A DOSSIER ON SIDDHA S YSTEM - t ncrisiddha.tn.nic.in/Final Siddha Dossier 03072012.pdf · Thus having a long history as old as the Tamil language, Siddha is serving the society at

A Dossier on

siDDHA system

Theme of The cover page It represents the essential components of Siddha i.e..old

manuscripts, Usage of raw drugs of herbal origin, Usage of metals and minerals, food as medicine, Diagnostic principles and Yogic practices.

Introduction and Origin

History and Development

Infrastructure, National and Global Scenario

8

10

17

Fundamental Concepts 23

Concept of Health and Disease 31

Food and Drugs

Ku¸ap¡¶am

Concept of UûavU

42

53

Therapeutic Approaches 59

Research and Development 67

Siddha

RED BORDERSTable of Contents

ANIL KUMAR

SECRETARYGovt. of India, Dept. of AYUSH

Ministry of Health & Family WelfareRed Cross Building, New Delhi - 110001.

Tel: 011 - 23715564; Telefax: 011 - 23327660.e-mail: [email protected]

FOREWORD

India is known for its diverse culture, dialect, community and region specific customs.

Along with these, it would be fitting if we add one more category also i.e., Traditional Medi-

cal Systems. The very purpose of creation of AYUSH department under MoH&FW itself im-

plies the above fact. Siddha System of Medicine evolved by the Siddhars, who were known

for their attainment of supernatural Siddhis occupies a significant historical background in

the establishment of Indigenous medical systems in India. Being originated from the ancient

Tamil community, it is still confined to the Southern part of India, that too largely in the states

of Tamilnadu, Kerala and union territory of Puducherry. Outside India also Siddha treatment

has got a welcome sign and sought after in certain countries like Srilanka, Singapore and

Malaysia, which have got a reasonable fragment of Tamil inheritance. However, in spite of

its antiquity the glory of Siddha medicine is yet to be explored at its best on scientific lines.

Nowadays more emphasis is being given for scientific validation of many such traditional

claims of Siddha, which would take forward this system of medicine in a better way. Now to

fulfill this aim, Central Council for Research in Siddha has been established to have a focused

research mandate on the therapeutic benefits of Siddha medicines. Such initiatives by the

Govt. of India should reach both the target beneficiaries and scientific community as well,

which is possible only through this kind of Dossiers.

My longtime wish of having such dossiers for AYUSH systems has now taken a better

shape and hopefully the Stakeholders, Scientific Organizations, Institutions etc., would get a

refined view of our rich heritage through this window. Indeed, appreciable efforts have been

put forth by the team, who has worked on this document, which really needs my special men-

tion and compliments here.

Station:

Date: [Anil Kumar]

P.K.JhaDirector In-charge

Central Council for Research in SiddhaDept. of AYUSH

Ministry of Health & Family WelfareRed Cross Building, New Delhi - 110001.

Tel: 011 - 23327669.e-mail: [email protected]

[email protected]

PREFACE Indigenous systems of medicine have a great impact over the Indian population since

ages. One among the oldest medical systems, Siddha is known for its antiquity and divine in-

stigation from Lord Siva, Goddess Parvathi and there on to other Siddhars of Tamil land. The

system, which was once catering the ailing humanity at large by its own traditional means,

suffered losing significance due to various invasions and cultural alterations by several means,

reasons well known to the medieval scholars and historians. However the knowledge dis-

semination was still continuing through Guru – Sishya mode of education, again a privileged

system practiced in Our Nation. This kept the system alive despite the obstacles and suppres-

sions and now evolved in a more systematic manner. The intelligent portion of the Siddha

system is the inscription of its literatures in the Palm leaves and Cudjan leaves manuscripts,

which ran through generations and even protected within the Hindu temple structures. This

is evidenced from the fact that Tamilnadu is the hub of good old Lord Siva temples, which

remain steadfast beyond centuries. Thus having a long history as old as the Tamil language,

Siddha is serving the society at its level best. Dept. of AYUSH has taken good initiatives to

uphold the spirit of Siddha system by improving both the research aspect through the estab-

lishment of CCRS [Central Council for Research in Siddha] and medical service to the public

through NRHM [National Rural Health Mission] by posting many Siddha Physicians in the

rural parts of Tamilnadu and Puducherry U.T.

This dossier about Siddha system is prepared in such a way that, it provides the infor-

mation in a comprehensive means by giving a better exposure to those interested to know

more about Siddha. The chapters dealt in various heads reveal the specialties and strengths

of Siddha, which still has got enormous scope to be adapted even in this hi-tech era by ra-

tional usage. Hope strongly that the sheer purpose of making this dossier would fetch the

desired result of taking forward Siddha ahead of many steps.

Congratulations are due to those, who have played a pivotal role in the creation of this

Dossier.

Station:

Date: [P.K.Jha]

Internal Committee

Dr. S. Jega Jothi Pandian, Asst. Director I/c, SCRI, Chennai.

Dr. A. Suresh, Asst. Director I/c, SMPG, Mettur.

Dr. K. Gopakumar, Asst. Director I/c, SRRI, Thiruvananthapuram.

Dr. P. Sathiyarajeswaran, Research Officer, SCRI, Chennai.

Dr. A. Rajendra Kumar, Research Officer, CCRS Hqrs. New Delhi

External Experts Panel

Dr. T. Anandan, Former Asst. Director, SCRI, Chennai.

Dr. S. Rajalakshmi, Former Asst. Director, SRRI, Puducherry.

Dr. R.S. Ramaswamy, Professor, National Institute of Siddha, Chennai.

Dr. S.K. Sasi, Lecturer, Govt. Siddha Medical College, Palayamkottai.

Dr. G. Sivaraman, Member, ASUDTAB & SPC, Chennai.

Dr. M.V. Mahadevan, Lecturer, National Institute of Siddha, Chennai.

Support Team

Dr. S. Selvarajan, Research Officer, CCRS Hqrs. New Delhi.

Dr. G. Senthilvel, Research Officer, CCRS Hqrs. New Delhi.

Dr. M. Kannan, Research Officer, SCRI, Chennai.

Dr. M. Padma Sorna Subramanian, Research Officer [Botany], SMPG, Mettur.

Dr. S. Natarajan, Senior Research Fellow, SCRI, Chennai.

Shri D. Radhakrishna Reddy, Lab Technician, SCRI, Chennai.

Siddha System of Medicine

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Introduction

Origin of Siddha

Mankind in his evolution has up-

dated him in each and every field,

created his own technology to sat-

isfy his needs from time immemo-

rial. He crossed many ages from

the Stone Age to present Nano era.

He started inventing Fire, Food and

later he got himself healed with

the wealth surrounding him in the

day today living which emerged

as a specific medical system for

a specific Geographical area.

In Indian subcontinent Sid-

dha medicine has its strong roots in

coherent with India’s culture, tradi-

tion and heritage. Having a Dravid-

ian origin it suits most to the people

living in the Indian subcontinent.

Even though the linguistic bar-

rier rebounded Siddha within a

particular region is catering the

needs of the people. Govt. of In-

dia and World Health Organiza-

tion has accepted Siddha system

as an authorized medical system.

The Siddha system of medi-

cine originated from the South-

ern part of India is one the tra-

ditional medical systems in the

world and deals with physical,

psychological, social and spiri-

tual well-being of an individual.

The roots of this system are in-

tertwined with the culture of an-

cient Tamil civilization. The sys-

tem aims in attaining Eternal bliss

and to defeat mortality. However

to attain this one should pos-

sess enough physical and men-

tal strength. Thus Siddha system

emerged as a holistic / complete

medical system in on these lines.

This system of medicine

was popular in ancient India.

The Siddha system of medi-

cine is believed to be one of

the most ancient traditional

medical systems. This ancient

Akattiyar is believed to be

the father of Siddha Medicine.

Central Council for Research in Siddha SIDDHA

Dept. of AYUSH

9

system was basically developed by 18 spiritual

saints with supernatural divine powers belong-

ing to the Southern part of India called as Siddhars

According to the experts, there were 18 princi-

pal Siddhars. Akattiyar is believed to be the Father

of Siddha medicine. Siddhars were of the concept

that a healthy soul can only be developed through a

healthy body. So they developed methods and med-

ication that are believed to strengthen their physi-

cal body and thereby their souls too. They practiced

intense yogic practices, including years of fasting

and meditation and believed to have achieved su-

per natural powers and gained the supreme wisdom

and overall immortality. Through this spiritually at-

tained supreme knowledge, they wrote countless

scriptures on all aspects of life, from arts to science

and truth of life to miracle cure for diseases. The

Siddhars recorded their impeccable knowledge in

palm leaves / cudjan leaves manuscripts and good

number of copies of which are still found well pre-

served in different parts of South India by both Govt.

organizations and private too. Despite this it is als

believed that some families may possess more frag-

ments, but keep them solely for their own use.From

these manuscripts only the Siddha system of medi-

cine evolved into a part of Indian medical science.

Today there are recognized Siddha medical col-

leges, run under the government universities where

Siddha medicine is taught by a systematic academic

curriculum. According to the Siddha medicine sys-

tem, diet and life style play a major role not only in

health but also in curing diseases. This concept of

the Siddha medicine is termed as Pattiyam and Ap-

attiyam, which is essentially a list of do’s and don’ts.

Most of the practicing Siddha medical

practitioners are traditionally trained and usu-

ally run through many generations preferably and

also by different Gurus (teachers). When the guru

is also a martial arts teacher, he is also known

as an Ëc¡º. Most of the time these Ëc¡ºs also

teach Varmam to these physicians’. However

today there are more thaneight educational in-

stitutions for teaching Siddha in U.G / P.G level

teaching Siddha including a National Institute.

They make a diagnosis after a patient’s

visit and sets about to refer their manuscripts for

the appropriate remedies which a true blue phy-

sician compounds himself or herself from thou-

sands of herbal and herbo-mineral resources.

The methodology of Siddha thought helped de-

cipher many causes of disorders and the for-

mulation of curious remedies which may

sometimes have more than 250 ingredients.

Siddha medicine means medi-cine that is perfect. Siddha medicine is claimed to revitalize and rejuvenate dys-functional organs that cause the disease and to maintain the ratio of va½i(v¡tam)a¾al (Pittam) and aiyam (Kapam). It is assumed that when the normal equilib-rium of three humorsva½I, a¾al and ai-yamis disturbed, disease is caused. The factors, which assumed to affect this equilibrium, are environment, climatic

conditions, diet, physical activities, and stress. Under normal conditions, the ra-tio between these three humors (v¡tam, a¾al and aiyam) is 4:2:1, respectively.

Submerged Lemuria Continent

Cave Inscriptions on Siddha


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HistoryThe different cultural traditions in the world had profounded their medi-

cal system to cater the needs of their society suitably like, Greek, China, Arabs and In-dia. In India we had two distinct cultures one is Vedic and the other one is Tantric.


Dept. of AYUSH

11

The sages of south India, who practised Than-

thrism contributed and established a Medical system

to serve the humanity in general and their own soci-

ety in particular. Those sages were called as Siddhars

and the medical system profounded by them is called

as Siddha system of medicine. Though the creation

of this system is ascribed to Lord civaº the creator of

the universe, the sage Akattiyar is considered as father

figure of this medical system. He is also considered

to be the father figure to the Tamil language and cul-

ture. Even today Lord civaº is named as Vaitt¢svaraº,

Marunt¢svarar which literally means God of Treat-

ment and God of Medicine respectively in Tamil.

Tamil is one of the oldest languages in the

world, which has got greater antiquity. It was nur-

tured and developed in different point of times by

three Tamil academies (Tami¾ Ca´kam) of which the

First (Tami¾ Ca´kam) dates back 3000 BC. The old-

est Tamil book ‘Tolk¡ppiyam’ is also considered to be

written in 3000 BC. As RSH Risely rightly puts ‘Dec-

can itself is one of the ancient geological forma-

tions in the world’ and the great Tamil scholar K.A.

Appadurai states that the culture of the Tamils is

the cradle of civilization. The Ka¶aicca´kam (third

Tamil academy) was established in the 2000 BC.

The books like “Tirukku¼a½” and others are the

monumental evidences to evince their antiquity. The

philosophy and the medicine are like two sides of the

coin. The great philosophers like Aristotle, Galen were

the great philosophers and also physicians. The Sid-

dhars were also the great philosophers and physicians.

Some of the treatises in Tamil have been named in the

names of medicine like Tirika¶ukam (Three pungent) and

Ól¡ti (Cardomom), though there is no relevancy with

the medicine. When all the other system cites 3 humors

Vatha, Pittha and Kapha Siddha in its antiquity as repre-

sented V¡tam, Pittam, Kapam as Va½I, A¾al and Aiyam.

Both Tolk¡ppiyar and Va½½uvar used

above terms which are not found any-

where in the Samhitas and Vedas.

It is indisputable truth that the rich

Tamil heritage, the culture and the medi-

cal system have got greater antiquity.

Siddha medicine has a background of my-

thology and geneology. The term “Citti’ can be

traced in the very earlier epicIr¡m¡ya¸am where

the heroic brothers stayed in “Citt¡sramam”.The

literary mention of Jains also supports the pres-

ents of Siddhas and they equate them with the “Heavenly souls”. They were divided as Tant-

ric saints, Alchemical Siddhas, and Siddha Yogi.

The Alchemical Siddhas are called as V¡ta

Vaittiyarka½in the later periods (After 15 centuries

AD). The Yogis are called as Gnana Siddhas and

Tantric Siddhas are Siddha Vaidyas. These evidenc-

es trace back the antiquity of up to Tholkappiayam

and other Tamil literatures which were from 3000 BC.

The first profounder of the system lord Siva

has transmitted the science to Uma Devi.She in

turn passed it on to Nandi Deva. He has taught

Sage Akattiyar and Akattiyar inturn to Pulathi-

yar, Bogar, Theraiyar and others of Pothigai Hills.

There are so many theories to explain the

Origin of Siddha Science and its antiquity.Ac-

cording to Lemurian Continental origin theory – Based on the literary work – It is believed that the

Kumari-k-kandam was lost in the Indian Ocean.

Mediterranean Origin theory explains

that Dravidians belong to Mediterranean

stock and due to Aryan invasion moved to-

wards south. South Indian Origin theory evinc-

es that Tamil Nadu is the homeland of Tamils.

ANTIQUITY OF SIDDHA MEDICINE


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Development ANCIENT PERIOD

archaeological Evidences

• There are very few monumental evi-dences available to know the his-tory. There are evidences to prove that Pallava ruler Nantivarmaº do-nated a village – Kum¡rama´ka½¡ vell¡¶¶u to Physician.

• Chidambaram temple inscription of 13th century gives a list of grants to vaittiyar (Physician), Jatyambashtha, Barber, surgeon & Mid-wives.

• Tiruv¡¶utu¼ai inscription of vikra-ma C°¾aº dating back to 121 a.D. refers to Medical school. Prin-cess Kuntavai N¡cciyar estab-lished a free dispensary in the name of her father Cuntara C°¾aº.

MARATHA RULERS PROMOTED MEDICAL SCIENCE

• King Shahji 1684 – 1712 a.D – Con-structed a hospital & employed phy-sicians from Hyderabad & arabia.

• King Serfoji – Took interest in the preservation & propagation of In-digenous medicines. He published ‘Carap®ntira vaittiya Mu¼aika½’

• The Taºvantiri Mah¡l– Research was practiced in a tantra system like Siddha, Unani & ayurveda

Literary treasures Monumental evidences Period

Jain literatures, Ir¡m¡ya¸am, Tolk¡ppiyam,Cilappatik¡ramAkan¡º£¼u, Pu¼an¡º£¼u,

Sethubridge,PoompuharReminiscence

3000 BC and back.

Ëcivakam Karuvurar statue and Bra-hadeeswarar temple

Before 3000 BC

Ól¡ti,Tirika¶ukam Mention about Lord Murugan in Tolk¡ppiyam

Palani bhogars statue of Lord murugan

3000 BC


Dept. of AYUSH

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BRITISH PERIOD

• In 1919 the Madras Mak¡jaºa Ca-pai wrote to Govt. about the im-portance of Indigenous medicines

• Sound vernacular indigenous medical education to the children of this country.

• afford cheap and good medi-cal help to the public.

• Systematizing the existing indigenous medical help.

• Funds allotted to up-keep of librar-ies consisting of books relating to ayurvedic, Unani &akattiyar traditional medicine.

• Established the Govt. school of Indian Medicine in Madras in 1925 to teach ayurveda, Siddha & Unani.

• Establish provincial rural dispensaries, Municipal & District board dispensaries.

• Established in 1926, a Govt Hospital of Indian Medicines attached to the school.

• Instituted a Post-Graduate course in 1930 in Indian Medicine for the graduates of Western Medicines

• F.I.M. - Fellow of Indian Medicine

• aLIM - associated Licentiate in In-dian Medicine

• In 1914 - aIM (associate in Indian Medicine) Constituted a Central Board of Indian Medicine to act as recom-mending authority to the Govt. for reg-istration & supervision of pharmacies & teaching institutions.

• Established a college of Indian Medi-cine in 1947.

• Gave sanction for starting a Research Institute in 1947.

• Sanctioned village vaidya Scheme in 1947.

