Siddha Chikilza
The Origin of Siddha Medicine
Siddha medicine which is known as the mother of all medicines is practice in Sothern India. The origin of the Tamil language is attributed to Sage Agasthya and the origin of Siddha medicine is also attributed to him.
The Siddhas were essentially Yogis and secondarily physicians. Traditionally, it is said there were 18 Siddhas. They left their imprint not only in medicine but in yoga and philosophy.
One important thing is that if there are one hundred mineral combinations in Ayurveda to cure a disease, Siddha just used 10 herbs or mineral to elicit a similar cure. The Tridosha theory, sapta dhatu physiology and nomenclature of the diseases in the two systems may seem similar.Before the Aryan occupations of the Sind region and the Gangetic plains, there existed in the southern India on the banks of the river Kavery and Tamirapani, a civilization which was highly organized. This civilization has a system of medicine to deal with problems of sanitation and treatment of diseases. This is the Siddha system of medicine. It is possible that in the course of time this system and the one prevalent in the north supplemented and
enriched each other. The therapeutics of Siddha medicines consists mainly of the use of metals and minerals whereas in the earlier Ayurveda texts there is no mention of metals and minerals. From earliest times in Siddha text, there was a mention of mercury, sulphur, copper, arsenic and fold used as therapeutic agents. According to siddha medicine, AIDS has been written by the Tamil Siddhars as far back as few thousand years during the ancient prehistoric civilization of Southern India.
Fundamental Principles of Siddha medicine
The universe consists of two essential entities, matter and energy. The Siddhas call them Siva (make) and Shakti (female, creation). Matter cannot exist without energy inherent in it and vice versa. The two co-exist and are inseparable. They are the primordial elements called Bhutas, not to be confused with modern chemistry. Their names are Munn (solid), Neer (Fluid), Thee (radiance), Vayu (gas) and Aakasam (ether). These five elements (Bhutas) are present in every substance, but in different proportions. Earth, water, fire, air and ether are manifestations of these 5 elements.
Even huma beings are made up of these five elements, in different combinations. The physiological function in the body
is mediated by three substances (dravayas), which are made up of the five elements. They are Vatham, Pitham and Kapam. In each and every cell of the body these three doshas co-exist and function harmoniously. The tissues are called dhatus. Vatham is formed by Akasa and Vayu. Vatham controls the nervous actions such as movement, sensation etc. Pitham is formed by Thee and controls the metabolic activity of the body, digestion, assimilation, warmth etc. Kapam is formed by Munn and Neer and controls stability. When their equilibrium is upsets, disease sets in. the chart below may help to visualize the different properties. In addition to the influence of the Tridoshas, the seasons also affects body constituents as evident in northern and southern India.
Method of Siddha Treatment
The treatment for the imbalance of Tridoshas are made up of the five elements. The drugs are made up of the five elements. By substituting a frug of the same constituents (guna) the equilibrium is restored. The correction of the imbalance is made by substituting the drum which is predominately of the opposite nature. An example is of Vatham imbalance is cold, thus the treatment will be oily and warmth. For inactivity of limbs, massage and activity, are prescribed. If Pitham dosha is increased, warmth is produced. To decrease Pitham, sandalwood is administered, internally or externally because of its cold characteristics.
Alchemical ideas dominate Siddha medicine. Although alchemy was not the primary aim of Siddha medicine, they wanted to evolve drugs that could arrest the decay of the body. But this could not be achieved by drugs that which themselves are subject to decay such as drugs of vegetable origin.To prevent decay of the medicines began the preparation of medicines that do not lose their potency with the lapse of time. These medicines can be administered in small doses. They are available in all seasons and can be preserved. The Siddhars knew of the occurrence of the metallic compounds, ores and their knowledge was so advanced that they could prepare them from simpler material. Agasthiyar, Thirumular and Bogar are three of the Siddhars in the lineage of the 18 Siddhars. They have contributed to the preparation of these medicines. As the universe is composed of the five Bhutas, so are the medicines. Some of the methods used by the Siddhas still survive under a veil of secrecy. Certain mercury and arsenic compounds are manufactured only in certain families and the methods are closely guarded secret.