddham) of Siddhars.

Siddha remedies for Liver problems: - Karisalai (Eclipta alba) karkkam, iron preparations like Aya jambeera karpam, Annabedi chenduram, Ayakantha chenduram, Ayabringaraja karpam are found to be useful in anaemia and swelling seen in liver disorders. Nerunjil (Tribulus terrestris) kudineer and Vediannabedi chenduram, Vediuppu chunnam reduces generalised edema, swelling of lower extremities and abdomen due to its diuretic property. Preparations like Mandoorathi adai kudineer, Loga Mandooram, and Sarakkondrai puli patru (external) reduce the size of enlarged liver and portal hypertension clinically. Adhathodai (Adathoda vasica), Imbooral (Oldenlandia umbellate), Mathulai odu(Punica granatum) preparations, Naga parpam, Padigalinga chenduram, Papaya leaf juice, Nellikkai (Emblica officinalis), Aruvatha (Rutea graveolens) preparations rectifies thrombocytes related issues due to its haemostatic properties. Handling of Inji (Zingiber officinale) and other liver tonics in fatty infiltration of liver and pre cirrhotic condition also will be advisable. Some traditional practitioners are using Kadugurohini in alcohol induced liver problems. Karisalai karkkam, Keezhanelli karkkam, Poovarasilai(Thespesia populnea) karkkam, Aamanakkilai (Ricinus communis) karkkam, Pidangunaari(Premna tomentosa) kudineer, Shikaikkai kudineer are some of simple Siddha preparations found to be efficacious in viral hepatitis/ jaundice. Poonaikkali (Mucuna puriens) choornam, Amukkara (Withania somnifera) choornam, Nerunjil choornam, Nilappanai (Curculigo orchioides) nei may be the better solutions to counteract oestrogen induced problems seen in liver disorders.

Beside herbs, minerals (Iron, Kantham, Chembu, Nagam, Mandooram, Gold, Annabedi), animal sources like Nathai (snails), Nandu (crabs), also indicated for liver problems. Extensive research should be done on these plant materials and herbo-mineral combinations to establish its utility and credibility and develop new set of combinations in the light of ancient/ available literatures and experience of experts /LHT.

Measures to maintain healthy liver: - Some simple measures are available to maintain normal function of liver, correct liver disorders and protect from damaging agents and they are: - 1. Take easily digestible food items. 2. Encourage ingestion of plenty of vegetables, fruits and green leaves. 3. Avoid high intake of oily and fatty diet, particularly non vegetarian food items and fast food. 4. Take adequate and protected/ boiled water. 5. Avoid intake of drugs and expose to irradiation needlessly. 6. Smoking, alcohol, tobacco derivatives, chemical enriched soft drinks etc. strictly to be avoided. 7. Maintain hygiene in food. 8. Intestinal parasites should be treated promptly. 9. Medicines should be taken only under medical direction. 10. Regular health check- up always to be entertained. 11. Regular exercise or daily practices of yoga- dhyana- pranayama are valuable. 12. Controlled and safer sex always sensible.

Kaya karpam and Longevity in Siddha: - As per Siddha, to maintain good physique; to maintain physiological condition of organs; to maintain youth; to prevent age related/ lifestyle related/ acquired health problems, everyone should take kayakalpa preparations at regular intervals, by following kalpa vidhi. Though Siddha dictates 108 kayakalpa procedures, here we are pointing out one simple method. “kaalayil inji; nanpakal chukku; maalayil kadukkai”- In the morning have ginger(Zingiber officinale); in the noon- chukku (Zingiber officinale); in the night- kadukkai (Terminalia chebula)”. If we are ready to follow the guidelines given in Siddhar –Therayar’s “Pini anuga vidhi”, Naal ozhukkam, Kaala ozhukkam and Siddha way of regulating vital forces, diet and personal habits, we can lead a healthy life.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Siddha and Santhigiri Ashramam's role in Siddha promotion

