Speciality of Siddha Medicine

Siddha System of medicine is ancient medical system prevailed in the southern parts of India. This system is put forward by Great siddhar, who were ancient scholers in spirituality, medicine and alchemy. The system is grown through thousands of years and is not an overnight invention. Siddha is a first system to emphasis health as the perfect state of physical, psycological, social and spiritual component of human being.Thirumoolar, a great Saint said that

"One that cure Physical ailment is medicine
One that cures psycological ailment is medicine
One that prevent ailment is medicine
One that bestows immortality is medicine"

In Siddha the medicines are prepaired after so many complicated processes and after proper purification. Plants, minerals, animel products and even metals are also used in the pharmacological processes.

Somany special drugs and preparation methods are said in the classical text books of Siddha. Which will cure wide range of diseases from simple fever to cancer.

Kayakalpa is special combination of medicine and life style said in Siddha system. Many plans
are classified as special and orinery kayakalpa plant, which can be used for managing the problems like ageing, gray hair, wrinkles on skin like geriatric complaints. The utility of kayakalpa in the giriatric care as an antioxident therapy amazing.

Varma is the uniquness of Siddha system. Varma points are vitals points of our body were pranic flow is more. This points are used to cure diseases by stimulating such points in priscribed manner.

Alchemy and muppu ( the universal Salt ) etc are other speciality of Siddha system of medicine.

NAADI (PULSE READING) IN SIDDHA MEDICINE

Ancient Indian medical systems like Ayurveda and Siddha uses the pulse reading ( Naadi) as one of the important dignostic methods. In olden days when a person meets a doctor or a physician for his ailments, he takes the hands of the patient and reads the pulse first. After reading the pulse only he go for the interogation about the condition of the patient.

The physician comes to a conclusion about the disease by considering so many factors such as the presanting complaints of the patient, Naadi of the patient, Signs and symptoms (kurikunangal), time and even the constalation of the stars of the patient and the physician etc.

According to Therayar, a Great Saint, Siddhar the dignostic examonation of a patient for a disease includes mainly eight things ( Envagai thervu) they are

Naadi (Pulse reading)

Sparisam (Touch, Tenderness, Temperature......)

Naa ( Examination of tongue and oral cavity)

Niram (Colour of Skin and other body parts)

Mozhi (Type of speech of the patient)

Vizhi (Nature of Eye of the patient)

Malam (Examination of the stools)

Moothiram (Examination of the urine)

In his text book, under each heading there is some other specific tests also mensioned like Neerkkuri (Examination of colour, odour, quantity, specific gravity, deposits etc in urine) and Neykkuri (Examination of urine by puting a drop of gingely oil in it) etc.

The examination of Naadi itself should be done as per the procedure. In men the Naadi is ellicited in right hand while in women it is in left hand. Three fingers ie; index, middle, and ring finger of the physician are used to feel the pulse. Not only the rate of pulse but the nature of the pulse, type of pulse, difference between pulse in three fingers are also noted while examining.

According to Siddha the total diseases affecting the mankind are classified as 4448. This diseases again classifiedn on the basis of three humours, vatha, pitha and kapha. The Naddi variation for each diseases is said in the clasical text books of Siddha.

GERIATRICS AND SIDDHA MEDICINE

gurucharanam saranam

           Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that focus on health promotion and the prevention and the treatment of diseases and disability in the later life. The term comes from the Greek ‘geron’ meaning old man and ‘iatros’ meaning healer and was proposed in 1909 by Dr. Ignatz Leo nascher. It is cognate with ‘jara’ in Sanskrit which also mean old.

        Siddha the oldest system of Indian medicine has gone deep into the problem of the elderly people and it proposes mainly the ‘Kayakalpa’ treatment. ‘Kayakalpa’ the term derived from to Tamil words ‘Kaya’ which means the body and ‘Kalpa’ means the stone. Keeping the body as strong as a stone is the main aim of Kayakalpa. by this treatment the body get free from the graying of hair, ageing, diseases etc. In siddha there are 108 Kayakalpa drugs are mentioned. Most of these drugs are antioxidant and immuno- modulatory in there medicinal action. in addition to this there are so any prepared medicines meant for Kayakalpa processes, some of them are Poornachandrodayam, ayabringaraja karpam, Ayajammbheera karpam, Karisalai karpam, triphala kapam etc.

