SIDDHA SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

   Siddha system is one of the oldest systems of medicine in India. The term 'Siddha"means achievement. The 'Siddhars' were saintly souls who have achieved the supreme knowledge. Eighteen Siddhar^, seem to have contributed towards the development of this medical system among them Saint Agasthyar is the foremost. All the authoritative literature of Siddha system are in Tamil and it is practiced mainly in Tamil speaking parts of India. This system of medicine developed within the ancient Dravidian culture which is of the pre-Vedic period. The Siddha system is largely therapeutic in nature.

   All existing things in this universe (macrocosm) are formed by the five basic elements, namely the Earth, Water, Fire, Air and the Space, which are called as the "Fundamental Boothas".

    The origin of the five elements and the formation of different substances in the universe by various combinations of the elements are clearly described in Siddha Medicine.
    

    These elements constituting the human body and other worldly substances are explained as "Pancheekarana". Anyone of these elements cannot act independently by itself. They have to act only in co-ordination of the other four elements. The living creatures and the non-living things are made up of 96 principles including five elements, seven "Dhatus " and three humours.
   

      They include Physical, Physiological, Mental, Intellectual and Spiritual components of a person. They are nothing but the manifestations of the "Five basic elements". The condition of the human body, in which the dietary habits, daily activities and the environmental influences keep the "Three Humours" in equilibrium, is considered as "Healthy Living". 'Disease', is a condition in which there is derangement in the "Five Elements", which alters the "Three Humours", and reflected in the "Seven Physical Constituents". The change could be an increase or decrease in the equilibrium.
Surgical methods like incision, excision, heat application, blood letting and Leech application. Apart from the above classification there are other methods like, Purgation, vomiting, Fasting, steam application, oilation, physical and solar therapies.
The Materia Medica of Siddha System is very vast compared to other Indigenous systems of medicines. Herbs, metals, minerals and organic matters were used in this system. The very fact that mostly herbs are used in this system strengthens its base on the natural laws. The usages of metals, minerals at mercurial compounds are far more advanced in Siddha Medicine.

 

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