DOCTOR KOMAN COMMITTEE REPORT

• Notes on drugs & compounds used in these medicines should be investigat-ed thoroughly. Summary of the notes on medicines should be discussed in detail.

• The composition & methods of prep-aration should be standardized.

• Statement showing the dis-

eases treated at the Govt. Hos-pital should be maintained.

• Report on analysis of drugs should be maintained.

USMAN COMMITTEE REPORT


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• Mrs. A. Rukmani Laksh-mipathi - Minister of Public Health Department the medi-cal school was up graded to college of Indian Medicine.

• In 1948, Col. R. N. Chopra com-mittee- recommended for a scientific methods in the devel-opment of indigenous system.

• In 1955, Shri Dayashankar Trikanji Dave a committee recommended

- uniform standards, training for P.G. and research facilities.

• Metha Committee - the Uni-versity of Madras approved an Indian Medicine college at Palayamkottai in 1964.

• The Indian Medical Practitio-ners Co-Operative Pharmacy and Stores (IMCOPS) were established in 1945 at Ma-dras-Mfg & Analysis of Drugs.

CREATION OF INDIAN MEDICINE DEPARTMENT IN TAMILNADU

THE FORMATION OF GOVERNMENT INDIAN MEDICAL SCHOOL

The Government Indian Medical School was formed by Dr. G. Srini-vasamurthi as its first Principal and 120 students were admitted per year. In 1933 L.I.M. course was extended from 4 years to 5 years. The final year was devoted for special clinical training. In 1940 Sir Mohammed Usman Committee was appointed for the improvement of the curriculum.

ATSVS was created in 1937 at Muncirai, a village which belonged to Neyya-tinkara taluk of the ex-South Travancore before becoming part of Tamil Nadu.

1. It was founded by Netiyananda Samikal with the aim to develop Siddha.2. This is clearly expressed in a letter by the Director of Ayurveda, Travancore,

dated 8th February 1939, in which he informs the Chief Secretary to Finally, on the vast land belonging to ATSVS, a small school was established to teach Siddha to chil-dren capable to read and write, and then, to hereditary and traditional practitioners.

3. After two-year courses, the practitioners got the Certificate of Siddha Prac-titioner. This certificate was recognized since 1947 by the State of Travancore-Co-chin, but the merger of this area with the State of Madras resulted in the lost of this recognition due to the regulations applied by the Tamil Nadu Government.

ESTABLISHMENT IN KERALA


Dept. of AYUSH

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At the end of the nineteenth century, the British

colony, the then Ceylon, had a system of Indigenous

medicine, but no College to provide indigenous

medical education. Three associations or bodies

that were formed had done the preliminary work for

the preservation of traditional medical knowledge

and to protect and uphold the professional status

of those engaged in practicing oriental medical sys-

tem. These associations are “The Sinhalese Medical

Association (1891), Sri Lanka Vaidya Maha Manda-

laya (1901), and Sri Lanka Samaja Prathisanskarana

Sangamaya (1915). Eminent personalities such

as, Sir Solaman R. Dias Bandaranaike, F.R. Sena-

nayake, K. Balasingham, Donald Ubhayasekera

and Ananda Coomaraswamy, the great patriots

were involved in creating a fund for this purpose.

In 1926, for the first time, a committee that

looked into the indigenous medical system pro-

posed that a college should be established with

an adjoining teaching hospital, to provide train-

ing to those who are keen to pursue this system

of medicine. The then States Council (Rajya Man-

thrana Sabhawa) appointed an Advisory Council

titled’ Ayurveda Sammelana Sabha’ in 1928 with

Dr K. Balasingham as its Chairperson. Based on

this Committee’s recommendation , an Institute

named “Swadeshiya Vaidya Vidyalaya” (Indige-

nous Medical College) was established on 10th June

1929, and it was inaugurated by the then Governor

General of Ceylon, Sir Herbert James Stanley, at

the Bauer building situated at Cotta Road, Borella.

Dr A.N.N Panikkar from India who had western

medical qualification and who possessed a Sound

training in Ayurveda Sciences was brought down

to the newly established College by the then Gov-

ernment as its first Principal. Similarly, Dr H.M.

Jaffer and Dr H. Ahamed were also brought down

from India to develop Unani system of medicine.

Another milestone in the field of indigenous

medical system was the enactment of Indigenous

Medical Ordinance No. 17 of 1941. Hon S.W.R.D.

Bandaranaike as the Minister of Health and the

Chairperson of the Indigenous Medical Advisory

Council had brought the legislation to uplift the qual-

ity of teaching at the College with a national stan-

dard. In 1961, the Ayurveda Act No. 31 of 1961 was

enacted by repealing the Indigenous Medical Ordi-

nance No. 17 of 1941 and the College was renamed

as the Government College of Indigenous Medicine

and came under the management of the Ayurveda

College and Hospital Board. This was a step taken to

uphold the quality of Ayurveda health care delivery

and the systems of education in Ayurveda, Unani

and Siddha. Four Statutory Boards namely, Ayurve-

da Medical Council, the Ayurveda College and Hos-

pital Board, Ayurveda Research Committee and

Ayurveda Drug Formulary Committee were created.

In 1963, the Diploma in Indigenous Medicine &

Surgery (DIMS), the qualification hitherto named was

changed to that of the Diploma in Ayurveda Medicine

and Surgery (DAMS) under the new Ayurveda Act.

In 1977, the College of Indigenous Medicine

was absorbed as the Institute of Indigenous Medi-

cine and affiliated to the University of Colombo un-

der the University Act No. 1 of 1972. This was done

by the Institute of Ayurveda Statute No. 1 of 1977,

published in the Government Gazettee Extraordi-

nary bearing number 258 of March 30, 1977. The ob-

jective of this step was to produce qualified medical

practitioners in the field of Ayurveda, Unani and Sid-

dha medical systems. Institute of Indigenous Medi-

cine Ordinance No. 7 of 1979 published in the Gov-

ernment Gazettee - Extraordinary bearing No. 67/14

dated 21.12.1979 under the Universities Act No. 16 of

1978. With this enactment, the Siddha section was

transferred and affiliated to the University of Jaffna.

INSTITUTE OF INDIGENOUS MEDICINE IN SRILANKA


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LATER DEVELOPMENT OF SIDDHA MEDICINE

IN TAMIL NADU

à During the II World Tamil Conference Siddha medical field came to limelight.

à Then Chief Minister C. N. Annadurai sowed the seed for re-vival and K. Anbazhagan nurtured it.

à Siddha Scientific Development Committee was formed –Pub-lishing rare Siddha text books, preservation of Cudjon leaves.

à Madras University started a UG course in 1964 and Madu-rai Kamaraj University started a UG Course in 1966 and P.G. Course in 1972.

à At present Dr. M.G.R. Medical University- gives the Siddha degree and now it is being awarded as B.S.M.S. (Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery),Post Graduation degree M.D (Siddha) – Doctor of Medicine in Siddha and Ph.D in Siddha. Siddha Central Research Institute (SCRI) and National Insti-tute of Siddha (NIS) are affliated centres for undergoing Ph.D in Siddha.

ROlE Of CENTRAl GOvERNMENT IN ThE DEvElOPMENT of INDIGeNoUS MeDICINe

à 1969- the Central Council for Research in Indian Medicine and homeopathy (CCRIMh) was established.

à 1970, the Central Council for Indian Medicine under L.C.I.M. Act for registering and regulating their practice.

à 1975 Central Research Institute for Siddha in Chennai for con-ducting scientific research.

à 1995 Medicinal Plants Garden exclusively for Siddha was de-veloped in Mettur Dam.

à 2005 National Institute of Siddha in Tambaram was inaugu-rated by honorable Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

à 2010 1 st September, Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS) was bifurcated to establish a seperate Research Council for Siddha for a focused Research in Sid-dha sytem as per cabinet approval. hence the Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS) came into existence.


Dept. of AYUSH

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SIDDHA

Infrastructure, National & Global Scenario

Summary of Infrastructure Facilities under Siddha Sl. No. Facility Siddha1. Hospitals 2752. Beds 25763. Dispensaries 5414. Registered Practitioners 71955. (a) UG Colleges 7

Admission Capacity (UG) 3505. (b) PG Colleges 3

Admission Capacity (PG) 1265. (C) Exclusively PG College (NIS,

Chennai)1

Admission Capacity (Exclu-sive PG)

46*

Summary of Siddha Medical Care FacilitiesSl. No. Management Siddha

Hosp. Disp.

1. State Govt./UT Administration

268 530

2. C.G.H.S -- 3

3. CCRS Units 2 2

4. NIS, Chennai 1 --

State Wise No. of Siddha Hospitals and their Bed Strength

Sl. No. State / UT Siddha

Hosp. Beds

1. Tamilnadu 270 22012. Kerala 2 170

3. Puducherry 1 25

*Including one seat of for BIMSTEC Countries in National Institute of Siddha , Chennai


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State Wise No. of Siddha Dispensaries

Sl. No. State / UT Siddha1. Tamilnadu 5022. Kerala 53. Puducherry 23

State Wise Distribution of Hospitals, Beds and Dispensaries in

Siddha by Management Status

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Gov

t.

Loca

l Bo

dy

*Oth

ers

Tota

l

Gov

t.

Loca

l Bo

dy

*Oth

ers

Tota

l

1. Tamilnadu 267 0 3 270 1871 0 330 2201 502 0 0 502

2. Kerala 1 0 1 2 20 0 150 170 5 0 0 5

3. Puduch-erry

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 23

4. CGHS & Central Govt. Organiza-tions

3 0 0 3 205 0 0 205 11 0 0 11

Total 271 0 4 275 2096 0 480 2576 541 0 0 541


Dept. of AYUSH

19

SIDDHA

Maruttuvam deals with Diseases, their classification, etiology, Complications and Medicines. It also suggests Diet Pattern and Restriction.

Ku¸ap¡¶am deals with usage of Herbal, Metallic, Mineral Compounds, Marine products and Zoological products. It describes about their pharmacological actions, Taste, Preparation of Medicines, Their expiry dates and adverse effects. It also deals in detail about co-drug vehicle called as Thunai marundhu and anupanam.

Ci¼appu Maruttuvam as the name itself indicates it deals with specialzed procedures for Neurology Varmam, Psychiatry, Dermatological disorders, yoga, pranayama and Methods of kaya kalpa procedures. It is a specialized Branch, which Helps one to be free from diseases maintaining a proper health of Body, Mind and soul

Branches Siddha branches itself into Maruttuvam, Ci¼appu Maruttuvam,

Ku¸ap¡¶am, A¼uvai Maruttuvam, ,N°y N¡¶al, N°y Ill¡ Ne¼I, Naµcu Maruttu-vam, C£l Maka½ir Maruttuvam, P¡lav¡ka¶am Various Branches of Siddha Medicine is now Taught as specialized areas of Education in PG level.

• Maruttuvam - General

Medicine

• Ku¸ap¡¶am -

Pharmacology

• Ci¼appu Maruttuvam -

Special Medicine

• P¡lav¡ka¶am - Peadiatrics

• N°y N¡¶al - Pathology

• Naµcu Maruttuvam - Toxi-

cology

• a¼uvai Maruttuvam -

Surgery

• c£l maka½ir maruttuvam -

Gynaecology & Obstetrics

• N°y Ill¡ Ne¼i - Social and

Preventive Medicine

P¡lav¡ka¶am is a separate Branch of Siddha science which deals with Pediatric diseases, Prevention of Diseases, Immune prophylactic measures, pediatric neurological disease, Ethno medical practices in pediatrics. Balavakadam also deals with medicines used in Pediatric practice Diet and Developmental pattern in a Child’s life.

N°y N¡¶al is a branch of Siddha dealing with basic diagnostic procedures is Siddha and symptoms of each and every disease. Eight tools of diagnosis form a basic method in Noinadal

Naµcu Maruttuvam deals with toxic effects of Herbs and Drugs used in Siddha system and also about detoxification of toxins in Herbs and drugs.

a¼uvai Maruttuvam is a Branch of Siddha Medicine, which deals with Minor Surgical procedures such as Karam, Sutigai, Ottadam, Kombu- Kattal ec. It also deals about prevention of surgical intervention and conservative methods of treatment of surgical disorder. Hemorrhoids, Renal stones, Filariasis, Fistula in ano and Hernia. Eye, Ear, nose and Throat diseases are dealt in Surgery. Older methods of treating “Cata-ract” and prevention of Eye dis-eases are highlighted in surgery.

c£l maka½ir maruttuvam deals with Antenatal, Postnatal and Gy-necological diseases. It details about giving medicines in each and every month of pregnancy, care and diet to be taken at the time of pregnancy. Me-dicinal to abort a child if any complica-tion is felt. Invention of oral contra-ceptives and methods of prevention of Diseases during pregnancy. It also deals in Detail about the diseases af-fecting female such as oligomenorrhea, Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, menor-rhagia and Tumors of ovary / uterus etc.


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S. No.

NAME OF THE COLLEGE NAME OF AFFILIATING UNIVERSITY

YEAR OF ESTABLISHMENT

1. Govt. Siddha Medical College, Palyamkottai, Tirunelveli -627002, Tamilnadu.

The Tamilnadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai-32. Tamilnadu. www.tnmmu.ac.in

1964 Government

2. Govt. Siddha Medical College, Arumbakkam, Chennai-600106, Tamilnadu.( Actually established at Palani and later shifted to Chennai)


1985 Government

3. Akila Thiruvithamcore Siddha Vaidya Sangam Siddha Maruthuva Kalloory & Hospital, Munchirai, Kanyakumari- 629 171, Tamilnadu.


2001-2002 Private

4. Sri Sai Ram Siddha Medical College & Research Centre, Poonthandalam, Tambaram, Chennai -600 044, Tamilnadu.


2001-2002 Private

5. Velumailu Siddha Medical College, Sriperumbudur,Kancheepuram -602 105, Tamilnadu.


2001-2002 Private

6. National Institute of Siddha, Tambaram, Chennai - 600047, Tamil Nadu.


2004 Government

7. RVS Siddha Medical College, 242 B, Trichy Road, Sulur, Coimbatore -641402, Tamil Nadu.


2007 Private

8. Sivaraj Siddha Medical College, Thumbathulipatty, Siddhar koil Main road, Salem-636307, Tamil Nadu.


2009 Private

9. Santhigiri Siddha Medical College, Santhigiri P.O,Thiruvanthapuram 695539Kerala.

University of Kerala, Thiruvanan-thapuram- 695034, Kerala. www.keralauniversity.edu/

2002 Un-aided (self finance)


Dept. of AYUSH

21

SIDDHA

CENTRAL COUNCIL FOR RESEARCH IN SIDDHA

1. To validate and Time test Siddha Medicine through intensive re-search To clinically validate the efficacy of Drugs through clinical trials

2. To Standardize High or-der Medicines like Kattu, Kalangu, Urukku, Sathu and make it compatible.

3. To explore Literary re-sources through exten-sive research Which is Hidden in old Manu-scripts.

4. To Standardize The exter-nal therapies with special reference for Varmam and Thokkanam.

5. Phytochemical, Pharm-cognostical and Pharma-cological Validation of Siddha medicine.

6. Conservation of Medici-nal Plants and organic cultivation

The Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS) is an autonomous body registered on 27 th July 2010. The Council came into existence after bi-furcation of the erstwhile Central Council for Re-search in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS) into Cen-tral Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS)

Siddha Central Research Institute, Chennai.044 26214809 [email protected]

Siddha Regional Research InstitutePuducherry.

[email protected]

Siddha Clinical Research [email protected]

Siddha Regional Research Institute Thiruvananthapuram

[email protected]

Siddha Medicinal Plants GardenMettur04298– [email protected]

Central Council for Research in Siddha61-65, Jawahrlal Nehru Anushandan bhawan Institutional Area,

Opp to D Block,Janakpuri, New Delhi - 110058Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Govt. of IndiaPh: +91 11 28524163

[email protected] [email protected]

Civaṉār vēmpuIndigofera aspalathoides vahl ex Dc.

AmmāṉpaccariciEuphorbia hirta L.


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NATIoNAL INSTITUTe of SIDDhA

It is an institute under Dept . of AYUSH • To impart Post-graduate education in Sid-

dha System. • To conduct experiments and to develop pat-

tern of teaching in PG education in Siddha System.

• To conduct research in various aspects of Siddha.

• To provide medical care through Siddha Sys-tem of Medicine to the suffering humanity.

• To develop, promote and propagate the sci-ence and art of Siddha.

• To act as a centre of excellence for Siddha System.

REFERENCES• Uthamarayan CS,Thotrakirama ariachiyum Siddha maruthuva varalarum,DIM Publica-

tions,1992.• Uthamarayan CS,A Compendium of Siddha Doctrine,DIM Publications,2005.• AYUSH Report 2010 -11


Dept. of AYUSH

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SIDDHA

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS


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In Siddha science man is viewed as a micro-cosm and the universe as a macrocosm. In other words, man is a miniature universe in himself. The whole universe in turn is believed to be constituted of five primordial elements or Paµcap£tam viz. Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space and so is man. The Paµc¢kara¸am theory (Five Fold Combina-tion) of Siddha science explains the origin and for-mation of these basic elements as well as the role of these five elements in the formation of every substance both in the universe and in humans.

