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.