The Siddha system, or the traditional Tamil system of medicine, is the foremost of all the other medical systems in the world. Its origin goes back to B.C. 10,000 to B.G. 4,000. As per the textual and archaeological evidence, which indicates the remote antiquity of the Dravidian civilization of the erstwhile submerged land Kumari kandam, that is the Lemuria continent situated in the Indian Ocean, the Siddha system of Medicine is contemporaneous with those of the submerged lands such as Egyptian, Mesopotamian. Chinese and Greek medicines. The uniqueness of the Siddha system is evident by its continuous service to humanity for more than 5000 years in combating diseases and also in maintaining its physical, mental and moral health.
The Siddha system has an enormous pharmacopoeia containing vegetable, animal and mineral products and treatment techniques consisting of the use of 32 types of internal medicines and 32 types of external medicines, application of heat and cold, ointments, potions and poultice, bloodletting, counter irritation, bath, suction, manipulative processes such Thokkanam, Varmam, Yogam and concentration on hygiene and diet (pathiam), periodical use of purgatives and emetics, use of drugs which include apart from herbs, preparations from metals and minerals such as copper, silver, gold, lead and preparations from products of animal origin such as brain, liver, bones, blood, skull, horns of various animals, tissues of reptiles and also Kayakalpam to prevent or postpone greying of hair, formation of wrinkles and ageing, prevention or treatment of diseases and postponement of death (to any desired length of time). Some empirical treatment techniques under the guise of magic exorcism, incantation, pilgrimage, peregrination, mountaineering and similar activities have also been in practice since a long time ago
The Siddhars have evolved a special technique for attaining spiritual awakening by rousing with yoga techniques like asana, pranayama and dhyana (meditation), the kundalini shakli (Serpent power) lying dormant at the base of the spinal column in the region of sacral plexus. Only by caring for his mortal inheritance, man is able to arrive at the realization of his highest potentialities. By working in unison with theology and philosophy, Siddha medicine aids man in bringing to maturity the quiescent gem of immortal divine being in his mortal body.
The contributors of the Siddha System, the Siddhars of Tamil land were mystics, yogis, poets, devotees, seers and medical men of various combinations and various statures. They were super human beings who possessed supernatural powers (like Eight types of Siddhis). They were the greatest scientists of ancient times and they existed and still exist for the benefit of the public at large. They were men of great practical knowledge and wisdom. They had full awareness of the nature and activities of all the objects on this planet and of all times past, present and future. They were mainly responsible for the growth and development not only of Tamil medicine that includes alchemy, medicine, yogam, kayakalpam (rejuvenation therapy) philosophy, astronomy, astrology, varmam, muppu, thokkanam etc., but also for many other sciences of public utility.
Siddha medicines may be roughly divided into three classes:
Miracle medicines are becoming rare and should be least directly from the masters who, having undergone all forms of initiation and hazards of apprenticeship have reached perfection in all respects. Sophisticated medicines may be scientifically prepared and used by the well-trained physicians without much risk. Common medicines are most simple and cheap ones which were in wide use till the beginning of the 20th century and are still in use in remote rural parts of our country.
The Siddha system of education in ancient India was not imparted or organized on the scale of mass education like schools and colleges, but the ideal of education was to treat it as a secret and sacred process, for the reason that the process of an individual growth (especially the inner growth) can only be achieved by a close and constant touch between the teacher and the taught in their personal relationship from which the whole world was excluded.
The teaching was imparted in the form of verses, many of them in ambiguous language and handed down to the posterity by the guru-shisya (teacher-disciple) tradition. The sacred medicines and techniques were taught only to a close circle of disciples and this trend continued to exist till recently. Siddha education has turned a mass institutional education since the middle of the 20th century and has been catering to the needs of the public. Developments in academic side and also in scientific research have been coming up.
A scientific research of available siddha literature may bring us precious truths, methods of preparation of miracle medicines of mineral, vegetable and animal origin and this would be a valuable contribution to the medical world today. In addition to the literature written in palm leaf manuscripts etc., there are many valuable medicines and treatment techniques in practice. Steps are being taken by the government to collecting, screening. analyzing and codifying the available manuscripts, printed books, traditional recipes, medical secrets and many other things found scattered in disciplines and activities seemingly unconnected with medicine. The National Institute of Siddha in Chennai will soon evolve into a centre of excellence and a unique referral institute for everything related to the Siddha system of medicine.
