Introduction to Siddha Medicine

There are two ancient system of medicine in India. The Siddha system which flourished in south of India and Ayurveda which was more prevalent in North India. Siddha system is one of the oldest systems of medicine in India. But Siddha medicines have been etching attention worldwide in recent times. Mainly because of its ability to offer treatment for major degenerative ailments that cannot be cured by modern medicines.

What is the Siddha System?

The word Siddha comes from the word Siddhi which means an object to attain perfection or heaven. The Siddha system is of Dravidian origin and has its entire literature in Tamil language. This system of medicine was developed by the 18 ancient Indian saints who were known by the name "Siddhars" whose life goal was to attain salvation. The Siddha system of medicine uses a fascinating combination of herbs, oils, minerals and massage therapy to promote good health and longevity.

How did it start?

Its origin is traced to mythological sources belonging to the Shaiva tradition. Legends say that Lord Shiva handed down the knowledge to goddess Parvati, who in turn passed it on to Nandideva. This way medical system then got handed down to Siddhas who propounded it.

Some of the prominent Siddhars are:

• Agasthiyar
• Gorraknath
• Machanath
• Dhanvanthri
• Pulipaani
• Theriyar,
• Yakobu,
• Bogar,
• Thirumoolar,
• Konganavar etc.

The Siddhars wrote their knowledge in palm leaf manuscripts, fragments of which were found in different parts of South India.

How does it work?

It worked on the basic concept that a healthy soul can only be developed through a healthy body. According to Siddha system, the human body is composed of 96 Tatwas, 72,000 blood vessels and 1,300 nerves. Besides these, there are 10 Nadi (main arteries), 10 Vayu (vital pranas) and 10 Vengangal (natural functions).

The food is considered to be basic building material of human body, which gets processed into blood, tissues and wastes. The equilibrium of blood, body tissues and waste products is considered as health and its disturbance or imbalance leads to disease or pathologic state. So the siddhars developed methods and medication that are believed to strengthen their physical body and thereby their souls.

The system not only deals with medicine, but with spirituality, righteous way of living, rejuvenation and its main aim, Attainment of Perfection.

How is it different from Ayurveda?

The basic principles and doctrines of this system, both fundamental and applied, have a close similarity to Ayurveda. Like Ayurveda, Siddha also categorizes diseases into Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The difference is mostly in detail, Siddha being influenced by the local tradition with roots in the ancient Dravidian culture.

What are the benefits of Siddha medicine?

The main benefits are:

• It treats the disease to its roots, without leaving any traces for it to reappear.
• The medicines are made from natural materials so NO Side effects!
• It is considerably a cheaper form of treatment.
• The treatment has to be individualized with far less chances of committing mistakes in diagnosis of treatment.

What diseases can Siddha treat?

Siddha System offers an effective treatment for all the minor ailments like cough, cold, diarrhea, fever etc. Moreover, it is also very effective in treating ailments like all varieties of joint diseases, skin diseases, liver problems, urinary tract infections, psoriasis, rheumatic problems, anaemia, prostate enlargement, bleeding piles and peptic ulcer, etc.

Siddha Medicine is a unique healing system that depicts the simultaneous cohabitation of both simplicity and richness in its principles. The other systems are concerned with treatment and preventive aspects only. But Siddha Medicine is the only system which bestows immortality.