According to Paµc¢kara¸am theory, each of these five elements is said to possess two properties viz. subtle and gross. These elements act with a mu-tual co-ordination and can never act independently. The various proportions in which they combine gives rise to different substances. Thus, this theory pro-

poses that 96 basic principles exist which is the basic concept underlying this holistic medical science.The various proportions in which they combine gives rise to different substances. Thus, this theory pro-poses that 96 basic principles exist which is the ba-sic concept underlying this holistic medical science.

The human body formed by these 96 basic principles is conditioned mainly by:1) Uyirt¡tukka½ (also called Tirit°¶am

or Mukku¼¼am) are the three hu-mours, viz. V¡tam, Pittam and Kapam. 2) U¶alt¡tukka½ are the physical constitu-ents, (Seven Tissues) viz. C¡ram, Cenn¢r, Í¸, Ko¾uppu, Eºpu, M£½ai, Cukkila Cur°¸itam.

Relationship between the basic elements (Paµcap£tam), five sense organs (Po¼i) and functions of these sense organs (Pulaº) can be understood from the tabulation below:

FIVE ELEMENTS SENSE ORGANS FUNCTIONS OF SENSE ORGANS

Nilam (Earth) Nose Smell

N¢r (Water) Mouth Taste

T¢(Fire) Eyes Vision

K¡¼¼u (Air) Skin Touch

Ëk¡yam (Space) Ears Hearing

It can be deduced from the above table that the sense of smell per-ceived by the sense organ nose, is due to the action and properties of the ele-ment, ‘earth’. Similarly, the other senses can be linked to corresponding elements.


Dept. of AYUSH

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SIDDHA

PRINCIPLES SYNONYMS NUMBERS

Paµcap£tam Five elements 5

Po¼i Sense organs 5

Pulaº Five senses 5

Ka¸m®ntiriyam Motor organs and motor func-tions

5

Ø¡º®ntiriyam Centers of Perception 5

Kara¸am Mind, Intellect, Conation, Ac-complishment

4

A¼ivu Self realization 1

N¡¶i Channels of life force 10

V¡yu Kinetic Vital force 10

Ëcayam Gastro intestinal uro genital seats

5

K°cam Sheaths of Food, Breath, Mind, Knowledge and Bliss

5

Ët¡ram Basic centers of subtle body 6

Ma¸¶alam Sheaths of Humours 3

Malam Impurities related to soul 3

T°¶am Humours 3

Ì¶aºai Attachments, Desires related of Soul

3

Ku¸am Qualities of mind 3

Viºai Physical & mental acts 2

Ir¡kam Emotional status of mind 8

Avattai Status of Consciousness 5

TOTAL BASIC PRINCIPLES 96

The 96 principles include physical, physiological, psychological, intellectual aspects of every human.


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In Siddha, v¡tam, pittam and kapam which are the three humours, are respon-sible for the creation, preservation and destruction of human body and health. When they are in the state of equilibrium (4:2:1-the ratio in which they exist) our body re-mains in a healthy state while any disturbance in this ratio leads to diseased state or death.

va½i represents the elements ‘air’ and ‘space’. It is responsible for all movements of mind and body. Motor, sensory activities are governed by v¡tam. Though it is present all over the body, which pre-dominates only in the region below navel and based on that its function it is classified into 10 types viz.

Roughness, dryness, lightness and mobility are certain attributes of v¡tam. It also strengthens the five sensory organs, and regulates respira-tion, the functions of physical constituents (called u¶alt¡tukka½ and are seven in number) and physiologi-cal reflexes (called V®ka´ka½ and are 14 in numbers).

UYIRTËTUKKAßNam inum a volorei ciatio qui comni odi conseque nam, consece ressim volo te ea quate coresse con pa

UPa vËYUKKaß

vaßI

PaØCa vËYUKKaß


Dept. of AYUSH

27

SIDDHA

A¾al represents the element- t¢ (fire) in our body and is responsible for the preservation of health. It maintains the body heat for normal physiol-ogy and dominates the chest and abdominal area. It exhibits itself in 5 forms within our body.

aàaL

Aiyam is formed by the elements ‘earth and water’. It is responsible for strength, joint movements, body built and endurance. It dominates the head and neck region and there are 5 forms of kapam viz

aIYaM


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UÙaLTËTUKKaß

The food we intake nourishes each of the physical constituent in a sequence beginning from C¡ram and provides total nourishment to the body on 8th day, after nourishing each constituent.

UÙALTËTUKKAß (PHYSICAL CONSTITUENTS)

PHYSICAL CONSTITUENTS (UÙALTËTUKKAß)

RELATED BODY CONSTITUENTS BASIC ELEMENTS

CËRAM Plasma Water

CENNÌR Blood Fire + Water

ÍÛ Muscle Earth + Water

KOàUPPU Adipose tissue Water + Earth

EÜPU Bone Earth + Air

MÍßAI Marrow Water + Air

CUKKILA CURÕÛITAM Male or Female Hormones Fire + Air

PHYSICAL CONSTITUENTS (UÙALTËTUKKAß) FUNCTIONS

CËRAM Growth and development, nourishment

CENNÌR Nourishes the muscle, imparts colour and improve intellect

ÍÛ Responsible for shape of the body

KOàUPPU Lubricates joints, maintains balance

EÜPU Supports body structure and responsible for posture and movement.

MÍßAI Imparts strength, endurance and shine

CUKKILA CURÕÛITAM Responsible for reproduction


Dept. of AYUSH

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SIDDHA

SIX TASTE THEORY

Siddha medicine emphasis more on UûavÓ MaRUNTU MaRUNTÓ UûavU (Medicine is Food and Food is Medicine) and used all natural sub-stances including poisonous herbs for treating the diseased. Each and every substance is classified among 6 tastes based on their taste. Every individual taste is sub classified as 2 active elements from the 5 basic elements. Individual tastes hold in-dividual therapeutic property. The

later sciences proved that taste are synergy of various therapeutic com-ponents. As an example the pun-gent nature of Ginger is due to its fire potency (Gingerol – Oleo resin) is responsible to improve digestion.

Siddhars used to treat a patient with the diagnosis of vitiated altered humors and restored the altered hu-mors by administering these 6 tastes. The following table illustrates be-tween the 6 taste and five elements.

Elements Cuvai

Ma¸ + N¢r Iºippu

Ma¸ + T¢ Pu½ippu

T¢+ N¢r Uppu

K¡¼¼u + Ëk¡yam Kaippu

K¡¼¼u + T¢ K¡rppu

K¡¼¼u + Ma¸ Tuvarppu

In Practice we take upon four tastes in the maximum which are Sweet, Sour, Pungent and Salt leading to various ailments where Bitter and Astringent in the form of drugs come to a rescue.Methods of plant containing drug preparations are based on the taste con-cept, i.e., on Compatible taste (Na¶pucuvai) and inimical taste (Pakaiccuvai).


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Cuvai (TaSTE) COMPaTIBLE TaSTENa¶pucuvai

INIMICaL TaSTEPakaiccuvai

Iºippu Uppu (Salt)Pu½ippu (Sour)

Kaippu (Bitter)K¡rppu (Pungent)

Pu½ippu Iºippu (Sweet) Uppu (Salt)Tuvarppu (astringent)Kaippu (Bitter)K¡rppu (Pungent)

Uppu Iºippu (Sweet) Tuvarppu (astringent)Kaippu (Bitter)K¡rppu (Pungent)Pu½ippu (Sour)

Kaippu K¡rppu (Pungent) Iºippu (Sweet) Uppu (Salt)Tuvarppu (astringent)Pu½ippu (Sour)

K¡rppu Iºippu (Sweet) Uppu (Salt)Tuvarppu (astringent)Kaippu (Bitter)Pu½ippu (Sour)`

Tuvarppu Uppu (Salt) Kaippu (Bitter)K¡rppu (Pungent)Pu½ippu (Sour)

REFERENCES• Uthamarayan CS. ,Siddha MaruthuvangaChurukkam. 2nd reprint. Chennai. Dept of Indian

Medicine andHomeopathy. 2006.• Shanmugavelan ., Noi Nadal Noi Mudal Naadal. 2nd reprint. Chennai. Dept of Indian Medicine

andHomeopathy. 2006• Uthamarayan CS,Thotrakirama ariachiyum Siddha maruthuva varalarum,DIM Publica-

tions,1992.


Dept. of AYUSH

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SIDDHA

Concept of Health and Diseases


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CONCEPT OF PHYSICIAN

In Siddha system of medicine a physician should be spiritual and have an in-

depth knowledge about normal/abnormal functioning of the three humors, ca-

pable of curing ailments, intelligent, truthful, confident, associated with the

elite, capable of preparing high quality drugs with mastery over medical classes.

According to T®raº (one among the 18 Siddhars) in his Tailavarkkacurukkam,

the physician should have pure thought and action, love for all human beings, a

detailed knowledge about geographical seasonal variations, correct physical and

mental state and dietary habits. akattiyar Cillaraikk°vai further adds generosity,

patience, untiring hard work, capability of overcoming greed, anger, knowledge

about astrology and Paµca Pa¶ci C¡stiram and Cara N£l as the qualities of a physi-

cian. he says that a physician should protect his patient like an eyelid, which pro-

tects the eyes and care as a mother who cares for her sick child.

A physician should not wear colorful dress, nor use silk, leather rope, cos-

metics and should always move around in white dress, using only sandal

paste as cosmetics. T®raº in his Tailavarkkacurukkam insists that a physician

should clean his hands many times and have bath after examining a patient.


Dept. of AYUSH

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SIDDHA

POàUTU(SEASON) Seasons are six. This is called (Perumpo¾utu).

Each day is divided into 6 periods of 4 hrs each

(Ci¼upo¾utu) and every year is divided into 6 seasons

of 2 months each (Perumpo¾utu).The effect of sea-

sons on the incidence of the diseases have been re-

ferred and the Seasonal conduct have been advised

to prevent these diseases. The reference about the

vitiated humor in every season has also been re-

ferred. Specific period of a day and hence the food

habits and other lifestyles must be tuned in accord-

ingly for healthy living. It has been scientifically

proved that in circadian rhythm the particular organ

of body is predominant at a particular time of the day.

NËß OàUKKaM (DaILY CHORES) N¡½ O¾ukkam mentions the systematic order

of every day activities that every person needs to fol-

low in order to avoid lifestyle disorders and related

diseases. It describes the methodology to take good

care of our body and mind.

i. KËLaI EàUTaL(WaKING UP)Our new day begins as

we wake up and it is the

first activity of a day.

The apt time for wake-

up is between 4:00

AM and 5:00 AM. As

we wake-up early, we breathe fresh air rich in vital

respiratory gases and that also helps the three hu-

mors or Uyirt¡tukka½ to be in the state of equilibrium.

Waking up in the early morning induces secretion of

Civakku¶ilai N¢r (Holy secretion of Pineal gland). It

brings immense pleasure to one’s mind and so it is

the correct time to performe Meditation and wor-

ship.

ii. MaLaCaLaM KaàITTaL(EXCRETION OF STOOLS aND URINE) Malacalam Ka¾ittal

is the act (or) function of

eliminating the waste prod-

ucts of digestion and other

metabolic activities.

Excretion of feces

and urine are activities of

V¡tam and hence it should be performed soon after

we wake up. Urine is passed first followed by stools.

It is normal to pass feces twice a day and urine 4

times a day which when disturbed indicates abnor-

mal bowel function. One should not suppress these

two physiological reflex activities.

Certain methods have also been mentioned

for cleaning after the act of defecation in order to

avoid infections.

Proper excretion indicates proper digestion

and helps the three humors or uyirt¡tukka½ to stay in

equilibrium.


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PaL TULaKKUTaL(BRUSHING OF TEETH) Oral cavity being the

main entrance of our

Gastro-intestinal tract

must be well maintained

by taking good oral care.

Plaque deposits formed as a result of mastication

should be cleaned properly in order to avoid infec-

tion.

Siddhars have mentioned the use of certain

herbal twigs and powders for a good dental care.

The herbal twigs are considered best to be used

as brush, as they are used and thrown (single use).

Also, the act of chewing the herbal twig increases

salivation and releases the juice of that particular

twig which usually has astringent and disinfec-

tant property. The bristles so formed help remove

plaque easily away from teeth. This twig is usually

selected without any nodes and from a fresh, well

grown tree.

In cases where people suffer from ailments

like stomatitis, the use of twigs is restricted and in-

stead the use of appropriate herbal powders is ad-

vised.

UÙaÞPaYIÞCI(EXERCISE) Iron rusts when not

in use and similarly, our

body becomes a ground

for diseases when not in-

volved in proper physical

exercise. As a part of daily

regimen (N¡½ O¾ukkam),

Siddhars have mentioned

the importance of practicing yoga which includes

asanas, breathing techniques, meditation tech-

niques, etc. These practices are aimed at develop-

ing body strength as well as peace of mind result-

ing in health and harmony. Early morning is the

best time to perform yogic exercises as it help to

face the day with great energy and enthusiasm. To

refresh oneself after a day’s activity, physical exer-

cises can be done in the evening. Physical exercises

must be done in a well-aerated area and before

meals or 2 hours after meals.

Yogic and physical exercises practiced un-

der proper guidance along with appropriate diet

habits facilitate proper functioning of internal or-

gans, thereby leading to longevity.

KUßIYaL(BaTH)

Physical exercise is followed by bath in view of

cleaning oneself of the sweat

and dirt formed as a result

of one’s activities. A bath

before sunrise is considered

good for health. Oil bath is

recommended once in 4 days

to bring strength to the five

motor organs also known

as Paµc®ntiriyam. The method prescribed is ap-

plication of Gingelly oil/Ghee/certain medicated

oil, usually followed by use of a herbal bath pow-

der (Paµcaka¼pam) for washing. This practice is

believed to protect the body against illness in all

seasons. Methods for an oil bath, seasonal and diet

restrictions while taking an oil bath have also been

clearly mentioned in ancient Siddha literature.


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SIDDHA

UÙaIKaßUM ËPaRaûa×KaßUM (DRESS aND ORNaMENTS)A detailed description of

dress code for men and

women according to sea-

sonal variations have been

given due importance in

day-to-day life. Influence of

planets on humans, their rela-

tion to ornamental gems and

how these can be used to treat

diseases have been described in

detail.

UûavU (DIET)Diet plays a major role in our everyday activ-

ity. Diet acts as the

source of vital nu-

trients to gain en-

ergy and it builds

our body. Improper

diet habits cause

disturbances in

equilibrium of the

three humors (Uyirt¡tukka½) and physical constitu-

ents (U¶alt¡tukka½) in turn causing several diseases.

U¸av® Maruntu Marunt® U¸avu This verse, means that diet can act as med-

icine and vise versa emphasising the importance

of diet.

The diet concept of Siddhars is based upon taste

of foods as it indicates the natural property of the

kind of food. A typical diet must therefore include

a combination of 6 tastes that is best suited to the

prevailing season.

Hunger (Paci- one of the 14 V®ka´ka½) indicates

the need for food. Diet intake nourishes the dif-

ferent physical constituents, viz., U¶alt¡tukka½ in a particular sequence and finally provides strength

to our body. However, food like milk, water and

meat soup provide instant strength to body.

According to Saint Tiruva½½uvar, 3 main factors de-

cide the structure of a good diet.

a. Taste

b. The constitution of person who intakes

c) Time of season.

CUVAI (TASTE)

Tastes may have a friendly counterpart or

an inimical counterpart and inimical tastes should

never be taken together. A particular taste of food

when taken in combination with its inimical taste

food might yield poisonous effects due to dietetic

incompatibilities.

E.g. Milk and fish should never be tak-

en together. Similarly, a combination of milk and

green leafy vegetables is also harmful.

A diet should also include food that normal-

izes the three humors (Tirit°¶a Camapporu¶ka½). The concept of inimical and friendly taste in diet

is also applied for selection and preparation of Sid-

dha medicines.

YËKKAIYIÜ ILAKKAÛAM (THE CONSTITUTION OF PERSON) Diet with respect to quantity and qual-

ity should be taken according to the gender, age,

physical/mental activity and basic body constitu-

tion (viz., v¡tam, pittam and kapam) of the per-

son.

NILAM, POàUTU MAÞÞUM KËLAM (TIME, SEASON AND LAND) Selection of proper diet also takes into

consideration the period of day (break fast /lunch/

dinner) seasonal variations and geographic loca-

tions.


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UÞaKKaM (SLEEP) Sleep is the na-

ture’s way of pro-

viding rest to our

body. Proper sleep

is required when

our body feels tired

after a day’s work

and it is therefore best to sleep at the end of a

day. Sleep helps our body to carry out repair ac-

tivities. The quantity and quality of sleep equally

influences one’s good health. A man deprived of

sleep develops varied disorders. Siddhars have

mentioned certain procedures to follow with re-

gard to sleep.

As a part of daily chores (N¡½ O¾ukkam),

good Psychic traits like silence, sincerity, charity,

humanity, humility, honesty, politeness, justice,

love and care for others are also encouraged

since they result in purity of mind and will better

our chances of success in achieving eternal bliss.