Santhigiri Ashramam and Siddha promotion

Activities of Santhigiri Ashramam, founded by Guru Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru, situated at Santhigiri, near Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram mainly focused in the areas like Annadhanam (offering food), Aadhurasevanam (helping the sufferers in health point of view) and Athmabothanam (educating spirituality). Aadhurasevanam is offered only by means of Siddha and Ayurvedic products. In order to promote Siddha globally, Santhigiri instituted Santhigiri Siddha Medical College at Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram, the only Siddha College teaching in English medium, among 9 Siddha colleges under Department of AYUSH. The 115 bedded Siddha hospital which is attached with college, providing comprehensive health care for the patients. Santhigiri Ayurveda Siddha Vaidhya Sala, a GMP certified production unit, operating under Santhigiri Healthcare and Research Organization (SHRO) is manufacturing and marketing 250 quality Siddha products and 500 Ayurvedic drugs. People of India and abroad are getting treatment facilities of traditional medical systems, especially Siddha, from 120 Santhigiri network hospitals are attached with SHRO. International operations of Santhigiri now opens window for the world community to receive healthcare measures from the centres set up in foreign countries. By considering community health in mind and propagation of traditional systems, Santhigiri, implemented healthcare projects in the name of “Karunyam” and “Karunyam Siddha Village”. Lakhs of people are benefitted by these projects. Under Karunyam Siddha Village project, Santhigiri adopted Chandiroor village, Alappuzha, which is known as India’s first Siddha Grahamam, and offered Siddha treatments for 3750 patients at free of cost during the period 2006-2010. Santhigiri Charitable Services Division, rendered service, by distributing the unique preventive medicines of Siddha for all during epidemic episodes like Chickungunya etc. “Ende schoolil oru oushada thottam onnu ende veettilum” and “Ende oushada grahmam” are the two major projects of Ashramam implemented in schools and village respectively, enhanced Siddha awareness in the people’s mind and educated the community to recognize the utility of traditional medical systems. Santhigiri Scientific and Industrial Research Institute and Santhigiri Social Research Institute functioning under Santhigiri Research Foundation, going forward with active research programmes in the social and medical field. Globalization of Indian traditional systems will be possible in near future through Santhigiri’s future programmes.

Siddha System, an introduction

Siddha system of Medicine, an introduction.

Siddha system of medicine, recognizable among the Dravidian population that prevails in South India and is practiced from time immemorial especially in Tamil populated region. “Siddhars”, Saints and sages of Tamils developed this exceptional system, believed to be in the year of 10000 BC- 7000BC. “Siddham” means “Arivu” or “complete knowledge”. Anda panda otrumai, 96 thathwas, including Pancha bootha and three Humoural concepts are the fundamental principles of this incomparable system which advocates curative, preventive measures and educates systematized lifestyle through natural way. As herbs, metals, minerals, animals and its derivatives are the core sources for Siddha medicines; this system endorses safest medical care. Siddha is the only system comprising 64 varieties of medicines i.e. 32 classifications of internal medicines and 32 classifications of external medicines. According to Siddha, “Unavathi seyal marupadu” (changes in Diet and life style), Environmental factors and “Kanma vinai” (congenital/ genetically inherited) are the key factors predisposed for the instigation of each disease via disturbing the equilibrium status of the vital forces termed Vali, Azhal and Ayyam. Noi nadal (to diagnose the affected disease) and Noi mudal nadal (to find out the root cause of the disease) are the crucial approaches employed in Siddha in the process of diagnosis therefore permanent remedy is also achievable since the treatment is focused to cure the disease and root cause of the disease. “Envagai thervu” is the diagnostic tool followed in Siddha for arriving right diagnosis. Vinnavar maruthuvam (Divine method); Manida maruthuvum (Rational method); and Asura maruthuvum (Surgical method) are the main streams of Siddha treatments. Diseases due to Kanma vinai and other dreaded diseases are treated only with Deva Maruthuvam. While treating the patient, special concern will be paid on Yakkai (Body constitution), Thinai (sort of land where the patient is living) and Paruvakalam (Season) for the effectiveness of the treatment. Varmam and Thokkanam are exceptional treatment practices existing in Siddha to cure Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal diseases. Yoga-Pranayamam-Dhyanam is advised for chronic diseases and especially psychosomatic in origin. Siddhars developed Kayakarpam methods mainly for longevity with complete freedom from illness and for preventing ageing problems. Siddha not only cures physical, mental diseases but also cares social, moral and spiritual welfare of an individual”.

Effective remedy

Tamil: Nerunjil

Botanical name: Tribulus terrestris

Seeds are wonderful medicine in the form of choornam and decoction for male infertility, dysmenorrhoea, oedema. It is an important ingredient of Neermulli kudineer in Siddha system.

Effective remedy for Tonsillitis

Allium sativum

Vellulli in Malayalam

Vellai poondu in Tamil

Tonsillitis: Extract of this bulb with honey, wonderful medicine to be painted over inflammed tonsils

Anti Cancer drug

Serankottai (Semicarpus anacardium)

Vallathi is the sysnonym

Legyam or Nei preparation by using Serankottai as a main ingredient, will be quite effective for Rheumatism, Chronic skin disorders and Certain Cancers.

Warning:

Without purification this seed should not be used

Anti Cancer drug

Vinca rosea

Alkaloids: vincristine and vinblastine

These alkaloids isolated from this plant are more effective against Cancer