Siddha System is one of the ancient traditional
systems of medicine in India. Siddhars the spiritual scientists of Tamil land
are the founding fathers of this scientific system.
According to Siddha System the human body is the
replica of the universe so are the
food and drugs irrespective of their
origin. Siddha system believes that all objects in the universe including human
body are composed of five basic primordial elements, namely earth, water, fire,
air and space. The human body is a
conglomeration of three humors and seven physical components. The Food is
considered to be basic building material of human body, which gets processed
into humors, tissues and wastes. The
equilibrium of humors, body tissues and waste products is considered as health
and its disturbance or imbalance leads to disease or pathologic state.
This system also deals with the concept of immortality
and salvation in this life. The exponents of this system consider that
achievement of this state is possible by regulated diet, medicine and
processing of mind by yogic or spiritual exercises like meditation and yoga.
Siddhars described 96 principles as the constituents
of Human Being. They include Physical, Physiological, Mental and Intellectual
components of a person. They are nothing but the manifestations of the "
Five Basic Elements ".
Disease:
Disease is a condition in which there is imbalance in
the "Five Elements, which alters the "Three Rogams " which is
also reflected in the seven physical constituents. The change disturbs the
equilibrium and cause disease.
The basic concept of Siddha system of medicine is
" Food is Medicine - Medicine is
Food"
Saint Thiruvalluvar says
" Miginum Kuraiyinum Noi Seyyum
Noolor
Vali Mudhala Enniya Moondru "
"Wind, bile and phlegm three cause
disease
so Doctors deem it more or less"
Diagnosis
" Noi Naadi Noi Mudhal Naadi Athu
thanikkum
Vaai Naadi Vayppa Seyal."
"Test disease, its causes and cure
and apply remedy that is sure"
-
Thiruvalluvar.
It is always essential to identify the cause for any
disease to be accepted as a “Scientific method " The Diagnostic
methodology in Siddha Treatment is unique as it is made purely on the basis of
the " Clinical Acumen " of the Physician. He examines the Tongue,
complexion, speech, eyes, palpation in a patient and he also examines the urine
and stools. The diagnosis is then confirmed by the " Pulse Diagnosis
". The above approach is
collectively known as “Eight types of examinations". However, the Siddha
Physician now also accepts the modern diagnostic methods for the purpose of
diagnosis.
TREATMENT :
The following line of treatment have been in practice in Siddha medicine.
Using medicines like Choornam, Kudineer, Vadagam etc.
made of herbs.
Surgical methods like incision, excision, heat
application, blood letting and leech application etc.
Physiotherapy - Thokkanam and Varma,
the Siddha way of Touch therapy,
Medicated Oil application , Fomentation, herbal steam bath etc.
Using medicines
like Parpam, Chenduram, Chuxnam
etc . made of minerals especially of
metals.
MATERIA MEDICA:
Siddhars , with their clarified and intuitive
intellect resulting from their yogic powers explored the nature and exploited
the natural resources for the sake of humanity. They documented their findings
about the characteristics of plants , metals,
minerals and animal products. They documented all their findings in the
form of poems for the use of posterity.
Knowledge was transmitted from Guru to disciples. Their boundless knowledge on
the properties of drugs, purification, processing, heat application, fixing
dosage , toxicity , antidote and clinical application is astonishing the modern scientific world.
SIGNIFICANCE:
The Siddha System is capable of treating all types of
chronic diseases especially arthritis, skin problems urinary tract disorders,
infertility , degenerative disorders like osteo arthritis , Senile Dementia,
disease of the liver, medicinally treatable Spinal
disorders ,general debility
,diarrhea and intractable allergic
disorders..
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