PREVENTIVE HABITS FOR HEALTH PROMOTION Siddhars have recommended certain basic

guidelines to be followed for healthy living which

includes observation of certain regimen as men-

tioned in “Pi¸iya¸uk¡ Viti” (Preventive Measures)

literally meaning rules that help prevent disease.

Their concept of “K¡yaka¼pam”(rejuvenating

procedures) for prevention of diseases is highly

admirable as it makes ones body resistant to in-

fections. Their concepts pertaining to Habitat,

Seasons, Diet (Ti¸ai/ Nilam, N¡½ O¾ukkam, K¡la

O¾ukkam, U¸avu) is both preventive and adap-

tive.

1.PIûIYaûUKË vITI (PREVENTION OF DISEASES)Ti¸¸a Mira¸¶u½½® Cikka Va¶akk¡ma¼

Pe¸¸iºp¡ Loº¼aip Perukk¡mal - U¸¸u´k¡l

N¢rcurukki M°rperukki Neyyurukki Yu¸pavartam

P®ruraikki¼ P°m® Pi¸i.

-T®raº

P¡lu¸p°m E¸¸eype¼iº Venn¢ra¼ Ku½ipp°m

Paka¼pu¸ar°m Paka¼¼uyil°m Pay°taramu M£tta

Ólaµc®r Ku¾aliyar° Ùi½aveyilum Virump°m

Ira¸¶a¶akk°m Oº¼aivi¶°m I¶atu Kaiyi¼ Pa¶upp°m

M£laµc®r Ka¼inukar°m M£tta Tayira U¸p°m

Mutaº¡½i¼ Camaittaka¼i Yamuteºiºu Marunt°m

Ø¡lant¡º Vanti¶iºum Pacitto¾iya Vu¸¸°m

Namaº¡rkki´ K®tukavai N¡mirukku Mi¶att®

U¸patiru Po¾uto¾iya M£º¼upo¾u Tu¸¸°m

U¼a´kuvati R¡vo¾iyap Pakalu¼akkaµ Ceyy°m

Pe¸ka¶amait Ti´ka½ukk°r K¡laº¼i Maruv°m

Perunt¡ka Me¶utti¶iºum Peyarttun¢ Rant°m

Ma¸paravu Ki¾a´kuka½i¼ Karu¸aiyaº¼ip Puciy°m

V¡¾aiyi½am Piµco¾iyak Kaºiyaruntal Ceyy°m

Na¸pupe¼a Vu¸¶apiºpu Ku¼una¶aiyu´ Ko½v°m


Ë¼uti´ka¶ Koruta¶avai Vamaºamarun Tayilv°m

A¶arn¡ºku Matikkoruk¡¼ P®tiyu¼ai Nukarv°m

T®¼umati Yoº¼araikk°r Taranaciyam Pe¼uv°m

Ti´ka½araik Kira¸¶utaraµ Cava½avirup Pu¼uv°m

V¢¼ucatur N¡¶koruk¡l Neymu¾ukkait Tavir°m

Vi¾ika½ukkaµ Caºam£º¼u N¡¶koruk¡ Li¶uv°m

N¡¼ukantam Pu¶pamivai Na¶unaciyiº Mukar°m


Pakatto¾ukku M¡taraca´ Karantu¶aippa Mivait£¶

Pa¶aneru´k°m T¢pamaintar Marani¾alil Vaciy°m

Cukappu¸aracci Yacaºapaca Üattaru¸aµ Ceyy°m

Tuµcalu¸a Virumalaµcai Y°kama¾ukk¡¶ai

TūtuvēlaiSolanum trilobatum L.


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Vakuppe¶ukki¼ Cintukaca Mivaim¡lai Virump°m

Va¼calantey Vampitu¼ca¼ka Kuruvaivi¶a M¡¶¶°m

Nakaccalamu Mu½aiccalamun Te¼ikkumi¶a

Ma¸uk°m


-T®raº

The above verses illustrate the do’s and don’ts in all our activities. These preven-tive measures against illness are summarized below:1. Drink boiled then cooled water2. Take food twice a day3. Take diluted buttermilk and melted ghee4. Take sufficient quantity of cow’s milk5. Never eat root tubers except Karunai-

kizhangu6. Never consume food that was prepared

the previous day7. Always have food after feeling hunger8. Always consume well fermented curd9. Practice walking after a good diet10. Don’t drink water in between during

course of meal11. Use warm water while taking oil bath.12. Never suppress any natural urge13. Avoid sex and sleep during daytime14. Avoid sex with elderly women15. Avoid excess sexual indulgence16. Avoid sex after consumption of heavy

food17. Always indulge in healthy sexual acts18. Take emetic medication once in six

months19. Take purgative medication every four

months an year20. Instill nasal drops once in 45 days21. Have shaving once in a week

22. Take oil bath once every four days23. Apply corryllium once in three days24. Avoid foods causing ano rectal disorders25. Avoiding exposure to morning sunlight26. Lie in left lateral position while sleep27. Never smell fragrance of flowers during

midnight28. Never close to dust and articles produc-

ing dust29. Never sleep under a tree shade or near a

burning lamp30. Stay away from water splashing from

hairs and nails31. Workship Cow, God, Ancestors and Guru

These instructions when followed strictly, keep away death. These simple pre-ventive principles have an in depth scien-tific value though they were designed much before the advent of modern science. These instructions have been followed as routine custom through several generations.


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CONCEPTS REGARDING hABITAT AND SEASON

Siddha science which visualizes man as a microcosm, believes that planetary changes and natural rhythms that result in 6 seasons/year (Perumpo¾utu) and 6 periods/day (Ci¼upo¾utu) also result in corresponding physiological changes in other creatures living in macrocosm, viz., the Uni-verse.a¸¶atti lu½½at® pi¸¶ampi¸¶atti lu½½at® a¸¶ama¸¶amum pi¸¶amum oº¼ut¡ºa¼intu t¡º p¡rkkump°t® --CAÙÙAIMUÜÑØËÜAM

This verse means that the environment is same within and outside our body which indicates that the body physiology must be tuned accord-ing to the habitat and the prevailing season as an

adaptive and preventive measure for one’s health. Accordingly, Siddhars designed basic regimen in harmony with the habitat (Nilam) and seasons (Po¾utu).NILAM(LAND) Land or nilam indicates the place where one lives. On the basis of certain characteristic features like geographical (landscape) conditions, climatic conditions, flora, fauna, etc., Land is cat-egorized as follows:i. Ku¼iµci (Hilly region)ii. Mullai (Sylvian range)iii. Marutam (Agricultural land)iv. Neytal (Coastal area)v. P¡lai (Arid zone)

Each habitat is said to harbor a particular humor (uyirt¡tu). The influence of land on the inci-dence of the diseases was predicted as follows.

HABITAT (NILAM) GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION PREVALENT DISEASE

Ku¼iµci Hilly region Mountains and its surroundings Kapam related disease and liver disease

Mullai Sylvian range Forest and its surroundings Pittam, V¡tam related diseas-es and liver disease

Marutam Agricultural land Fields and its surroundings Ideal place for healthy living

Neytal Coastal area and Ocean, Sea and its surround-ings

V¡tam related disease and liver disease

P¡lai Arid zone Desert and its surroundings V¡tam, Pittam, Kapam relat-ed diseases

HUMOURS (uyirt¡tukka½)

HILLY TRACT SYLVAN TRACT CULTIVATION AREA

COASTAL AREA

ARID AREA

V¡tam @ # #

Pittam # @ #

Kapam # @ # TABLE MENTIONS THE STATE OF PREDOMINANT HUMOUR (uyirt¡tu) IN EACH TYPE OF LAND. (EDAPHIC FACTOR) # indicates predominant and @ indicates balanced

CerupadaiColdenia procumbens L.

EmpūṟalHedyotis puberula (g.Don)arn.


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KËLa OàUKKaM(SEaSONaL CONDUCT) The seasonal conduct is calledK¡la O¾ukkam structures out the guidelines to be followed in dif-ferent seasons to prevent illnesses and helps one’s wellbeing. The guidelines are related to modifica-tions in diet, lifestyles, etc. with respect to a par-ticular season.

CYCLIC REPRESENTaTION OF SEaSONaL EFFECTS ON THE THREE HUMOURS (UYIRTËTUKKaß) The seasonal regimen also mentions some pre-cautionary steps to follow during K¡lacc®rkkai which is a transition period of 14 days i.e., last 7 days of the ongoing season and first 7 days of the next season. Seasonal regimen of the ongoing sea-son should be gradually stopped and the regimens of the next season should be gradually initiated during this period so as to help our body adapt to seasonal changes.


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SEASON PREFERRED TASTE PREFERRED DIET MEDICATIONS PREFERRED LIFE STYLE

STATE OF 3 HUMOURS (Uyirt¡tukka½) &

K¡rk¡lamRainy season from Aug 16th – Oct 15th

Sweet (Iºippu), Sour (Pu½ippu), Salty (Uppu)

Hot potency and digestible food.

Emetic, purga-tive drugs and appetizers

Use dry cloth-ing. Avoid butter milk, day time sleep and tire some work

A¾al is in accu-mulated state, Va½i is in aggra-vated stateDecreased ap-petite

K£tirk¡lam

Autumn from Oct 16th – Dec 15th

Sweet (Iºippu), Bitter (Kaippu), Astringent (Tu-varppu)

Dry and cool food, light diet

Bloodletting Avoid curd, oi1, fats, alcohol, daytime sleep sunlight, dew, heavy meals

A¾al is in aggra-vated state, Va½i is in Mitigat-ed state.

Muºpaºikk¡lamEarly winter Dec 16th – Feb 15th

Sweet (Iºippu), Sour (Pu½ippu), Salty (Uppu)

Cool Oil application Use boiled wa-ter, blankets.Exposure to evening sun light and slight work is good. Always use foot-wear.

A¾al is in miti-gated state.Increased appe-tite and immu-nity.

Piºpaºikk¡lamLate winter from Feb 16th – Apr 15th

Sweet (Iºippu), Sour (Pu½ippu), Astringent (Tu-varppu)

Avoid diet that increases vaatham

Oil application Use boiled wa-ter, blankets.Exposure to evening sun light and slight work is good.

Aiyam is in accumulated state.

I½av®ºil K¡lam

Spring from Apr 16th – June 15th

Bitter (Kaip-pu), Pungent (K¡rppu), Astrin-gent (Tuvarppu)

Dry and hot potency food, solid, liquid and semisolid food.

Emetic,Nasal application (Nasyam)medi-cations.

Avoid bulky diet cool diet and daytime sleep

Aiyam is in ag-gravated state.

Mutuv®ºil K¡lamSummer June 16th – Aug 15th

Sweet (Iºippu) Coolant Vatha neutraliz-ing medications

Reside in ven-tilated area. Avoid food that is digested with

Va½i is in accu-mulated state,Aiyam is in miti-gated state.


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REFERENCES Ê Uthamarayan CS. ,Siddha MaruthuvangaChurukkam. 2nd reprint. Chennai. Dept of Indian

Medicine andHomeopathy. 2006. Ê Dorairajan .C.,Noi illa Neri, ,College of Indianmedicine,Kilpauk,1951. Ê Shanmugavelan ., Noi Nadal Noi Mudal Naadal. 2nd reprint. Chennai. Dept of Indian Medicine

andHomeopathy. 2006


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Ku¸ap¡¶amKu¸ap¡¶am (Siddha pharmacology) deals with the detailed study of Siddha drugs.

Distillation Apparatus

FOODS AND DRUGS


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This branch of Siddha medicine describesI. M£lapporu¶ka½ (Raw drugs used in Siddha)II. Cutti (Purification) of raw drugs andIII. Maruntuka½iº Ceymu¼ai (Medicinal preparations)

Based on their origin, raw drugs are categorized into the following classes:I. M£likai Vakuppu (Plant origin)II. T¡tu Vakuppu (Metals and Minerals)III. C¢va Vakuppu (Animal origin)

Siddha pharmacology is based on the concept of five primordial elements or paµcap£tam and cuvai (taste) of the drug. Innumerable varieties of herbs, mineral and animal products find mention in Siddha literature.

Sublimation process with cooled water

Sublimation process with cooled air

v

On the basis of (Five elemental) Panchabhoothic the-ory, raw/crude drugs are divided into 5 major catego-ries based on the predominant element they possess.For example, among metals

METAL PREDOMINANT ELEMENT

Gold EarthLead Water

Copper FireIron AirZinc Space

Here, the metal gold will exhibit characters and prop-erties of the element earth as it is the predominant element in its formation and the other metals can be linked correspondingly.

Siddhars have predicted the therapeutic efficacy of each drug based on simple five Phar-macological characters, i.e Cuvai (Taste), Ku¸am (quality), V¢riyam (Potency), Pirivu (after gastric changes) and Ceykai (specific actions) Based on taste, raw drugs are divided into six which can be understood from the table below:

MEDICINAL HERB PREDOMINANT TASTESesamum indicum SweetTamarindus indicus SourCassia tora SaltyAndrographis paniculata BitterElettaria cardamomum PungentSaraca asoka Astringent


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RAW DRUGS BASED ON PLANT ORIGIN m£likai m£lapporu¶ka½ (Herbal raw drugs) are classified further into 11 sub-divisions based on the plant part used in preparation of a medicine. In certain plants, the medicinal value may be attributed to a particular plant part like root,leaves, flowers etc. which is used.E.g. Zingiber officinale is used for the medicinal value of its rhizhome only.

RAW DRUGS BASED ON METALS AND MINERALS In the Siddha system of medicine, use of metals and minerals is very much advocated. The depth of their knowledge in the field of minerals is clearly evident from the way the drug classification has been done. Siddha literature describes 220 minerals which are of immense medici-nal value. The metals and minerals are studied under the following four heads:a) Ul°kam ( Metals) - 11b) K¡rac¡ram(Minerals) - 25c) P¡¶¡¸am(Mercury and Arsenic compound) - 64d) Uparacam(Other minerals) -120

RAW DRUGS BASED ON ANIMAL ORIGIN Raw drugs obtained from animal kingdom are also used for medicinal preparations in Siddha.Eg. Coral, Conch, Earth worm , Honey, etc..

CUTTI (PURIfICATIoN PRoCeSS) Purification of raw drugs is a process aimed at both purification as well as potencifying the raw drug.

It usually involves processes like cleaning, frying, soaking and grinding with herbal juices until impurities are

removed. No medicinal preparation is done without prior Suddhi process. This process helps raw material/

crude drugs (m£lapporu¶ka½) to lose their undesirous or toxic effect and thereby aid better dosage efficacy

MEDICINAl PREPARATIONS

Siddha system classifies all medicinal preparations into 64 categories, of which 32 are internal medications and 32 are external medica-tions and methods.

PHARMACeUTICAL foRMS of SIDDHA

Internal Medicaments& Their Shelf Life

U½marun T®curaµ C¡¼uku¶i N¢rka¼ka Mukka½i Ya¶aiy°r C¡mamUyarc£ra Ûampi¶¶u Va¶akamve¸ Ûeyn¡ºki Üuyirm£º¼u Ti´ka ß¡kumVi½ma¸ap P¡kuney Rac¡yaºa Mi½akan¡l M®vuma¼u Ti´ka ße¸¸eyViravi¶u Muyarntam¡t Tiraika¶uku Pakkuvam Mi½irt®ºi Ü£¼al T¢ N¢rKo½½¡¼u M°r¡¸¶u Me¾uko¶u Ku¾ampaintu K°ppata´ Kampat T¡mKurutipo¶i Ye¾up¡º° Ùaint¡¸¶u N¢¼uka¶ Ùu¼ukku Ka½a´ku N¡º£Þe½½i¶¡c Cu¸¸amain N£¼uka¼ Paµcattu Kuruku½ikai Mikk¡ Yu½eºÞevarumaki¾ Cittarmup Pattira¸ Ùakamarut Ticaittav¡ Yu½½a ßavar°.

External Medicaments& Their Shelf Life

Ve½imarun T®ka¶¶u Pa¼¼o¼¼a Ùamp£ccu V®tu Po¶¶a¸an Tokka¸amMeºpukaimai Po¶itimir Talkalikka Naciyam£tal M®vun¡ Cik¡pa Ra¸amumKa½impuc¢lai N¢rvartti Cu¶¶ikai Cal¡kaipacai Ka½ipo¶i Mu¼iccal K¢¼alK¡rama¶ Ùaiya¼uvai Kompu¼iµ Calkuruti Ka¸¶u V¡´kutal P¢ccivaiVe½imarut Tuvamup Pattira¸ Ùeº¼aºar Vi¸¸ulavu Citta R¡m¡lM®lava¼ Þi¼pacai P¢ccumai Naciyamum Meºkalik Ka´ka ß°r¡¸Ùo½ivartti Po¶iyun¢r N¡cik¡ Para¸amivai Yorum£º¼u Ti´ka ß¡kumUyarc¢lai Ka½impivaika ßa¼uti´ka ß¡kumeº Þ°tiº¡ R¡yu Ma½umar°


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1.CURaCaM (DECaNTENT)

Juice extracted without mix-ing water.Juice of a plant or leaf or root into which a red hot iron is plunged or heated in a sand pot.Juice extracted from a solu-tion of triturated drugs.

The essence or the juice ex-pressed or extracted from fresh plants or parts of plants directly or after steam or direct heating of the mate-rial or by using some other vehicle for getting the juice.

