Siddha

The Indian Cure

The word ‘Siddha‘ comes from ‘Siddhi‘ which means an object to be attained or perfection of heavenly bliss. Siddha is one of the oldest systems of medicine practiced in India. This method was developed in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is supposed to have been conceived by the Siddhas or evolved souls ( numbering 18) who lived in the past. The main aim of Siddha is to assure a healthy life to man kind. In Siddha medicines are based mostly on herbs and metallurgy.

The systems of Siddha and Ayurveda are very much similar. In both systems, the basis of treatment is the three element theory or ‘tridosha’ (three humours). The three humours are Vatha (air), Pitta (bile) and Kapha (phlegm). It is believed that without these humours an individual cannot subsist and imbalance of these may cause diseases. There are number of medicines common to both Siddha and Ayurveda. In both systems medicines are prescribed to set right the imbalance in the three life factors.

The doctors practicing this medicine are great philosophers, men with deep knowledge of anatomy and chemistry and savants well-known for their wide travel, simple living and high thinking. They are known as the Siddhas or Siddhars. The Siddhas have their own manuscripts or basic works, written in secret code. Some of the treasured expositions on medicine are poems in palm leaf manuscripts which are now preserved in the Saraswathi Mahal Library, Tanjavur in Tamil Nadu. They were the ones who lead the way in the use of metals and minerals in the treatment of diseases.

The diseases are diagnosed mainly with the help of signs and symptoms of diseases. Other factors that help to diagnose diseases are touch, examining the pulse, tongue, colour, speech, eyes, faeces and urine.

Eligibility:

10+2 pass with science is a must for entrance to siddha line of medicine.

Institutes:

• Govt. Siddha Medical College, Chennai,
• Govt. Siddha Medical College, Palayamkottai, Tirunevelli
• Akila Thiruvithamcore Siddha Vaidya Sangam Siddha Maruthuva Kalloory & Hospital, Anandasramam,Munchirai, Distt. KANYAKUMARI (TN)
• Sri Sai Ram Siddha Medical College Sriperumbudur, Distt K ANCHEEPURAM (TN)
• Velumailu Siddha Medical College Sriperumbudur,
• Distt. KANCHEEPURAM (TN).