Greatness of “ Siddha Medicine ” discovered by Siddhars

Siddha Medicine

Siddha Medicine is one of the oldest Medical Systems of India. Siddha Medicine deals with the body and the mind. This system of Medicine was discovered by saints known as “Siddhars”. Since this system of medicine was discovered by “Siddhars”, it came to be known as Siddha Medicine. The word “Siddha” comes from the word “Siddhi”, which means “an object to be attained”. “Siddhi” generally refers to “Ashtama Siddhi”. “Ashtama Siddhi” is the Great Eight Supernatural Powers named as Anima, Mahima, Laghima, Garima, Prapti, Prakamya, Vasiyam and Ishatvam. Those who attained the above Eight Great Supernatural Powers are known as “Siddhars”.
Siddha Medicine is not just a system of medicine, it is a way of life!!!! From the ancient literatures on “Siddha Medicine”, we can see that Siddha Medicine covers all aspects of life from conception in the mother’s womb to death.
Siddha Medicine considers human body as a whole, composed of five elements which constituted the universe viz. Earth (Mann), Water (Neer), Fire (Thee), Air (Vayu) and Ether (Akayam). These are the fundamental principles of Creation, Protection and Destruction. They are found in all bodies. By the process of transmutation and union, the following are instances of such transformed conditions.
1. Earth – Gives shape to the body through bone, flesh, nerves, skin and hair.
2. Water – Blood, Semen, bile, secretion of the glands and sweat.
3. Fire – Hunger, thirst, sleep, beauty.
4. Air – Contraction, expansion and motions.
5. Ether – Heart, neck, head. Characteristic of man’s mental and spiritual faculties.
Due to food, habit, desire and environmental changes are causes of diseases.
According to Siddha Medicine, a Siddha physician should be scholar in Medicine, Astrology and proficient in the languages of birds and animals. He should also be aware of the warning signals from the nature about the impending calamities.
Diagnosis in Siddha Medicine is based on following the Eightfold diagnostic procedure which is called “Enn Vagai Thervu” in Siddha literature. They are 1. Nadi (Pulse), 2. Vizhi (Eyes), 3. Swara (Voice), 4.Sparisam (Touch), 5.Malam (Faeces) and 6.Moothiram (Urine).
The treatments starts from using the parts of plants like roots, leaves, flowers and administered in easily assimilabe forms like Charu (Juices), Kudineer (Decoction), powder, oil and ghee preparations. A combination of metals and minerals may also be given according to the need.
The “Siddhars” had a vast and exact knowledge of Human Anatomy, Pathology, Physiology and treatment.
Siddha Medicine is more than just a medical system. It is a way of life!!! In addition to prevention and cure of illness, Siddha Medicine teaches how to live a healthy life. Siddha Medicine advices us to use ghee only in liquid state. Our food should contain all six tastes i.e., Sweet, Salt, Bitter, Hot, Sour and Astringent.
It is strictly advised not to have sex during day time and not to sleep during the day.
Wake early morning before sunrise, use twigs of Neem or root of Pipal tree to brush the teeth for good health.
The Siddhars also developed “Kaya Kalpa” for longevity with complete freedom from illness.
Siddha Medicine has the answer to a number of diseases and is without any side effects.