Siddha Medicine with its Unique Features

1. SIDDHA MEDICINE
-POWER OF HEALING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. THANK YOU
Suvetha Sreenivash