Nava Bharatha Kalari Sangam

Treatment Aspects

According to the Siddhar ‘Yugi muni’, diseases are widely classified into 4448. This classification is based on the following entities.

Clinical signs and symptoms
Derangements of the three physiological units i.e, Vatha, Pitha and Kapha.
Causative factor of a particular disease.
Injury to the body vital points (Varma points)
Psychological causes.
Involvement of the affected parts of the body.
Worms infestation and other infective organisms
Genetical inheritance which are sometimes known as Karma Dhosas

Treatments in Siddha Marma are widely classified in to 64 types i.e 32 types of internal medications and 32 external treatments which include Kizhi Fomentation, Steam etc. Some preventive measurements are also clearly mentioned in Siddha systems. Among theses, diet plays a major role. One who takes in a proper diet, at proper times with proper quantity, should not worry about diseases. Therayar, a siddha exponent insisted some preventive methods to be followed on a day-t-day basis as well as seasonal basis which are highly useful for preventing many of today’s life style diseases.

Varma points are the subtle vital points which are present in various parts of our body. They are classified in to 108 varma points. When these points are injured due to trauma or accident, results in serious neuro-muscular, musculo-skeletal and some even manifested as systemic diseases. Such problems are properly treated in Siddha Medicine with various herbal preparations, pressure methods and massage techniques. These types of massages and various physical manipulating techniques are called Thokkanam and by this way chronic Rheumatological, Traumatological, and Neurological problems are successfully treated in Siddha System. Thus, siddha science is a peculiar science that always insists a healthy life style and cures many chronic ailments without producing any side effects.

Rectifying Bone Fractures

Ancient Siddha texts have emphasis on the treatment of joint pain, fractures and pains in connection with bones and ligaments. Kalari has developed a traditional orthopaedic system used for the setting of displaced or fractured bones and for the treatment of neurological problems. All Siddha medicines are made form herbs, leaves and tree bark from plants and trees that are locally available in Southern India with some very rare herbs found in Mount Agasthya in Kerala. These medicinal plants are ground and made into a paste by adding medicinal powders, ghee or egg white and are then applied around the affected area for bone setting. After placing the affected part of the body in the correct position, wood/twigs will be used as a support to immobilize the limb and this can last 2 to 6 weeks. At Nava Bharatha Kalari, the skilled masseurs and therapists under the strict supervision of Sri. Kalidasan Gurukkal, practices Siddha treatments for

various bone related illness like bone fractures, joint pains, back pain etc. the Siddha medicinal proportions can vary according to the physical condition of the patient. This treatment is ideal for arthritis (64 types), migraine (6 types), back pain, sciatica, hip pain, spondylosis, disc prolapse, joint problems affecting the knees, elbow and shoulders and bone fractures.

Uzhichil (Body Massage)

Uzhichil is a complete rejuvenative treatment process which rejuvenates the nervous and muscular systems of the body and stimulates the blood circulation. Uzhichil in Siddha treatment is the systematic application of pressure on the muscles according to their structure, at the same time stimulating the nervous stem and the circulatory system. This is done by applying Siddha medicines and massaging the various parts of the body by well experienced therapists. This practice helps in preparing a healthy body for Kalaripayattu training and sports with quict physical movements. It can also enhance the general fitness of a common man. The siddha Medicines used for Uzhichil depends upon the Prakrutham or physical nature of the person. In feneral cases, a specially prepared Siddha medicine is used.
There are two types of Uzhichil – one with hands (kaiuzhichil) for children, old and people of light build and the other with the feet

(Chavuttiuzhichil) for young and healthy persons. Uzhichil is always done so as to minimize the pressure on the heart and on the nerves to the heart, massaging from the waist downwards and upwards to the upper part of the body. The pressure and the focus of massage is increased day by day till the 4th and then reduced so as to reach the minimum gain on the 7th day. The massage is also done for the face and the head. A full body massage using a Siddha medicines, specially selected by the physician to match your individual body type, which can be performed by one or two therapists. The two therapist version is an intensive, synchronized massage and is usually reserved for those people suffering with chronic problems and overweight. This indulgent treatment brings about improved physical consistency, induces deep relazation and is very beneficial for vigour and vitality.

Steam Bath

This is a sitting steam bath treatment done for the whole body (only the head is out). This therapy is done after all therapies to drive the herbal oil deeper into the layers of the skin, and to remove toxins through sweating. Precious herbal leaves and herbs are boiled and the medicated vapours are passed to the steam chamber where client is made to sit down with relaxed body, keeping the head out, for a period of 15 to 20 minutes as decided by the Siddha therapist. The steam will open up the very small pores of the skin, therapy removing all toxins and balancing the three doshas. A great therapy for removing waste elements from skin and muscles which also re-vitalizes the muscular system. In addition, again as a supportive measure, the steam bath is beneficial for persons suffering from sleeping disorders, particularly through over excitability, poor skin circulation, dry, chapped skin, muscular tenson, muscular weakness in the subcutaneous blood vessels and sensitivity to sudden changes of temperature.

Uzhichil is always done so as to minimize the pressure on the heart and on the nerves to the heart, massaging from the waist downwards and upwards to the upper part of the body. The pressure and the focus of massage is increased day by day till the 4th and then reduced so as to reach the minimum gain on the 7th day. The massage is also done for the face and the head. A full body massage using a Siddha medicines, specially selected by the physician to match your individual body type, which can be performed by one or two therapists. The two therapist version is an intensive, synchronized massage and is usually reserved for those people suffering with chronic problems and overweight. This indulgent treatment brings about improved physical consistency, induces deep relazation and is very beneficial for vigour and vitality.

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 Kpam. 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.