Powdered plants or parts of plants added with spe-cific quantity of water prescribed,be boiled upto 1/4,1/8,1/16,1/24 th of the initial quantity and taken af-ter filtering it or prepared in a specific process if mentioned.

2.CËÞU (JUICE)

3.KUÙINÌR (DECOCTION)

Ka¼kam is a lump or paste of plant ingredient, metallo mineral ingredient ground well with or without us-ing water or any other liq-uid. Ingredient available in fresh form do not normally need any other liquid unless specified in the formulation.

4.KaÞKaM (HERBaL PaSTE)

5.UÙKaßI (DOUGH)

Rice, cereals, seeds, etc are powdered and added with sufficient quantity of water and sugar or jag-gery and put into a sand pot ,heated upto ka½i Pak-kuvam and before taken from heat sufficient quan-tity of ghee should be added.

A medicinal prepara-tion, pressed like a rounded ,flat cake.Flour made from pow-dered rice,herbals is placed on hot tawa applied with ghee,like a round cake.

Medicinal powder made by pounding or grinding well the herbs,other substances in a mortar with a pestle and passing the powder through a fine cloth or musline.

6.aÙaI (PaN CaKE)

7.CÍRaûaM (POWDER)

powdered substances made from rice, herbs added with little quantity of milk or wa-ter and get steam boiled us-ing milk in the apparatus till vapour coming from upper part of the apparatus,the re-sultant should be added with sugar or jaggary or as pre-scribed in the formulation.

8. PIÙÙU (STEaM BOILED)

INTERNaL MEDICaTIONS


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9. vaÙaKaM (LOzENGES)

It is a type of internal medicine, in which the powdered materials are being made into a bigger size of pills after the cooking process. It is prepared by taking the in-dividual materials, powdered and mixing them with brown or white sugar and the mix-ture be steam heated, using

milk in the apparatus and heated upto the reduction of milk into ¼ of initial quantity and the material is poured to a mortar and grinded, then rolled into balls of required weight and size and dried in shade.

Medicinal prepara-tion of creamy in appearance. They are prepared by taking the specific quantity of the substance, powdering them and melting them with sesame oil till they go into a solution and pouring the so-lution into a vessel with wa-ter or tender coconut water then churning out to recover the fat content into which the drug has got incorporated in the form of a buttery mass.

Ma¸app¡ku are syr-ups made with juices or de-coction added with sugar or sugar candy and heated till sufficient dehydration and attainment of syrupy consis-tency. In some of the prepa-ration honey is also added. In yet other instances, after the syrup is prepared some powdered herbs or other substances are also added.

10. vEûûEY ( MEDICaTED BUTTER)

11. MaûaPPËKU (SYRUP)

It is a category of med-icine that is prepared by boil-ing the substances with ghee. It is prepared by boil-ing the mixture of ghee with specified herbal or other substances paste, juices, de-coction and milk. The ingre-dients are mixed and heated till dehydration and the prod-uct is strainer and filtered.

12. NEY (MEDICaTED GHEE)

13.IRaCËYaûaM (DRY

CONFECTIONS) The powdered materials mixed thoroughly with ghee and sugar as per their specification attains a semisolid form, which is known as Irac¡ya¸am. It is prepared by fine powdering materials, mixing sugar and ghee with the powder and knead-ing it to homogeneity. Sometimes the product is brought to the consistency of semi liquid mass

14. IßaKaM (CONFECTIONS)

I½akam is a sweetened semi-solid medicinal preparation. I½akams are confections that are prepared by heating certain decoctions, juices and milk with the addition of sugar till a thick syrupy consistency is reached, at which state the specified ma-terial powders are added and

mixed to homogeneity after which ghee is mixed in and then honey is stirred into it when it has cooled down.There are some I½akams that do not require juices or decoctions as shown in their formula. In such cases the syrup is prepared by boiling the required quan-tity of milk or water as the case may be and adding sugar or jaggery. When the syrup stage is reached honey is added and when it froths up the specified material powder are sprinkled little by little and stirred into a homogenous mixture. Then the rec-ommended quantity of ghee and honey is added


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These are medicated oil pre-pared by boiling the decoction, juice, milk and pastes of other materials with oil as prescribed for a stipulated period and fil-tered.E¸¸ey or Tailam are prepared by boiling to dehydration, the specified oils with milk and de-

coction, juices and some powders or pastes accord-ing to the formulation. After the boiling, mixture has attained the requisite state of dehydration; the oil is taken for use after straining and filtering. As an indi-cation of proper dehydration the oil will foam up, at which stage a small quantity of drug material in the boiling mixture should be examined by rolling be-tween fingers. If the correct stage is reached, it will not stick to the fingers. If that material is ignited, it will burn without spurting and noise.

It is a kind of medicinal prepa-ration in the form of a pill or tablet. They are also called as Uru¸¶ai, Va¶¶am, and Ku½ikai.They are made by powder-ing the ingredients if they are solids and grinding them with water or decoction or juices or as prescribed for the formula-tion, for the recommended duration and rolling into pills, when pill rolling consistency is attained, confirming to the size or weight of pill specified and they dried in shade.

The sediment or the residue, after boiling the medicated oil.

It is a type of internal medicine, which is prepared by processing the material in different juices and powders till it reaches the final form. strainer and filtered.

These are honey-pro-cessed medicine.The purified herbal seeds or other substances are made with holes on their surface and placed in a container with honey.

T¢n¢rIt is a distilled volatile essence of the substances .In this process herbs or animal parts are used. Drugs are taken as per formulation in a V¡lai (an apparatus used

for distillation). Sufficient quan-tity of water is added .It is then sealed and burnt .The distillate is collected in a separate appa-ratus. Sometimes, drugs, before going to distillation, undergo fer-mentation. Tir¡vakam (Pukain¢r, Caktin¢r) These are corrosive distilled liq-

uids obtained from salts and minerals. These are mainly used for medicinal preparation like Pa¼pam, Cu¸¸am etc. A very little quantity is used as internal medicine also.The salts mentioned in the formulation are taken and purified as per formulation. They are ground one by one and placed in moonlight for a night. Then the drugs are placed in V¡lai and distillation is worked out. The distillate is collected.

15. EûûEY (MEDICaTED OIL)

16. MËTTIRaI (TaBLETS)

17. KaÙUKU (SEDIMENTS)

18. PaKKUvaM (PROCESSED

MIXTURES)

19. TÓÜÍÞaL (Honey soaked)

20. TÌNÌR (DISTILLaTES)


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It is a kind of medicinal prepara-tion by the way of grinding well the drugs or heating them still they attain waxy state. i.e. the prepared medicine should not be sticky when we hold it be-tween two fingers .These are classified into two types Araippu Me¾uku (Simple ground mezhgu)Curukku Me¾uku (Heat treated mezhgu)

Ku¾ampu is a semi liquid form of medicine. They are prepared by taking mixture of juices together with sugar and certain drugs powders. Then it is heated till it attains a thick syrupy state.

Pata´kam are sublimates prepared from organic and inorganic drugs. It is pre-pared in a special apparatus

Cent£ram is a category or medicine with reddish colour and powdering form, made from met-als, minerals or arsenicals or salts by grinding them with specified juices or distillates or extractives and subjecting to a process of cal-cinations of sublimation or burning or frying or exposing to insulation till the characteristics reddening of the; product takes place. There are five different modes or preparation of Cent£ram they are: 1. Cent£ram prepared without heating ---- (Araippu Cent£ram)2. By open heating -- (Erippu – Va¼uppu Cent£ram) 3. By Capsule heating – (Pu¶ac Cent£ram)4. By Sand bath process – (Kuppierippu Cent£ram)5. By applying heating the range close to 100oC – (Ilakupu¶a Cent£ram)

Pa¼pam is the drug prepared by a process of calcinations, which is equivalent to salt. There are rare exceptions to this general concept where no leading at all is required in the process. Muttuppa¼pam is an example where according to

certain herbs the plants are simply ground with rose into a fine powder Ku´kiliya Pa¼pam is an example where the drug is hot actually cabined but is heated to melting stage with coconut water and then dried and powdered. According to specified methods, Parpam are made from the given drugs. The drugs taken may ei-ther be inorganic (as in the case of Kaln¡r Pa¼pam, Ta´ka Pa¼pam, Ve½½i Pa¼pam) in origin. Accordingly these may be bones or bone shells or secretions and metals or minerals or ores or salts. Chemically most of the drugs taken are oxidized when certain the Parpam form having a few physically the Parpam is composed of particles in a fine state or division, with a major portion. This ultra fineness is obtained by the efficient methods, which have followed by Siddhars.

21. MEàUKU (WaXY)

22.KUàaMPU (SEMI LIqUID)

23.PaTa×KaM (SUBLIMaTES)

24. CENTÍRaM (RED OXIDES/

SULPHIDES)

25. PaÞPaM (OXIDES)


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It literally means that is bound. It is a pr̀ ocess where the mercurials and the arsenic compounds, which are combustible, are converted into non-combustible.Process: A pan is gently heated and adding the liquids like herbal juice or Ceyan¢r Ku¾ittailam, Tir¡vakam in

small increments periodically, was the drugs are placed. Dose: It is rubbed with the vehicle number of times as specified. This Form of administration is waning due to number of reasons.Shelf life is one hundred years.

These are medicaments of metals and easily vola-tile substances such as mercury, mercurial’s and ar-senicals. In this recipe mercury or mercurial’s com-ponents should be present while processing. In this category or medicine, the metals become finely brittle during the process and are present at finely reduced mass. Process in a pan with moderate fire the metals and other ingredients are melted. The easily volatilized substances are separately melted very cautiously taking care not to volatilize them off. While they are still in hot or melton condition, plant juices or Ceyan¢r or Pukain¢r alias Tir¡vakam (Both of them are acids of peculiar nature) as stipulated in the recipe are added in small increments periodically so as to enable the melt to absorb them completely`

The drugs, Like Metals or solid minerals are placed in crucibles specially mentioned like Paµca Cu¸¸akkukai and sealed properly. Then using the blowers it is calcined and the final product is collect-ed. In this process the dugs are burnt to a malleable form and the particles of the drug attain more fine-ness so that the absorbability and the efficacy are optimal.

Cu¸¸am are prepared by heating the drugs converting in the form of calcinations as per the procedures mentioned in the recipes. They process alkaline properties similar to that of limestone.Cu¸¸am - Suitable calcinated lime and oth-er calcium group of raw materials are also known by the name “Cu¸¸am”. There are two types of methods for Cu¸¸am.In the first method either lime stone or other cal-cium group of raw materials are subjected to in-tense heat (Íti Erittal) or calcinations (Pu¶am) as specified in the formula, e.g. Ve¶iyuppu Cu¸¸amIn the second method, metals mercury and the other poisons (P¡¶¡¸a´ka½) are put into Kalvam either singly or in combination as stipulated in the recipe ground with plant juices or Ceyan¢r or Pukain¢r alias Tir¡vakam (Both of them are ac-ids of peculiar nature) into a paste and are well dried. Then they are kept either in an earthen Capsule (Ma¸¸akal) or in a crucible (M£cai) the edges are sealed with clay smeared ribbons and subjected calcinations with cow dung cakes.

Ka¼pam in Siddha medical sci-ence means the drugs, which rejuvenate the whole body and mind towards the longest life.Some of the forest herbs, important metals, salts, and minerals (Iracam, Uparacam, Ul°kam, Uppu Vakaika½) and transferred into potent medicaments either singly or in combination as per the Siddha text.The Ka¼pam drugs to be consumed adhering the rules and regulations, strictly. Usually the Ka¼pam drugs should be taken either slowly increasing the dosage or gradually decreasing the dosage or vice versa.The Ka¼pam drugs are classified two types: 1.Instaneously Prepared and2. Prepared drugs Daily preparation is usually from forest medicinal herbs – (M£likaikka¼pam leaves, barks, stem, and roots.Prepared Ka¼pam DrugsThe recipe prepared out of metals, minerals, salts and quintessence of metals, minerals and salts, (T¡tukka¼pam,) and some are out of animals also, (C¢va Ka¼pam)

Any metal rendered brittle for the purpose of reducing it to powder by destroying its corro-sive force

Reputed pills, prepared out of mercury

26. KaÙÙU (NON COMBUSTIBLE FORM OF COMBUSTIBLE INORGaNIC)

27. URUKKU (SOLIDIFICaTION)

30. KaÞPaM (BLaCK OXIDES)

28. Kaßa×KU (aMaLGaM)

29. CUûûaM (STRONG OXIDES)

31. CaTTU (Concentrates)

32. KURUKUßIKaI (Mercurial Bolus)


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All bandaging methods Application of medicated preparations over an abscess, wound over it as a firm protec-tive covering.

A treatment of warm application to the painful or other injured parts of body

Liniment externally applied.

Steam bath using some medicinal prepara-tions..

Bundles containing medicinal substances they are used for fomentation.

A process consisting of striking with and then pressing the body. All methods of massage.

A method of fume application.

A medicinal paint for the eye.Rubbing of whole body with some medicinal Substances.

A very pungent eye medicines

A type of nasal medicine which is liquid in nature.

Medicinal substances chewed in mouth of the applicator and the air from mouth is bloated to the patient ear, etc

Medicated powder used as a snuff.

Soft unctuous preparations made by mixing butter with medicinal drugs and ground well and Piece of cloth applied with medicinal preparation

used for dressing a wound.

Medicated water or decoction used for clean-ing the wounds. Medicated plug stick used for application into

sinuses of chronic wounds.

1.KaTTUTHaL (DRESSING)2.PaÞÞU (PaSTE)

3.OÞÞaÙaM (FOMENTaTION)4.PÌCCU (aNOINTING)

5.vÓTU (vaPOUR BaTH/STEaM 6.POÙÙaûaM (BOLUS FOMENTaTION)

7.TOKKaûaM (OIL MaSSaGES) 8.PUKaI (FUMIGaTION)

9.MaI (CORRYLIUM) 10.POÙI TIMIRTaL (POWDER aNOINTING)

11.KaLIKKaM (CORRYLIUM)

12.NaCIYaM (NaSaL INSTILLaTION)

13.ÍTaL (BLOWING)

14.NËCIKËPaRaûaM (NaSaL DUSTING)

15.KaßIMPU (OINTMENT)16.CÌLaI (PLaSTER)

17.NÌR (LIqUID)18.vaRTTI (MEDICaTED GaUzE)

19.CUÙÙIKaI (CaUTERIzaTION BY SOLIDS)

An act of burning or scarring as of morbid flesh with a red hot needle or turmeric root.

20.CaLËKaI (PROBES)

An instrument used to measure the depth of the wound.

EXTERNaL MEDICaTIONS


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Glutinous substances of paste. Thick paste i.e. poultice made from rice flour mixed with powder of medicinal substances, added with water or milk and heated up to a poultice form and applied externally.

Medicinal powder made from herbal or minerals and used as external application for wounds.

Breaking procedure, to correct mal union of bone .The affected bone part is beaked and the position is corrected.

Tearing or scratching or dissecting an abscess and similar other swelling to drain the pus etc.

To heal a wound or to create a rash some toxic material powder used externally as a rubefa-cient.

Operative procedure for surgical cases.

Leech application therapy.

To draw in by the mouth or the nose, to suck up the pus and other material and removed.

Bloodletting therapy. To remove the blood from the affected part, the blood vessel in that area is made a small slit to drain the affected blood.

Enema used to expel the stool.

Immobilization methods used for treating frac-tures. After reduction of the fracture, the limbs should be immobilized by using wooden sticks placed over the limb and tied to made immobi-lization of the part.

21.PaCaI(PaSTE) 22.KaßI (POULTICE)

23.POÙI (POWDER)

24.MUÞICCaL (BONE SETTING)

25.KÌÞaL (INCISION)

26.KËRaM (CaUSTICS)

27.aÙÙaIvIÙaL (LEaCH

28.aÞUvaI (SURGERY)

29.KOMPUKaÙÙaL (SPLINTS)

30.UÞIØCaL (aSPIRaTION)

31.KURUTIvË×KaL (BLOOD LETTING) 32.PÌCCU (ENEMa)


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CONCEPT OF UÛAVU


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“Food as medicine“, is the basic concept of Sid-dha and it is repeatedly emphasized by all the Sid-dhars. Maruntu Atik¡ram in TTirukku¼a½ have deals only with food habits, the calorific calculation, the time and need of food and have also well ex-plained about Balanced diet. The astonishing line

Marunteºa V®¸¶¡v¡m Y¡kkaikku AruntiyatuA¼¼atu P°¼¼i U¸iºStands to add support for the food concept in

Siddha.According to Siddha, the amount of food con-

sumed should suit with person’s appetite. One should always consume food only after the com-plete digestion of food previously taken. Food should be avoided during excessive hunger, anger or grief. Food should never be taken in full stomach. Half of the stomach should be left empty for air, water, fire and space to enhance proper digestion.