       Life style modification is an integral part of geriatric treatment. It includes proper food habits, sleep and relaxation, exercise, personal cleanliness, tension free and clear mind, entertainment etc. ‘Yoga’ and ‘Pranayama’ have got there own significance in dealing with this challenge. Researches have proved to beyond doubt that these are efficacious in neuro-muscular, musclo-skeletal, respiratory, and psychosomatic and other health problems in elderly people.

Rheumatism which produces immobility an pain in the joints first and serious problems later is one of the common ailments that affect the elderly people. Here in Siddha’Thokkanam’, physical manipulation of the body with or without oil, is the most effective remedy. There are some external medicines, Vshamushti thylam, Sivappu kukkil thylam, Vatha kesari thylam etc. These oils are used for massage therapy. There are some internal medicines also Arumugha chedooram, Ayaveera chendooram, rasagandhi mezhugu etc. these medicines are administered with diet and habit restrictions. Above all, the following analgesics are also highly effective in palliative geriatric care, Amukkura choornam, Amrithathi mathirai, Gorochana mathirai, Kumkumapoo mathirai,Vasantha kusumakaram etc.

Some other ailments and beneficial medicine used in geriatric teeatment are sahown below.

Diabates

mathumegha choornam

seenthil kudineer



Urinary tract problems

Kalnar parpam

kungiliya parpam

(Prostratitois etc) neermulli kudineer

nerungil kudineer



Insomnia

Amukkura choornam

pirami ney

vallarai ney

vallarai choornam



Constipation

moolakudara thylam

nilavaraimchooranm

siddhadi ennai

vellai ennai



Hyper tension and cardio vascular diseases

sringi parpam

maha eladi mathierai

maha vasantha kusumakaram

marutham pattai choornam



In depth research studies have to be taken up in Siddha literature to find out the hidden gems of Kayakalpa. Experiences of Siddha medical practitioners are yet to be collected are correlated for the sake of geriatric population. Special geriatric care centers were in Siddha system is applied should be established. It will enhance the clinical research works in this field. One these centers can address core geriatric problems. Above all we have to think big we have to love and respect all the systems of medicine. Each system has got its own greatness. All these systems should come together and new vision should come out of it, and it should serve the whole mankind.



 

METAL AND MINERAL MEDICINES IN SIDDHA

       Like modern system of medicine Siddha system of medicine also uses the metals and minerals (ulokams and thathoos)for medicinal preparations after purification. There are several methods of purification and preparation methods elaborately explained in the text books of well versed Saints, who were known as Siddhars. It is said that the medicines from plant origin should be used first for a disease and the higher medicines with metals and minerals can be used, if there is no relief from the early one.

Advantages of Metals and Minerals in Siddha Medicine

• Even in small doses it can cure dreaded diseases.
  
• It does not possess any unpleasant odour or taste like bitter, astringent etc.
• It act much faster than plant origin medicines.
• It is beneficial in chronic diseases.
• Unlike herbal products, these medicines have a shelf life of hundreds of years and it does not looses its potency on long time storage.
• It is the uniqueness of Sddha system of medicine.

Cervical spondylosis and Siddha Management

The cervical spodylosis is a unsolved problem in this fast growing 3g world. Medically it is the Ostioarthritis of the intervertibral joints, especially in the neck region. it is also called as cervical osteoarthritis. It mostly occure to the men and women of the age of 40 and above. It has a occurence particular to some job field peoples like software engineers, drivers, weight loaders etc. This fact is explained by science as the contineous wear and tear of the particular joint.
The first and fremost symptoms of this disease are the pain in the hands and stiffness of the neck. The compression over the nerve roots comes out through the intervertibral spaces leads to the formation of condition called as the cervical radiculopathy.

Treatment

The treatment of cervical spondylosis includes airobic exercises, Massage therapies, Pain reducing agents, Anti inflamatory medicines, life style modification.
There are some self practicing exercises and home remedies for cervical spondylosis.

Exercise and life Style Modification

* Periodically give some rotation and bending exercises to the neck in sitting posture. Avoid doing it in the standing posture, which may result in a fall.
* Avoid continous stairing look to computer or anything, give a break.
* Avoid use of pillows with more hight.
* The working atmosphere should be changed to a easier mode.

