Background

In recent years, there has been a global shift toward adopting alternative medical systems, particularly for non-communicable diseases and chronic illnesses, where modern medicine often reaches its limits. One such system is Siddha medicine, one of the oldest traditional forms of Indian medicine, which originated in South India. Siddha has its roots in the ancient Dravidian civilization of Lemuria, a submerged land called Kumari Kandam.

Siddha medicine, a source of pride for India, especially the Tamil people, was developed by the Siddhars, ancient sages with divine knowledge of the local flora. These Siddhars rejuvenated their bodies, lived for centuries, and attained perpetual consciousness or Samadhi. Their teachings on disease prevention and “Kaya Kalpam” (the transformation of the body) form the foundation of Siddha medicine.

The word “Siddha” comes from “Siddhi,” which means unification with oneness. Siddha healing is a holistic practice that not only addresses physical ailments but also purifies the mind, body, and soul.

Philosophy

The philosophy of Siddha is rooted in Aseevaga and Sankya, two fundamental materialistic philosophies of the Tamil cult, and later incorporated Buddhist, Jain, and Saiva Siddhantham influences. Siddhars, in their quest for truth, integrated these beliefs with their pursuit of healthy living.

Siddha Fundamentals

Siddha medicine views every living being as a part of the vast universe, where changes in the cosmos reflect in the life on Earth. The balance of the macrocosm (universe) is mirrored in the microcosm (human life). Health is maintained through the equilibrium of five basic elements (space, air, earth, water, fire), which govern the body’s functions through the three humors—Vali, Azhal, and Iyam. Disruptions in these humors due to seasonal changes, diet, or lifestyle result in disease.

Diagnosis in Siddha medicine is comprehensive, relying on methods like Nadi (pulse diagnosis), Neerkuri, and Neikuri (urine analysis), and Manikadai Nool, which examines wrist circumference. These techniques provide deep insights into a person’s health condition.

Siddha Therapeutics

Siddha is renowned for its medicinal use of plants, metals, and minerals. The system includes a wide array of therapies and pharmaceutical preparations that are not only curative but also preventive. Medicines in Siddha are prepared based on their Rasa (taste), Guna (bioavailability), Veerya (potency), and Vipakam (post-digestive effect), each offering unique healing properties.

Metals and minerals are purified and used in forms like Parpams, Chendoorams, and Chunnams to treat a variety of diseases, including non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Recent research on nanotechnology supports the effectiveness of these forms of medicine, which have been used for centuries. These preparations are absorbed and processed by the body in their finely emulsified forms. Kaya Kalpam, a branch of Siddha, promotes longevity by protecting the body from oxidative stress.

Siddha Specialties

Siddha medicine stands out due to its intellectual, medicinal, and spiritual richness. Several unique specialties define the system, including Yoga, Pranayama (breathing techniques), Kaya Kalpam (body rejuvenation), Varmam (energy point therapy), Alchemy (Rasavatham), and herbal massage therapies (Thokkanam). Each therapy has a distinct role in promoting health and healing.

Yoga in Siddha is more than just physical postures; it is about uniting the body, mind, and spirit with the supreme universal energy. Pranayama, an essential part of Siddha Yoga, helps balance the life force, reduce stress, and improve overall health. Kaya Kalpam, a rejuvenative practice, combats age-related degeneration and supports healthy living. Varmam therapy targets specific body points to restore energy flow, alleviating blockages and promoting healing.

Thokkanam, a form of herbal massage, stimulates circulation, promotes detoxification, and relieves pain, stress, and other ailments. These therapies work together to rejuvenate the body, balance the humors, and provide holistic healing.

Peculiarities of Siddha

Siddha is unique in its approach, focusing on both the external body and the internal soul. It is based on various theories, including the Pancheekarnam (Cosmogenesis) Theory, which explains that the macrocosm and microcosm are interconnected. Siddha also emphasizes the Tridosha Theory, where the balance of Vali, Azhal, and Iyam (wind, bile, and phlegm) governs the body’s health.

The system uses non-invasive diagnostic methods, such as pulse diagnosis (Naadi), and the Eightfold Examination (Envagai Thervugal), which includes assessments like tongue, skin, and eye examination. Astrology also plays a role in diagnosis, recognizing that planetary influences can impact health.

Holistic Healing

Siddha medicine takes a holistic approach to healing, treating the physical and psychological imbalances of the body and mind. This integrative method not only addresses specific ailments but promotes overall wellness, aligning the individual with their inner harmony.

Contemporaries of Siddha Medicine

Over time, Siddha medicine has gained recognition, with universities offering Siddha courses and primary health centers throughout India promoting its practice. The establishment of the National Institute of Siddha in Chennai and the efforts of private organizations have furthered research and clinical applications of this ancient healing system.

In conclusion, Siddha strives to restore the natural balance of health, combining ancient wisdom with modern knowledge to offer a comprehensive path to well-being.