People should take care of the utensils used for cooking and serving food. There are traditional healthy ways of cooking and eating formulated by our Siddhars and ancestors. Cooking in Mud pots is highly beneficial for our health. Food of sour tastes should not be cooked in copper and brass vessels as they cause metallic toxicity. Copper and brass vessels should be coated with tin to prevent toxicity. Eating in plantain leaf gives good Health. Plantain yields a lot of Bio chlorophyll. It cures indigestion and im-proves appetite. Eating in plates of Gold, Silver and pure bronze are good but earthen plates are the best.

hEAlThy fOOD AND AvOIDABlE ONES :

Food including fruits, high fiber contents, veg-etables, cereals, pulses, fish, meat etc should be a part of our meal. Rice varieties like Ma¸iccamp¡ is good for diabetic patients, C¢raka Camp¡

and Kuº¼ima¸I Camp¡ are good for V¡tam ailments. The gruels prepared from Rice, Wheat form an important part of diet. Various gruels like C¢rakakaµci , Ventayakaµci, P¡lkaµci, N¡½ik®rakaµci, Kaµci with medicinal powders, Neykaµci, R¡kikaµci, Ko½½ukaµci, U½untukaµci, Navarakkaµci etc are enriched with medicinal values and very healthy for patients during medication and Pattiyam.

GREENS

Greens have always played a major role in pro-viding health. Globalization set a trend of Junk food and has replaced the concept of food which suits a region. For people in Tropic regions should have light food and take items which will suit their cli-mate. Excess use of butter ,Ghee and bakery items do not match people of Sub continent. One of the healthiest friendly food is greens, packed with nu-trients and vitamins, low in Calories. Greens pro-vide beauty and health to all age groups. When taken raw, the nutrition value doubles. Greens like Spinach, Lettuce, Basil (Tu½aci), Mint etc are a store house of medicinal values. Lettuce con-tains Folic acid, Manganese, Chromium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Mint is helpful in al-leviating Kapam ailments and abdominal ailments. Pacalaikk¢rai (Spinach) has high antioxidant values.

Basil is a good antioxidant, carminative and best

Name of Plate BenefitsGold Increases spermato-

genesis, digestion, complexion and gen-eral debility

Silver Cures Aiyam and A¾al diseases. Increases complexion

Copper Cures A¾al diseases. Increases eye sight.

Bronze Cures general weak-ness and Hyperten-sion


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for skin ailments. Traditionally known as Tu½aci (Oci-mum sanctum), basil is considered as a natural rem-edy for stress apart from its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Enriched with holistic and religious values for Hindus this herb has a remedy for the three – mind, body and soul. The leaves of this plant can be dropped into water, tea or juice and con-sumed. This helps in providing immunity and control-ling the negative influence that stress produces in the body like fluctuating hormones and metabolism. Reg-ular consumption also tackles the problem like cold, fever, cardiac disorder, asthma, respiratory prob-lem, memory disorder, eye disorder, headache etc.

CEREAlSCereals like wheat, unpolished rice, salad

containing raw vegetables are rich in fibre. Diet should always be rich in fiber which lowers the

C Reactive Protein (CRP) causing inflamma-tory reactions in blood. It is also good for heart, digestive system, Utirav¡ra Cur°¸itam (Rhue-matoid arthritis), abdominal disorders etc.

OIlSOils like linseed oil, Gingelly oil, Peanut oil,

if rotated in usage will be good for heart. It low-ers the bad cholesterol in blood. Dalda, Va-naspathi etc should be avoided. Reuse of oils and deep frying of foods should be avoided.

fRUITS

Fruits like Gooseberry, Pomegranate, Ja-mun, Mango, Plantain, Dates, Pineapple, Or-anges should be included in our diet. Fruits like Jack fruit is not advised as it causes dis-eases and should always be taken with honey.

MIlK

Milk is an important part of food but certain things should be followed while taking milk. For first six months, babies should be given only breast milk. Then along with semisolid and solid foods breast milk can be continued till the age of two or even three. This helps Physiological and Psychological de-velopment of a child. Early administration of cow’’s milk or any other milk than breast milk can lead to P¡l M¡ntam(Lactose intolerance) and skin diseases. For young children and adults cow’s milk, goat’s milk and donkey’s milk are good. However milk of buf-falo, sheep and camel are not advised. While boiling goat’s and cow’s milk it should be added with 1/8th part of water and buffalo’s milk with equal quantity of water. A special fat found in milk inhibits sub-stances which trigger inflammation and damage of joints as seen in Arthritis. Conjugated Linoleic acid is an essential Fatty acid found in milk which brings benefit to degenerative and inflammatory disorders.

Butter milk should be included in diet instead of curd especially for those people who are obese, diabetic or having high cholesterol level. Butter milk can be consumed even at night. It removes sense of heat, aneamia, abdominal pain etc. Includ-ing cow’s ghee and butter in diet is equally good.


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MeatMeat of Goat is advisable in anemia, general

debility, mental disorders and during convales-cence. Meat of sheep, beef and pig should be avoided. Meat of rabbit is advised for mental dis-orders and TB. Flesh of chicken causes V¡tam ail-ments and aggravate hemorrhoids but improves Spermatogenesis. Flesh of black fowl is for good health. Flesh of duck increases skin ailments and aggravate wounds. People should lower the con-sumption of grilled, fried and microwaved meat items which increases AGE (Advanced Glyca-tion End products) found in blood of people with Chronic diseases associated with inflammation like A¾alk¢lv¡yu , Utirav¡ra Cur°¸itam . Steamed fish, sea foods, simmer chicken can be included in meals with more fruits and vegetables for healthy body. Eggs of the birds like ducks cause gastritis should be avoided. Egg of hen are good for V¡tam and Kapam ailments but aggrevates A¾al and Eczema. Half boiled eggs with salt and pepper can be given for respiratory disorders like cough.

Food should be taken according to age, sex, physical work, region and season. Certain foods when mixed other becomes poison and such foods should be avoided. Eg Milk and Fish. Cer-tain foods should be consumed with other for re-moving its ill effects. Eg : Jack fruit given along with ghee or honey. Ground nut with jaggery.

Food Inimical FoodMilk Fish, Sour fruits,

Greens, Horse gramCurd Chicken, BananaRaddish Urad DhalManathakkali Pepper, Long Pep-

per, Honey and Jaggery

Honey Lotus seedBetle leaf Edible oilSpinach Sesame seed

TIRITÕÙa CaMaPPORUÙKaß 1. Cardomom decreases heat and enhances

digestion. It should be added in sweet dishes and non-vegetarian food.

2. Cumin seeds should be an ingredient of soups and curries. It reduces A¾al humour and increases appetite.

3. Ginger should be included in curd, butter milk and non-veg food. It is good for the man-agement of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Since this herb has no side effects it is advised to include Ginger in adequate amount to prevent cancer and inhibit the growth of cancerous cell. Dried ginger is one of the main ingredients of Siddha medicine, it cures indigestion, rheumatism etc.

4. Garlic cures the disorders caused by imbal-ance of the three humors. It should be includ-ed in the food stuffs prepared from bulbous roots, pulses and non-vegetarian foods. It helps in controlling cholesterol level and ad-vised for patients suffering from Hypercho-lesterolemia and Hypertension.

5. Asafoetida cures worm infestation and indi-gestion. A little amount is enough to remove the ill effects of pulses. It should be fried, powdered and then used.

6. fenugreek is a spice bitter in taste but very healthy. It reduces A¾al and good for gastritis. It should be added in butter milk and pungent foods. The Kaµcior gruel prepared from little fenugreek is good for abdominal ailments and lactating mother. It is also a lactogogue. It contains anti diabetic property.

7. Turmeric having bitter and pungent taste should be added in all dishes except sweet dishes. It increases appetite, neutralizes three humors and removes toxic substances. It is anti-cancerous, antioxidant and helps in fighting infections. It is a good drug for hypo-glycemic activity.

8. Pepper cures poison, Kapam diseases and acts as an antidote. A healing agent for vari-ety of ailments like ear disorders, liver diseas-es, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, skin

MucumucukkaiMukia maderaspatana (L.)cogn.


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nutrients for easy absorption in blood, increases digestion, improves brain function, reduces depression, controls respiratory problems and has high effect in fighting cancer of colon. It is good for body and mind. It is a complete health booster.

TyPES Of fOOD Diet is considered to be vital for a human body as it provides the basic nutrients, which are necessary to carry out the basic activities of di-gestion and metabolism. Siddha has categorized food into three types based on its basic quality-the Cattuvam or spiritual quality, Irajacam or active quality, and Tamacam or material quality. It is said that whatever food we eat it influences our mind in accordance with its basic quality. Cat-tuvam food is enriches and elevating the spiritual quality while , Irajacam food has a basic tendency to provoke man to a materialistic and selfish way of living. Tamacam food is one, which accounts for a devilish streak in a person. .

IDEAl DIETThough different kinds of diet are suggested in Siddha, there is no specific diet which can be said to be ideal for every human body. It is because every human being has a different body structure and digestive power. There are various factors that need to be kept in mind while working out the ideal diet for every individual as it will be distinctly different based on the person’s specific constitu-tional characteristics.

POINTS TO PONDER1. Awareness of the alterations that might takes

place in its nutritional value, with time.2. The effects of combining foods - proper and

improper combinations as suggested by Sid-dha.

3. The quantity of a particular food that is healthy.

4. Difference in the time while consumption of two different kind of food items.

5. The places and climatic condition where the food is grown prepared and consumed.

6. The effect of consuming the food in a particu-lar season.

7. Use of artificial flavors, chemicals, preserva-tives and colors.

hEAlThy fOOD hABITS1. Other than what you take, there are certain

other factors which are mandatory to be incul-cated in our food habit if we want to remain healthy and active for a long time. Some ex-amples are quoted below

2. Fasting once in a fort night makes you healthy. Fruits and mild juices can be taken in a lesser amount on those days.

3. Skipping meal is one habit that should be strictly avoided as it strains your digestive sys-tem. If skipping meal becomes a regular phe-nomenon it can lead to chronic hyperacidity, gastritis and duodenal ulcers.

4. Eating in excess and before the normal time and interval may lead to indigestion, obesity, and anorexia.

5. Consuming less fluid that required also leads to indigestion and acidity.

6. Drinking of water during a course of a meal should be avoided.


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REFERENCES Ê Thiagarajan, R. “Gunapadam metals and animal kingdom”, volume 2, Directorate of Indian-

Medicine, Madras. 206. (1981). Ê Kuppuswamy Muthaliar, K.N. and Utamarayan, K.S. “Siddha pharmacopoeia” (In

Tamil),Parinilyam, Madras. 167, 168 (1987). Ê Anonymous. “Impcops Siddha Formulary”, X Edn., IMPCOPS, Madras. 124 (1991). Ê Prema. S. and Nagarajan, B.V. “Boghar Vaidhyam 700” (In Tamil), Tamil University,Tanjavur.

129. (1985). Ê 5. Anonymos. “Agasthiar paripoornam – 400”, (In Tamil). B. Rathnanayagar and sons, Ma-

dras.37. (1951). Ê 6. Abdhula Sayubu PM. Vediuppu Chendhuram. (2006),Anubhoga Vaidhya Navaneetham – III

Part. 2nd ed. (pp. 76, 77) Chennai.,Thamarai noolagam.(1-10 Volumes)


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THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES


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GUIDING PRINCIPLeS of DIAGNOSIS IN SIDDhA

To diagnose a disease, Siddhars investigate the cause of the disease, the signs and symptoms, complications if any and pathological tissue (U¶alk£¼u) changes. They examine both the body and the disease to-gether to arrive at a conclusion regarding the condition or disease. For diagnosis, two paths are followed, viz., approach to the disease called N°y N¡¶al and determination of etiology of the dis-ease called N°ymutaº¡¶al. Essentially, the Siddha system follows a unique methodology in diagnosis of disease. It is called E¸vakaitt®rvu which means the eight crite-ria for physical examination. These include:N¡ Ni¼am Mo¾i Vi¾i N¡¶i Paricam Mala M£ttiramivai Maruttuvar¡yutam

1. N¡ (Tongue)2. Ni¼am (Colour ) 3. Mo¾I (Speech)4. Vi¾I (Eyes) 5. Malam (Stool)6. M£ttiram (Urine) 7. Paricam (Touch)8. N¡¶I (Pulse)

Out of these 8 entities, methods used for physical examination of Urine (N¢rkku¼i and Neykku¼i) and pulse are unique to Siddha and act as confirmatory diagnostic tools.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF URINENÌRKKUÞI This is the physical examination of urine which deals with the color, smell, quantity, fre-quency, specific gravity, frothiness and taste of urine

NEYKKUÞIThis is a method in which a drop of Gingili oil is dropped over a urine sample. The spreading pat-tern exhibited by the oil droplet over the surface of urine gives a confirmatory clue that helps in the diagnosis of the disease.

PULSE DIAGNOSIS It is very unique in Siddha Medicine, which was introduced to other Indian Systems of Medicine at a later period .It is always essential to identify the cause for any disease to be accepted as a scientific method. The same has been re-flected in Tirukku¼a½.

N°y N¡¶i N°ymutal N¡¶i Atuta¸ikkumV¡yn¡¶i V¡yppac Ceyal

The diagnostic methodology in Siddha treatment is unique as it focuses majorly on the basis of the Clinical wisdom of the physician. The Physician examines the tongue, complexion, speech, eyes, and palpation findings in a patient and also examines the urine and stools. The diag-nosis is then confirmed by the ‘Pulse Diagnosis’. The interrogation plays only a very minimal role. The examination for the above is called as the ‘Eight Tools of Diagnosis’. Diagnosis using pulse is a very important aspect of Siddha and is the method developed by Siddhars to extend our sensual perceptions to the interior of our body to diagnose and con-firm illnesses. In other words, it performs the job of present day inventions like stethoscope and sphygmomanometers. There are innovations of Bio medical instruments which may pave a digital imaging of pulse diagnosis in near future.The pulse movements (pulsations) are compared to the movement of different animals according to the intensity felt for easy interpretation. It is felt mainly at 10 pts, out of which the one felt over radial artery is considered the best and is felt in left hand for females and in right hand for males. It is usually felt using 3 fingers (viz. index, middle


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and ring fingers) in view of assessing the states of Va½i, A¾al ,and Aiyam simultaneously. The lick and rhythm of the pulse indi-cates the type of constitution and the irregulari-ties present in the body. The pulse is examined in the Right hand of males and the left hand for females which supports theory of Arttan¡ri . The pulse is recorded at the Radial-artery. The unit of pulse diagnosis is 1 for Va½i 1/2 for A¾al and 1/4 for Aiyam. This unit is equivalent to the size of a grain (wheat)

TREATMENT PRINCIPlES Siddha approaches treatment of Diseas-es Holistically. Pretreatment Procedures in Sid-dha helps in normalizing the altered Mukkutram v¡tam, pittam and kapamMikiºum Ku¼aiyiºum N°yceyyum N£l°rVa½imutal¡ E¸¸iya M£º¼u

Vir®caºatt¡l V¡tam T¡¾umVamaºatt¡l Pittam T¡¾umNaciya Aµcaºatt¡l Aiyam T¢rum

V¡ta N°yka½ such as Arthritis, Sciatica, Neuralgia, and Insomnia are certain examples of increased v¡tam, Therapeutic purgation nor-malizes altered v¡tam, Pitta N°yka½ such as Gastritis, Giddiness, Bronchial asthma, Migraine, and Allergic Bron-chitis are Diseases of pittam.Therpaeutic emesis Normalizes altered pittam.Emetic treatment is prohibited amongPatients suffering from hematemesis Aiya N°yka½ such as Sinusitis, Head ache, and influenza are normalized by Nasal drops in-stigation and Application of corrylium prevents aggra-vation of kapam diseases.

GENERAl MEDICINE: The Disease Classification mentioned in Siddha is 4448 and this is the highest number of disease classification of subcontinent. The contribution made by the sage Y£ki and T®raº in both prevention and classifications are the evi-dences of their accomplishment. All the other Siddhas have contributed a lot in drafting the treatment schedule which is holistic including the life style dictation, Bedside regimens and Karmic eradication measures. The strength of Siddha medicine in prevention and treating the chronic life style disorders has made this system as patient friendly. Public health ini-tiatives in prevention of Anaemia and Chickun-guniya, Swine flu have repeatedly proved that Siddha Medicine can be used as a main stream-ing. Strength of Siddha actually lies in the success stories in NCDs both prevention and treatment. Even though these medicines are advocated for longer duration cause no Known Adverse effects and are helpful even in taking care of prevent in the complications which is a complimentary. If a patient enters in a Siddha OPD/hospi-tal for a surgical condition in his primitive stage there are exists a success rate of more than 60 % to get treated conservatively and avoid sur-gery. Renal calculi, Haemarrhoid, Sinusitis and Gynecological disorders are some promising ex-amples. Dermatology, Gynecology, Obstetrics, Orthopedics and Ophthalmology are superspe-cialities treating organs separately. But Siddhas basically treat a body as a whole. The time test-ed clinical studies have proven the effectiveness of Siddha system in Dermatology, Gynecology & Obstetrics andOrthopedics have made Siddha Physicians ground competitors of Super speci-alities in bio medicine.


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SPECIALITIES OF SIDDHA

OIl BATh Oil bath - preventive measure adopted and twined with the heritage of Dravidians. • Normalizes altered Mukkutram• Complements freshness to five Senses. • Tones the Joints• Tones digestive apparatus.• Remove lethargy

Procedure of oil bath

• Once in a week is to be followed• Oil drops to be instilled in Nose, Eyes and Ears• To be applied all over the body and also in the feet• Can use Soap nut powder to remove oil while bathing.• Bath in boiled water in a warm temperature.


