> Siddha

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 Humours " 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?

Diagnosis?

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 diagonosis.

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 inituitive 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, medicinallytreatable? Spinal? disorders ,general? debility ,diarrhoea and intractable? allergic disorders. Aringnar Anna Govt Hospital? of? Indian Medicine, Arumbakkam , being? the premier? institute? in Tamil Nadu for Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy treats both outpatient and inpatient.