About Siddha system of Medicine
Dr. K. Jagannathan, MD (Siddha), PhD
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, the saints and sages
of Tamils developed this exceptional system believed to be in the year
of 10000 BC- 7000BC. Santhigiri is the pioneer organization promoting this
exceptional system in Kerala and worldwide. Santhigiri Siddha Medical College
is one among 10 Siddha colleges functioning in India is producing 50
institutionally trained Siddha graduates every year and also extending Siddha
medical services to the public through its 120 network hospitals in and outside
the country under Santhigiri Healthcare and Research Organization.
Siddha is the not only a life science but also the way of life.
Siddha advocates 1. Vaidhyam ( treatment), 2. Vaatham (alchemy), 3. Yogam
(regulation of body and mind), 4. Gnanam (Attainement of prefect knowledge,
salvation and eternal bliss). It is purely based on 96 thathwas, including 5
basic elements, 3 doshas (humours), panchabootha pancheekaranam (evolution).
In Siddha, medicines are classified into 64. i.e. 32
classifications of internal medicines and 32 classifications of external
medicines. Under each classification, thousands of formulas are mentioned by
the Siddhars in their literatures and also existing in practice. Since all
Siddha medicines are resultant from natural sources, they are considered to be non/less toxic. No possibilities of
adverse effects, side effects or untoward effects while under medication. All
the medicines are prepared only after purification of raw materials. In Siddha,
medicines are available for the diseases right from fever up to cancer. Because
of having much awareness on bio-medicines, people do not have any hesitation in
following Siddha. Cultural blend, easy availability and devoid of toxicity are
added values for Siddha. Cost of the
Siddha medicine also not much when evaluated with other medical systems.
Drug manufacturing unit of Santhigiri is manufacturing and marketing nearly 250
Siddha medicines.
Vatham, Pitham
and Kapham are the three vital
forces/humors scheming physiological functions of our body. When their
equilibrium status is disturbed, afflicts the status of seven udar thathukkal (seven
physical constituents) by the way disease results. Changes in Diet and life
style, Environmental factors and genetical factors are the key reasons
predisposed for the instigation of every disease. To diagnose the affected disease, affected humour and to find out the
root cause of the disease is the elite approach followed in Siddha in
diagnosis and treatment process. Permanent remedy is achievable to greater
extent in Siddha, as treatment is focused to cure the disease and root cause of
the disease. “Envagai thervu (eight fold dianostic methods)” is the diagnostic
tool followed in Siddha for arriving right diagnosis and to assess prognosis.
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
(genetic factors) and other dreadful diseases require spiritual level healing
touch and could be treated only with Vinnavar maruthuvam. While treating the
patient, special concern will be paid on Yakkai (Body constitution), Thinai (sort of land where the patient
habitats) and Paruvakalam (season) for the effectiveness of the treatment.
Special treatment methods in Siddha: Varmam (manipulation
of vital points in the human body) and Thokkanam ( 9 types of massage
procedures) are exceptional treatment practices existing in Siddha to cure
Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal diseases and traumatic conditions. Yoga-Pranayamam-Dhyanam is advised for
chronic diseases and especially psychosomatic in origin. Siddhars developed Kayakarpam (rejuvenation therapy) methods mainly
for longevity with complete freedom from illness and also for preventing ageing
problems.
In India, Siddha system is coming under
Ministry of AYUSH. Central Council of Indian Medicne is the statutory council
regulating Siddha medical education and Siddha medical practice and Central
Council for Research in Siddha is the apex council, regulates and promotes
Siddha research. Santhigiri Siddha Medical College is affiliated to Kerala
University of Health Sciences and conducing five and half years BSMS (Bachelor
of Siddha Medicine and Surgery) course. 120 beded hospital exclusively for
Siddha is attached to this college which provides all Siddha treatments.
Siddha not only cures physical, mental
diseases but also cares social, moral and spiritual welfare of an individual.