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VARMAM Varmam is a special branch of Siddha which is basement of many alternative therapies such as Acupressure, Acupuncture,Sujok pressure. These therapies got their basement from Varmam and practiced in their area. Varmam practitioners are called varm¡¸i. They are abundantly seen in kaººiy¡kumari District of Tamilnadu. But various other people who are having a sound knowledge of cilampam do know this therapy. Varmam is divided into 108 classifications among which pa¶u varmam is 12 in number and to¶u varmam is 96 in number. There is another clas-

sification called as ta¶¶u varmam. Varmam points in our body are affected due to any trauma (or) pressures it causes in diminishing of energy in these vital points. If energy in these points is dimin-ished it leads to many diseases. Stimulation of these Varma points by methods called as a¶a´kal and giving Internal medi-cines relieves the patients from diseases. Since Varmam points are referred to energy resources in Neurological areas Varmam is beneficial in treating many Neurological disorders. Stimula-tion of Varmam points is useful in treating General diseases too.

Tokku + anam =Tokka¸am “tok-ku” means skin and “anam” means Heat and therapeutic touch given to skin and muscles. “tokka¸am” is the massaging techniques men-tioned in Siddha. ta¶¶al i¼ukkal pi¶ittal mu¼ukkal kaika¶¶al i¾uttal mall¡ttutal a¾uttutal are nine ypes of tokka¸am procedures. The tokka¸am procedures handled in the spinal column and other musculatures of the body treat all v¡tam disorders and neurological disorders.

Hemiplegia, paraplegia, mus-cle weakness, dystrophies, sciat-ica and spondylosis disorders are some of the neurological disor-ders where tokka¸am is used.

Process consisting of striking with fist and then pressing the body or its parts of a person suf-fering from some ailment.

The process is differentiated as follows:

TOKKAÛAM

Thattal PattingIrukkal Tightly hold-

ingPidithal SeizingMurukkal Twisting

Kaikattal Tying the hands

Azhuthal PressingEzhuththal PullingMallathuthal Lying flatAsaithal. Shaking


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BONE SETTINGBone setting practices is one of

the specialties in Siddha. In His-tory of Bone setting, traditional practitioners even before emer-gence of orthopedic science start-ed healing bone fractures with splints (or) Traditional Bandag-es which are made of Egg yolk, Black gram powder, ku´kiliyam and certain Herbs. These Ban-dages are equal in action to plas-ter of Paris. There is more than thousand of bone setting tradi-tional practitioners along with graduate practitioners in India.

Many difficult fractures such as fractures of femur and even bone fractures nearest to the joints are handled dramatically. Even though there is a minor de-gree of complications, compa-rably with orthopedic practice it is equal (or) less in number.

Bone setting practitioners are more in number and their services are cheaper and ef-ficacious than the current or-thopedician. Many times they become the primary care physi-cians in minor to major fractures

viÀa vaittiyam is a branch of Siddha which is traditionally practiced by prac-titioners of Siddha. viÀa vaittiyam deals with disorders of skin and Toxicological symptoms such as Gastritis, continuous vomiting etc. But in most of the areas poi-sonous bites, snakebites, and anonymous bites are treated in viÀa vaittiyam clinics. Allergic manifestations and edema of the body are also considered in viÀa vaitti-yam. Drugs such as viÀakku¾ampu , nanti mai and various medicated oils are used

here. The treatment given for snake-bite and poisonous bite is peculiar, people used to put incisions in various parts of the body with knife and viÀakku¾ampu is applied in their incised spots. The medi-cine is absorbed via these incisions and reduces the poison and detoxifies them and makes the blood pure. Many antioxi-dants are used in internal therapy, which will be used in treatment of allergy, skin disorders by scavenging free radicals.

VIâA VAITTIYAM


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NËÙÙUPPUÞa vaITTIYaMDue to the simplicity and

“motherhood” care. Each and every people considered Sid-dha medicine as his or her own property. Due to this, like the folklore art Siddha system also spread via folklore and folk say-ings. Most of the sayings are in the form of “Proverbs” and “Folk songs” for example there is a popular saying called. There is no medicine equivalent to “cukku” as No god is good as murukaº”.

Like the folk medicine, sid-dha system also spread via Tribal community. iru½ar pa¶ukar and

Tribals of hill stations such as kol-limalai mak¡li´kamalai akat-tiyamalai are well versed in us-age of Herbs as Tribal Resources in Therapy of Siddha. Usages of “Ricinus Communis” leaf in cur-ing Jaundice, “maramaµca½” (Coscinium fenestratum) in curing fever and “Vellarugu” (Enicostema axillare) in treating leucorrhea are some of the ex-ample in tribal Siddha medicine

Siddhas as mentioned earlier are alchemical Scientists and undoubtedly High Order forms of Medicines mentioned in Siddha such as Ka¶¶u, Ka½a´ku, Urukku, Cu¸¸am, Kuruku½ikai were not mentioned and used in other system of medicines. The minute dosage, longer shelf life, increased half-life, Easy transportation, increased bio availability, Palatable and Multiple therapeutic benefits are their special characters.

UNIQUENESS

MUPPU An abundance of literature is available in Siddha alone for the Universal Bio-enhancer, “Muppu” which is a combination of three salts, one form the Earth, one form the Sea and other from the Space. This Bio-enhancer is also having a potency to convert the lower element to higher element where it goes by the name “J¡lamuppu”. When it is given as a co-drug, to enhance the activity of a main drug is called the “Vaittiyamuppu”. Muppu other than external can be secreted

internally in a human being when meditation attains satiety; it helps in the secretion of “Civakku¶ilai N¢r” which may be equated to present days Melatonin and Serotonin. At this stage it is called as “Y°kamuppu”. There exists many schools of thoughts and people have hot success in black magic still the standard format of Muppu is yet to be arrived.

The wrist circumference ratio as we cal-culate BMD in the present day there exists a physical measurement other than regular 8 tools of diagnosis is mentioned in Siddha called as “Ma¸ikka¶ain£l”. A standard thread is used to measure the wrist circumference of every patient and equated the disease list and health chart men-tioned accordingly by Siddhas. The mention differs from minor to mortality and repetition of time test-ed findings prove that the accuracy matches with contemporary people and their disease encounter.

MAÛIKKAÙAINÍL

HIGH ORDER FORMS OF MEDICINE

Ōritaḻ tāmaraiHybanthus enneaspermus (L.)f.v.muell.

MiḷakaraṇaiToddalia asiatica (L.)Lam.


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REFERENCES Ê Thiagarajan, R. “Gunapadam metals and animal kingdom”, volume 2, Directorate of IndianMedi-

cine, Madras. 206. (1981).Kuppuswamy Muthaliar, K.N. and Utamarayan, K.S. “Siddha pharmaco-poeia” (In Tamil),Parinilyam, Madras. 167, 168 (1987).

Ê Anonymous. “Impcops Siddha Formulary”, X Edn., IMPCOPS, Madras. 124 (1991). Ê Prema. S. and Nagarajan, B.V. “Boghar Vaidhyam 700” (In Tamil), Tamil University,Tanjavur. 129.

(1985). Ê 5. Anonymos. “Agasthiar paripoornam – 400”, (In Tamil). B. Rathnanayagar and sons, Madras.37.

(1951). Ê 6. Abdhula Sayubu PM. Vediuppu Chendhuram. (2006),Anubhoga Vaidhya Navaneetham – III Part.

2nd ed. (pp. 76, 77) Chennai.,Thamarai noolagam.(1-10 Volumes) Ê Uthamarayan CS. ,Siddha MaruthuvangaChurukkam. 2nd reprint. Chennai. Dept of Indian Medi-

cine andHomeopathy. 2006. Ê Dorairajan .C.,Noi illa Neri, ,College of Indianmedicine,Kilpauk,1951.Shanmugavelan ., Noi Nadal

Noi Mudal Naadal. 2nd reprint. Chennai. Dept of Indian Medicine andHomeopathy. 2006


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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT


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Siddhars’ research perspectives are mentioned in Caiva Cint¡nta A½avai. K¡¸¶al (Observa-

tion), Karutal (Inference), Urai (Evidence) and Upam¡ºam (Comparison) are well established and

same has been followed until today in research. Ku¼¼ama¼¼a K¡¶ci in A½avai is the analogue for stand-

ing without bias in Research. The words Meµµ¡ºam(Hypothesis) and Viµµ¡ºam (Scientific interpre-

tation) used in basic Poru½ Tattuvam (Materialistic science) is the start of scientific research.

Hypothesis laid down by Siddhars are repeatedly proved by scientists in research councils and

Institutes which are translated into useful products for the common man.

Research in Siddha has been started by the Indian government in the year 1964 to explore

the hypothesis laid down by Siddhars and give evidence based back up for the research. The Clinical

research is supported with Literary and Drug Standradization. Slowly these departments gained im-

portance and started functioning with their exclusive mandates to support Research.

FOCUS AREAS

Basic ResearchApplied ResearchClinical Research

Healthy Animals


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S.NO Research Institute Place Year Activities

1 Literary Research Unit

Thanjavur 1964(Merged with CRI in 1979)

Literary research &documentation

2 Literary Research Unit

Palayamkottai 1971(Merged with CRI in 1979)

Literary research &documentation

3 Central Research Institute (Siddha)

Chennai 1971 Clinical researchDrug Research

4 Literary Research and Documentation

Chennai 1979 Literary research &documentation

5 Drug Research Scheme (Multi Displinary)

Chennai 1979 Standardization

6 Mobile Clinical Re-search Unit

Chennai 1979 Clinical research-Survey and-Survellience

7 Siddha RegionalResearch Institute

Puducherry 1979 Clinical research

8 Clinical Research Unit -Siddha

Palayamkottai 1980 Clinical research

9 Survey of Medicinal Plants Unit -Siddha

Palayamkottai 1971 marchMerged with Mettur from 2009

Survey of Medicinal plants

10 Clinical Research Unit -SiddhaUpgraded as Siddha Regional Research Institute since 2010

Trivananatha-puram

1986 Clinical researchDrug Standardization

11 Project on Tribal Research Programme in Siddha

Tiruppathur, TamilnaduKalasa,Karnatka

1985Merged with CRIS

Tribal research Abondoned since its merger

12 Clinical Research Unit-Safdarjung

New delhi Upto 2000 Clinical research

13 Preliminary Screen-ing Institute for Siddha Drugs.

Trivandrum 1982-1999 Standardization

DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH CENTERS


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EvIDENCE BASED RESEARCh CENTERS

CeNTRAL CoUNCIL foR ReSeARCH IN SIDDHA

Siddha Central Research Institute, Chennai.

Siddha Regional Research Institute, Puducherry.

Siddha Clinical Research unit, Palayamkottai.

Siddha Regional Research Institute, Trivandrum.

Siddha Medicinal Plants Garden, Mettur.


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S.No Name of Centre location 1 National Institute of Siddha Tambaram Sanatorium

Chennai 6000472 Central Research facility Sri Ramachandra University

Porur,Chennai 6001163 Indian Medicine Research laboratory Sri Ramachandra University

Porur, Chennai 6001164 Central Animal facility for Develop-

mental Research and ToxicologySri Ramachandra University Porur, Chennai 600116

5 Centre for Advanced Research in Indian System of Medicine (CARISM)

Sastra UniversityThanjavur

6 Captain Srinivasa Murthi Drug Research Institute in Ayurveda and Siddha

ArumbakkamChennai

7 Centre for Research in Indian System of Medicine(CRISM)

IIIM,Jammu ( CSIR)India

8 Sri Sai Ram Siddha Medical College and Research Centre

Tambaram WestChennai

9 Centre for Research & Development of Siddha-Ayurveda Medicines

Bharathidasan UniversityTrichy

10 Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru Re-search Centre for Ayurveda and Siddha (NKGRCAS)

ThiruvananathapuramKerala

11 Indian Institute of Technology, Madras Chennai12 Tamil University Thanjavur13 french Institute of Puducherry Puducherry14 Centre for Asian Studies Taramani, Chennai15 foundation for Reviatalization of local

health Traditions (fRlhT)Bengaluru


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PRECLINICAL RESEARCH In order to have a good coordination be-tween the quality of raw materials, in process ma-terials and the final products, it has become essen-tial to develop reliable, specific and sensitive quality control methods using a combination of classical and modern instrumental method of analysis. Standardization is an essential measurement for ensuring the quality control of the herbal drugs. ( “Standardization” describe all measures, which are taken during the manufacturing process and qual-ity control leading to a reproducible quality. It also encompasses the entire field of study from birth of a plant to its clinical application. It also means ad-justing the drug preparation to a defined content of a constituent or a group of substances with known therapeutic activity respectively by adding excipi-ents or by mixing herbal drugs or herbal drug prep-arations.) “Evaluation” of a drug means confirmation of its identity and determination of its quality and purity and detection of its nature of adulteration.

Central council for research in Siddha adapt follow-ing guidelines to meet with the global standards in preclinical Research.• Good Agricultural ,collection and cultivation

practices(GACP)• Good manufacturing practices(GMP)• Good laboratory practices(GLP)

In standardization Standards laid down by PLIM, Ghaziabad is being followed.Following are certain publications in Siddha which authenticates standardization.◊ Austin, A., 2003. Physical and chemical analysis

of mercurial preparations in Siddha medicine viz., rasa Chenduram and lingha Chenduram. Indian Drugs, 40: 587-588.

◊ Pharmacognostical and physio-chemical stan-dardization of leaves of Wrightia Tinctoria R.Br., Mahendra S. Khyade and Nityanand P. Vaikos, International Journal of Pharmaceutical Re-search and Development | Year : 2009 | Volume : 1 | Issue : 8 | Page : 1-10

◊ Standardization of a Siddha formulation Amuk-kara Curanam by HPTLC, Jeganathan,N. S., Kannan, K., Manavalan, R. and Hannah R Va-santhi, African Journal of Traditional Comple-mentary and Alternative Medicines | Year: 2008 | Volume: 5 | Issue: 2 | Page: 131 – 140.

◊ Scientific Validation of Purification Method of Terminalia chebula in Siddha Medical Practice in India, Natarajan Shanmugasundaram , Sathi-yarajeswaran Parameswaran , Kannan Muthiah , Thieme eJournals, Planta Med 2011; 77 DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1273671.

◊ Pharmacognostic studies on Sida acuta Burm.f, S.Mohideen, E.Sasikala, and V.Gopal, Ancient science of life Vol: XXII (1) July /2002.

◊ Electrochemical Determination of L-Dopa in Mucuna pruriens Seeds, Leaves and Com-mercial Siddha Product Using Gold Modified Pencil Graphite Electrode, H. C. B. Kalachar S.Basavanna, R. Viswanatha, Y. Arthoba Naik, D. Ananda Raj, P. N. Sudha Electroanalysis Spe-cial Issue: Topical Cluster on Electroanalysis in Russia and Belorussia Volume 23, Issue 5, pages 1107 1115, May 2011.

◊ Physical and chemical analysis of mercurial preparations in siddha medicine viz. Rasa Chen-dooram and Lingha Chendooram, AUSTIN A., Indian drugs ISSN 0019-462X 2003, vol. 40, no10, pp. 587-588.

◊ Standardization of Siddha drug Sangu Parpam using Infrared spectrum, V.N. Meena devi P. Nagendra Prasad & K. Kalirajan ,International Journal Of Pharmacy Technology.

◊ Standartisation and Antioxidant Studies of a Siddha Formulation Gandhaka Parpam, Ma-larkodivelraj, V. Ravichandiran, Nagamani, A.Vijayalakshmi, Sanjay Regala, IJPIS Journal of Pharmacognosy and Herbal FormulationsVol 1:4 (2011).

◊ Pharmacognostic studies on Alangium salvifo-lium (Linn.f.) Wang. root bark,Saraswathy A, Meena AK, Shakila R, Sunil Kumar KN, Ariyana-than S, PHCOG J, August 2010 | Vol 2 | Issue 11.

◊ Quantification of Tamarindeal from Tamarindus indicus, Saraswathy A,Joy.S., & Shakila.R.,Indian drugs,44(5),May,2007.


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After standardization drugs are subjected for ani-mal studies in which Siddhars Intuition are time tested for their efficacy and Tested for their tox-icity for safety human usage and dosage fixation. Following are some of the animal studies pub-lished as output of Preclinical studies. All the stud-ies are done after proper Approval of IAEC and in compliance with CPCSEA Guidelines.◊ Austin, A. and M. Jegadeesan, 2003. Biochem-

ical studies on the anti ulcerogenic potential of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. var. indicus. J. Ethnopharmacol., 84: 149-156.

◊ Austin, A., M. Jegadeesan and S. Subrama-nian, 1999. Pharmacological studies of Ling-ha chendooram-No.1, A Siddha drug. Indian Drugs, 36: 285-288.

