Siddha medicine

Siddha Medicine with its Unique Features

1. SIDDHA MEDICINE -POWER OF HEALING

2. INTRODUCTION It is a traditional medicine originated in SOUTH INDIA. It is one of the oldest systems of INDIAN MEDICINE. It is believed that FIVE BASIC ELEMENTS i.e., EARTH, WATER, FIRE, AIR, SKY are in food, and “ HUMOURS” of the human body. The word “SIDDHA” means “the one who is accomplished”.

3. HISTORY According to ancient literature of SIDDHA, it is believed that this medicine is originated from Lord SHIVA to PARVATI, PARVATI to NINE DEVTAS. “AGASTYA” is the Father OF Siddha Medicine. His 18 Disciplines had contributed THOUSANDS of TEXTS on SIDDHA Medical System. In the past, ancient medicinal practices, and spiritual disciplines as well as ALCHEMY & MYSTICISM were involved . This medical system was generated from DRAVIDIAN CULTURE (South India) IN PRE-VEDIC PERIOD.

4. CONCEPT OF DISEASES & CAUSES In normal conditions, the ratio of VAATHAM, PITHAM, & KAPAM are 4:2:1, respectively. If the normal equilibrium of VAATHAM, PITHAM, KAPAM is disturbed, the disease is caused. VAATHAM - AIR PITHAM-FIRE KAPAM- EARTH & WATER

5. TO BE CONTINUED…. Factors affecting this equilibrium are as follows: Environment Climatic conditions Diet Physical activities Stress, & so on.

6. PHARMACOLOGY In Siddha System, it is known as GUNAPADAM (MARUNTHIYAL). It is classified into 3 groups namely: MOOLIGAI- Herbal plants THATHU-Inorganic substances JEEVA-Animal products

7. MOOLIGAI It is composed of various HERBAL PRODUCTS , generally made from the PLANTS surrounding us. It is further classified, based on the part of the plant used in the preparation of the medicine. The medicinal value of a plant part is attributed to its roots, stems, bark, leaves , flowers which is used. Example: Ginger is used for its RHIZOME (modified root) only.

8. THATHU The usage of METALS & MINERALS is frequently advocated. It has been found that 11 METALS are of medicinal value. Eg : Gold, Copper. The 89 salts like SODIUM CHLORIDE, MERCURIC CHLORIDE are used in Siddha System. The 120 minerals like MICA are of medical importance in Siddha System of Medicine. These are used in CHENDOORAM, PARPAM, CHUNNAM and so on.

9. JEEVA The products obtained from ANIMAL PRODUCTS are of medicinal value in Siddha Medicine. The examples are as follows: Fresh water snails( Nathai Parpam )- Treatment of PILES. Skin of Frog- ANTIBIOTICS Cattle & Pig- INSULIN

10. GUNAPADAM It is mainly based on the following factors: 1) Panchabhootam - Five Elements 2) Suvai - Taste

11. 1) BASED ON PANCHABHOOTHAM RAW DRUG GOLD LEAD COPPER IRON ZINC PANCHABHOOTHAM EARTH WATER FIRE AIR SPACE

12. 2) BASED ON SUVAI SUVAI INIPPU (Sweet) PULLIPPU (Sour) UPPU (Salt) KAIPPU (Bitter) KAARPU (Pungent) THUVARPPU (Astringent) PANCHABOOTHAM EARTH + WATER EARTH + FIRE WATER + FIRE AIR + SPACE AIR + FIRE EARTH + AIR

13. PURIFICATION PROCESS It is known as SUDDHI in Siddha System. It is aimed at both purification and concentration of drugs. The processes like cleaning, frying, soaking, grinding with herbal juices, until the impurities are removed. This process helps to remove undesirable & toxic effects, giving better efficiency.

14. PREPARATION PROCESS It is divided according to PLANT ORIGIN, METALS & MINERALS, and ANIMAL ORIGIN. For Plant Origin, it is based on NATPU SUVAI (friendly) & PAGAI SUVAI (opposed). For Animal Origin, and Metals & Minerals, it is based on SATHRU SARAKKU (antagonistic) & MITHRU SARAKKU (synergistic). It is classified into 32 EXTERNAL & 32 INTERNAL Medicines.

15. THANK YOU Suve tha Sreenivash