Siddha medicine is based largely on Ayurvedic concepts. It is likely that the intermingling of ideas and culture between the Aryans in North India and the Dravidians in South India resulted in a synthesis of philosophy, and pharmacological and therapeutic procedures. Siddha medicine, written entirely in Tamil, is still practised largely in Tamil Nadu.

Thirukkural — The Bible of Siddha

Mythological sources trace the origin of Siddha medicine to Lord Shiva, who gave the first ever discourse on Siddha medicine to his consort, Devi Uma (or Parvati). She, in turn, transmitted this knowledge to Nandithevar, the famous celestial physician. Nandithevar blessed Saint Agastiyar with the teaching of Siddha medicine and Agastiyar disseminated the principles of Siddha medicine through his disciples. Historically, however, it is believed that Thirumular was the founder of the principles of the Siddha medicine.

Thiruvalluvar Nayanar, literally the ’sacred devotee’ or the ‘priest of the pariah’s caste’, is said to have been a weaver who lived in Mylapore (San Thome), a suburb of Madras. He is said to have lived around the first century. The book Thirukkural, one of the most famous in Tamil literature, is said to have been composed by him at the request of his neighbours, in order to bestow upon the Tamil people a veda of their own.

How Siddha Medicine Works

According to Siddha medicine (as is the case with Ayurveda), the human body is made up of a combination of the five universal elements: mann, neer, thee, vayu, vin. These elements regulate the three kutrams (doshas) in relation to the six suvai (tastes) and two veeriyas (potency). They also co-ordinate the activities of the seven body thatus (dhatus). The maintenance of the human body is regulated by the 96 tathavam which contribute to the well-being of man.

Disease and death occur due to the deranged humours of vali, azhal, lyam (vata, pitta, and kapha), the subtle thatus which interact in the body in a fixed proportion of 4:2:1 in normal health.

Diagnosis

In diagnosis, the examination or astasthna-pariksha of the following eight features is prescribed: nadi (pulse), lean (eyes), svara (voice), sparisam (touch), varna (physiognomy), na (tongue), mala (faeces), and neer (urine). Pulse-reading, in particular, has been considerably developed by Siddha medicine and is used in diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. Urine examination is, characteristically, processed by putting a drop of oil on the surface of the urine and testing its movements. There are detailed descriptions of urine examination in the Siddha texts.

Treatment with Metals and Minerals

The use of metals and minerals is predominant in Siddha medicine. Mercury is used in five forms: rasam (mercury), lingam (red sulphide of mercury), veram (mercury perchloride), pooram (mercury subchloride), and rasachinduram (red oxide of mercury).

Metals and minerals are classified into five groups, according to predominance of bhutas. The classification of body parts is done in a similar way. For instance, gold is predominant in prithvi bhuta and so are the legs. Hence, in a case of dysfunctioning of the legs, gold is prescribed.

Some pharmaceutical preparations are peculiar to this system, such as chunnam (alkaline preparations of metals), kattu (bound mercury), mezhugu (waxy preparations). Bhasamas (calxes) are prepared in comparatively less time by adding certain substances such as jayaneer (a particular liquid preparation), muppu (a combination of three salts), and guru (a combination of certain other substances). There are also other groups of substances which help in changing the original nature of metals.

Of the eight angas of Ayurveda, kayachikitsa (general medicine), balavahatam (pediatrics), nanjunoal (toxicology), nayanavidhi (ophthalmology), and kayakalpa (rejuvenation) are incorporated in the Siddha system.

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Traditionally practised in South India, with its literature primarily in Tamil, Siddha medicine is largely based on the ayurvedic concept that vitiation of the body’s humours is the cause of disease. The methods of diagnosis are specified, with pulse reading and urine examination being considered important. Siddha advocates the use of metals and minerals in medicines. Care should be taken to see that medicines are bought from reliable sources.

Prevention of disease and promotion of health are important aspects of Siddha. Correct food habits are stressed. Generally considered as a satisfactory method for curing common ailments, Siddha medicine can be used to treat some chronic problems too. It is affordable by the common man.