◊ Anna Pavala Sindhooram an Antiatheroscle-rotic Indian drug, K.Radha Shanmugasunda-ram, P.G. Seethapathy and E.R.B. Shanmu-gasundaram, Journal of Ethnopharmacology | Year : 1983 : | Volume : 7 | Issue : 3 |Pages 247-265

◊ Anti-diabetic activity of alcoholic extract of Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schultes in rats, T. Vetrichelvan b M. Jegadeesan, Journal of Eth-nopharmacology Volume 80, Issues 2-3, May 2002, Pages 103-107.

◊ Anti-inflammatory Effect of Semecarpus anacardium LINN. Nut Extract in Acute and Chronic Inflammatory Conditions, Vanu Ram-kumar RAMPRASATH,a Palanivelu shanthi,b and Panchanatham sachdanandam, Biol. Pharm. Bull. 27(12) 2028 to 2031 (2004).

◊ Rasagenthi lehyam (RL) a novel complemen-tary and alternative medicine for prostate cancer, Rama S. Ranga, Ramankutty Girija, Mohammed Nur e alam, Sabapathy Sath-ishkumar, Mohammed A. Akbarsha, Sub-biah Thirugnanam, Jurgen Rohr, Mansoor M. Ahmed and Damodaran Chendil, Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology Volume 54, Number 1, 7-15, DOI: 10.1007/s00280-004-0770-9.

◊ Semecarpus anacardium L. nut extract ad-ministration induces the in vivo antioxidant defence system in aflatoxin B1 mediated he-patocellular carcinoma, B. Premalatha, and P. Sachdanandam, Journal of Ethnopharmacol-ogy Volume 66, Issue 2, August 1999, Pages 131-139.

◊ Effect of Withania somnifera on glycosami-noglycan synthesis in carrageenin-induced air pouch granuloma, V.Hazeena Beguma and J. Sadique, Biochemical Medicine and Metabolic Biology,Volume 38, Issue 3, December 1987, Pages 272-277.

◊ Free Radical Quenching and Immunomodula-tory Effect of a Modified Siddha Preparation, Kalpaamruthaa, Shanmugam Arulkumaran, Vanu Ramkumar Ramprasath), Palanivelu Shanthi2) and Panchanatham Sachdanandam, journal of Health Sciences Vol. 53 (2007) , No. 2 170-176.

◊ Effect of Naga Parpam, a Zinc-Based Siddha Medicine, on Hyperlipidemia in Rats, lango Balakrishnan, Dawood Sharief Sultan, Vinoth Kumar Krishnamurthy, Rajkumar Raman, Su-kumar Ethirajan, Viswanathan Subramanian, Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Vol. 6 (2009) .

◊ Pharmacological investigation of Rasa Gan-dhi Mezhugu (RGX) a Siddha drug,D. Ghosh, B.M.V. Shetty, A. Anandakumar, Journal of Research in Ayuveda and Siddha | Year: July – Dec 1995 |Volume III | Issue: 1&2| Page: 33-52.

◊ Anti inflammatory and anlagesic activity of Idivallathi Mezhugu – a Siddha preparation, Sudesh Gaidhani, Thenammal , and Velu-chamy, Journal : Journal of Research in Ayu-veda and Siddha | Year: April- June 08 |Volume XXIX | Issue:2 | Page: 60-67


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CLINICAL RESEARCH

Clinical trials conducted in Siddha system as guided by WHO/ICMR Guidelines . Major areas of Clinical research Conducted in Council are on Psoriasis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Pep-tic ulcer, Diabetes mellitus and Osteo arthritis. More than 10 herbs are successfully tried in Hepatitis. Pub-lications support lot of hope in treating anemia and NCD Management is a thrust area of clinical research in Siddha. The efficacy of RAN –Therapy in Siddha in HIV increased the hope in this system as the drug clinically improved the wellbeing of the infected.

GRADE A Ê A trial of Phyllanthus amarus in Acute Viral

Hepatitis, Narendranathan M, Remla A, Mini PC, Satheesh P, Tropical Gastroenterology | Year : 1999 | Volume :20 | Issue : 4 | Page : 164-166.

Ê A Comprehensive Study on a Polyherbal Sid-dha Compound on Plasma Glucose and Serum Lip-ids in South Indian Population, Thanickachalam.Sadagopan, Anbarasi.Chandrasekaran, Planta Med 2011; 77 DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-127363

Grade –C Ê A Critical Study on Annabedi Chenduram in Pan-

du Based on Siddha Concept, D. S, Jayakaran, E. Meenakshinathan, and K. Gopakumar, Res. Ay. Sid. Vol. VII; No. 1-2, pp. 23-32.

Ê A Pilot Study of Kuppaimeni –Acalyphaindica, K. ganapathi raman, T. P. R. Bharadwaj and K. K. Pu-rushothaman, J.Res. nd. Med, Yoga 4 ,14: 3,1979.

Ê Clinical Evolution of a Thima Thuram in Viral Hep-atitis (A CONTROLLED STUDY), S.Rajalakshmi, G. Sivanandam and G. Veluchamy, J.R.A.S. Vol XVm, No. 3-4, (1997) pp. 141-146

Ê Clinical study on Neerizhivu Noi (Diabetes mel-litus) - A comparative study, G. Masilamani1, V. Ravishankar, Umesh Chander Kansra and B.Chakravorty, J.R.A.S. Vol. XXI, No. 3-4, (2000) pp. 126-134

Ê Efficacy of Kanaga Linga Karpoora Mezhugu on Rheumatoid Arthritis, C. Eleza, S. SivanandanIn-dian medicine and Homoeopathy journal, July - Sep. 2002.

Ê Role of Tulasi {Ocimum sanctum Linn.) in theManagement of Manjal Kamalai (Viral Hepa-titis), Rajalakshmi1 , G. Sivanandam and G. Velu-chamy, IR.A.S. Vol. IX, No. 3-4, pp. 118-123.

Ê Effect of 777 Oil on Non-specific Dermati-tis(777 Oil-A Siddha Herbal Coded Prepara-tion), Kalavathy Kamalakar Rao, B.M.V. Shetty, Ramachandran,J.R. Krishnamurthy and G. Velu-chamy, /.R.A.S. Vol. X, No. 3-4, pp. 132-140.

Ê A Siddha Remedy forChronic Ulcer, N. KALA-VATHY, . S. RAJALAKSHMi,M. SUNDARAM. G. VELUCHAMY, I.J H P. Vol. XXI. No. I, 1984.

Ê A Clinical Study (Symptomatic) of a SiddhaCom-pound. Drug in Rheumatism (CertainTypes of Valinoigal), T. Anandan,.G .Veluchamy,

Ê Folk-Medical Claims From Tamil Nadu North Arcot District, T. Anandan and G. Veluchamy, BM.E.B.R Vol. VII, No. 3-4, pp. 99-109.

Ê Role of Chundaiva ttral churn am in the manage-ment of (non-specificdiarrhoea) athisaram,P.R. Saroja, K. Sivaprakasam and G. Veluchamy, J.R.A.S. Vol. XIX, No. 3-4, (1998) pp.128-131.

Ê Role of Ponnimilai Chendooram and Chiratta-iThailam on Leucoderma, K. Sivaprakasam1, T. Anandan, R. Yasodha and K.K. Rao, J.R.A.S. Vol. XIV, No. 1-2, pp. 52-61.

Ê A Clinical Trial on offect of Chandamarutha Chen-dooram in Rheumatoid Arthritis (Keel Vayu)K.Ganapathiraman1, G.Masilamani2 J.Annathai1, K.Sivaprakasam1, and E.Meenakshinathan3 Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Siddha | Year : 2009 | Volume : 30 | No.4 | Page : 27-34

Ê

LITERARY RESEARCH Literary research lays platform to any re-search in Siddha System as they are scientific reflec-tions of the Intuitions of Siddhars. Palm Leaves and Paper manuscripts still hold with them many unfold-ed scientific details which are to be unearthed. The wealth of traditional medicines is avail-able both in a coded and non-coded documents. Answers to many unsolved questions have been properly culled out via extensive literary research. This traditional knowledge’s should be properly doc-umented, digitalized, preserved and published to the public domain. Both virtual and real manuscripts made available as a ready beckoner for students, re-


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search scholars and the public. Literary Research and Documentation Department under the um-brella of Siddha central research institute is car-rying out the above said activities in a stipulated manner. MAJOR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES OF LRDD

Î Collection of Manuscripts and other old rare printed books and hand written copies.

Î Cleaning and preservation of collected mate-rials.

Î Preparing Cataloguing and classification. Î Transcription of Palm Leaves Manuscripts. Î Annotation of poems. Î Typing of transcribed poems along with an-

notations. Î Publication. Î Translation of books published in Siddha into

English & Hindi. Î Publication of translated Siddha Text in Eng-

lish and Hindi. Î Sale of publications. Î Preparation of IEC Materials for AYUSH and

CCRS. Î Submission of Manuscripts For digitization. Î Periodical training for students.

Ï Siddha medicine - Background and princi-ples and the application for skin diseases, J. Joseph Thas, Clinics in Dermatology | Year: 2008 | Volume: 26 | Issue: 1 | Page: 62–78.

Ï Food is Medicine and Medicine is food – A Siddha perspective, V. Muthulakshmi, V. Vi-jayakumar, Functional Foods for Chronic Diseases - Obesity, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases and AIDS | Year : 2009 | Volume : 4.

Ï The Roots of Siddha System of Medicine in Thiruvasagam, Rajasekaran. R, A.Gomathi, Kannan. M, & Alanarayana., Journal of Indian Medical Heritage | Year : 2009 | Volume : XXX-IX | Issue : 1 | Page : 63- 79 ISSN 0975-430X.

Ï Probing History of Medicine and Public Health in India, Deepak Kumar,SAGE Publi-cations,2011

Ï Medicinal plants from Siddha system of med-icine useful for treating respiratory diseases, Arjun Ram, Duraisamy Arul Joseph, Selvaku-mar Balachandar, Vijay Pal Singh, Interna-

tional Journal of Pharmaceuticals Analysis | Year : 2009 | Volume : 1 | Issue : 2 | Page : 20-30.

Ï Sankamuni visa vathiyam 100 – a book re-view, R.Rajasekaran, A. Rajendra Kumar, K.Suresh3, A.Narayana, Journal of Indian In-stitute of History of Medicine| Year : 2007 | Volume : 37 | Page : 63 - 68.

Ï Siddha kayakalpa drugs a modulation therapy in Alzheimer’s - a transparency and perspec-tive eye views, K. Ganapathiraman , P. Sathya Rajeswaran , S. Selvarajan, M.M. Padhi and G.S. Lavekar, JRAS,Volume xxviii,NO-4, OCT-DEC.2007,PP-99-108.

Ï Pluralism in Indian medicine Medical lore as a genre of medical knowledge, V. Sujatha, Contributions to Indian Sociology (n.s.) 41, 2 (2007): 169–202 SAGE Publications.

Ï Siddha medicine: an overview, Subbarayappa BV, Lancet. 1997 Dec 20-27;350(9094):1841-4.

Ï Yugi’s Pramegam and Diabetes Mellitus: An analogue, Bulletin of Indian Institute of His-tory of Medicine Hyderabad | Year: 1999 | Vol-ume: 29| Issue: 1 | Page: 83-87.

Ï

PATENTS • A Patent has been received by CCRAS - IPR Status - Patent no 1666740 dated on 11.09.1987 with the clinical trial results con-ducted on 777 oil for Psoriasis at Central Re-search Institute for Siddha – Through NDRC.

Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb)


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MEDICINAL PLANTS RESEARCH Medico-ethno-botanical survey is an impor-tant part of drug research which provides informa-tion on the distribution and availability of medicinal plants in given area. The collected specimens dur-ing the survey also form the reference materials for description and characterization of raw drugs and their botanical source to avoid adulteration and sub-stitution. The herbarium and museum developed from such collections act as reference centres for UG/PG/M/Phil/Ph.D. students and researchers for correct identification/authentication of their plant specimens or raw drug materials. Further, the folk –claims collected during the exploration work pro-vide lead for validation and effective development of drugs based on traditional knowledge. Central Council for Research in Siddha has been involved in survey and documentation of me-dicinal plants of India used in Siddha system of medi-cine. One of the council’s peripheral institute Siddha medicinal Plants Garden, Mettur, has a repository of Herbarium contains 8325 sheets of international standard and a museum contains around 800 crude drug samples of root, bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, gum, wood, etc. collected from field are now being maintained by Siddha Clinical Research Unit, Palay-amkottai, at the premises of GSMC, Palayamkottai for want of required accommodation. The Herbari-um, Museum, and Photographs were digitized and documented in the CCRS library. Apart from collection of herbarium speci-mens, the survey team has also collected and sup-plied authentic raw drug samples for studies under various projects of council including the projects un-der central scheme of Siddha Pharmacopoeia Com-mittee • Pharmacognostical studies on Triumfetta rhom-

boidea Jaco, Padma Sorna Subramanian, M, et al, Journal of Theoretical and Experimental Biol-ogy. ISSN No: 0972-9720, 6 (2), 133-138, 2009. Published on June 2010.

• Pharmacognostical studies on Acacia catechu Willd. And Identification of antioxidant principle, Gayathri devi et al., Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol.3, Suppl.2, March 2011, P108-111.

REPRODUCTIVE AND CHILD HEALTH CARE Reproductive and Child health care project have been allotted to Siddha with 16 drugs and all the preclinical studies are nearing completion. As this project is to be focused in public health research primary health centres and taluks other than re-search councils units.

TKDL( TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE DIGITAL LIBRARY) TKDL is a collaborative project between Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology and Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. TKDL involves documentation of the knowledge available in public domain on traditional knowledge from the existing literature related to Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha in digitized format, in five in-ternational languages which are English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese. So far, the TKDL includes about 2.12 lakh medicinal formulations of Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. This project has found widespread appreciation in the IGC as first of its kind initiative which provides protection to our tradition-al medical knowledge by preventing its misappro-priation.

AYUSH RESEARCH PORTAL In order to make research findings in AYUSH systems and allied faculties accessible through web, the Department of AYUSH has initiated AYUSH Re-search Portal. The Central Council for Research in Siddha is contributing to make this event a great success. Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) headquarters and the National Institute of Indian medical heritage (NIIMH) Hyder-abad are coordinating and maintaining this freely accessible web portal in collaboration with National Informatics Centre, Hyderabad. The portal is acces-sible through website http://ayushportal.ap.nic.in.


Dept. of AYUSH

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SIDDHA

PHARMACOVIGILANCE OF SIDDHA DRUGS Pharmacovigilance is carried out in ASU System to reassure and to exhibit to the world about both the tall claims that the drugs are al-ways safe or Drugs are not at all safe. The lists of drugs were classified as toxic, semi-toxic or to be used with precaution etc. naµcu maruttuvam in Siddha clearly explains the possible adverse ef-fect of certain drugs and their management for possible adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or toxic-ity has been mentioned in detail. But, it is needed to prove that the drugs of these systems are safe basing upon a comprehensive safety data. Taking the WHO guidelines for the safety issues of herbal medicines into consideration and to put Pharma-covigilance system for ASU drugs in proper place, the Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India launched Phar-macovigilance Programme for ASU Drugs and announced establishment of a National Pharma-covigilance Resource Centre at Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (IP-GTRA), Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar, as National Pharmacovigilance Resource Centre for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani Drugs (NPRC-ASU) in India for coordinating this National Pharmaco-vigilance Program. Further this program is also guided by National Pharmacovigilance Technical Advisory Committee (NPTAC-ASU), a technical committee mainly concerned with reviewing and analysing the ADRs reported at different levels and to suggest proper remedial measures. All the units under Siddha council are having Pharmaco-vigilance cell and National Institute of Siddha is the regional centre for Siddha.

Āḍutīṇḍā pāḷaiAristolochia bracteolata Lam.

PRIORITY AREAS OF RESEARCH Ï Scientific Validation of Varmam, Noninvasive

procedures and simple Techniques to treat ill-ness.

Ï Revalidation of techniques and processes of converting metals and minerals from inorganic to organic form through the advanced modern techniques and subjecting them for Pharmaco-dynamics and Pharmaco kinetic studies.

Ï Validation of Dietetics as Functional foods and Nutraceutical.

Ï Drug development strategies for high impact areas such as DM/ HT/ Hyper lipidemia, Osteo-porosis, Cancer and incidentally detected Viral Hep- B.


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REFERENCES Ê Journal of Ethnopharmacology Ê Biochemical Medicine and Metabolic Biology, Ê Journal of Health Sciences Ê Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine Ê Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Siddha Ê Tropical Gastroenterology Ê Planta Med Ê The Lancet Ê Clinics in Dermatology Ê Obesity, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases and AIDS Ê Journal of Indian Medical Heritage Ê International Journal of Pharmaceuticals Analysis Ê Journal of Theoretical and Experimental Biology Ê www.ayushportal.ap.nic.in.

Ma¼uppatu U¶aln°y Marunteºa L¡kumMa¼uppatu U½an°y Marunteºac C¡lumMa¼uppatu Iºin°y v¡r¡tirukkaMa¼uppatu C¡vai Marunteºa L¡m®

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A Dossier on Siddha System

Documents

A DOSSIER ON SIDDHA S YSTEM - t ncrisiddha.tn.nic.in/Final Siddha Dossier 03072012.pdf · Thus having a long history as old as the Tamil language, Siddha is serving the society at