Siddha Way

In Siddha system Of Medicine the neck pain is classified under the Vatha type of Diseases as Sahana Vatham. Application of different kinds of Oils, Massage therapy, marma(varma) therapy and internal medicines are specified in this system for the disease.
According to modern researches the chemical know as Boswellin is very beneficial, when applied externally over the affected areas of osteoarthritis. Most Oils for application for thi disease contains Boswellin, which is derived from the plant Boswellia sereta, which is known as Kungiliyam or Kunthirikam in Tamil.
The main Oils used for external application are
Vatha kesari thylam
Vishamushty thylam
Ulunthu thylam
Sivappu Kukkil thylam
Karpoorathy thylam etc
Special type of Massages are needed for the cervical spondylosis. This should be done under a wellversed person in massage therapy. There is massage with and without oils.
Varma therapy in Siddha is also useful in this case. There are retrieval techniques called as Adangal for every Marma(Varma) affections. some points are stimulater and massaged to get benefit. Later some medicines like Marma Kashayam, some special gruels and medicines are administred.
So many internal medicines are specified for several steges of the disease. The medicines are useful in reducing pain and permanent regaining of natural state of the body.

Massage Therapy in Siddha

In India the massage therapy is very much prevailed in both the Southern and the Northern parts. This method has its unique place in Ayurveda and Siddha. In the southern part of Tamilnadu, the state in south part of India, there is a special method of treatment is practicing, called the Varma therapy. This therapy especially deals with certain points in the body and the treatment with the contemplation of such points. Regarding this treatment, the curing of the troma and accident cases can be done with the varma therapy. This therapy includes the Uzhichil or the general pressure application with massage. In addition to this general massage with oil application is also done in Siddha system.

In Siddha the massage therapy is generally called as Thokkanam, which include massage with or without oil and with different pressures.

It's used to treat every patient imaginable – those with illnesses, chronic diseases, and also average people who are looking to attain a higher sense of well-being. The body is like a symphony. All parts must be in complete harmony with each other in order for a masterpiece to occur. It's no wonder that we only achieve ideal health when our body, mind, and spirit find perfect peace and harmony with one another.

Solid research has proven that massage therapy can:

• Boost the immune system
  
• Significantly lower blood pressure
  
• Comfort those going through drug or alcohol withdrawal
  
• Sooth chronic joint and muscle pain
  
• Battle fatigue
  
• Ease stress
  
• Combat depression
  

 

Copyright Vivek Andrews @2008

ANEMIA AND SIDDHA APPROACH

ANEMIA

Anemia is defined as a qualitative or quantitative deficiency of hemoglobin.Anemia is the most common disorder of the blood. There are several kinds of anemia, produced by a variety of underlying causes. Anemia can be classified into several types.

Signs and symptoms include paleness of the skin conjunctiva and mucus membrane, feeling of weakness or fatigue in general or during exercise, general malaise and sometimes poor concentration. People with more severe anemia often report dyspnea (shortness of breath) on exertion. Very severe anemia palpitations and sweatiness are seen.

MANEGEMENT

• · Include in your diet plenty of foods that are rich in iron. These include green leafy vegetables, blackstrap molasses, dried fruits, cherries or cherry juice, eggs, fish, and poultry. Eat generous servings of green vegetables daily. The best source of dietary iron is organic calf liver. If you are watching your cholesterol, choose the clean, lean protein of chicken, fish, and lean red meat.

• · Folic acid is found in dark-green leafy vegetables, root vegetables, whole grains, brewer's yeast, milk, salmon, and organ meats. Increase your consumption of this nutrient by basing your diet on vegetables and whole grains.

[Dietary sources of vitamin B₁₂ include whole grains, legumes, blackstrap molasses, egg yolks, nuts, brewer's yeast, and meat. Especially organ meats]

• To remedy an iron deficiency; take a liquid iron supplement as recommended by your physician. If you find you are unable to tolerate a liquid supplement, try taking 15 to 20 milligrams of iron succinate twice daily in pill form.

Note: Excessive amounts of iron are associated with a variety of health problems, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Do not take supplemental iron unless a deficiency has been diagnosed by your healthcare provider, and do not take the supplement in higher amounts or for a longer period of time than he or she prescribes.

• To remedy vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, take 1,000 to 2,500 micrograms (1 to 2.5 milligrams twice daily.
• To remedy a folic-acid deficiency, take 400 micrograms two or three times a day.
• Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fight free-radical damage, aids in the absorption of iron, and helps strengthen the blood vessels. Take 500 milligrams twice daily.

• Chinese gingseng is a revitalizing tonic herb that has long been used for anemia. It also helps reduce the body's sensitivity to stress. Select a standardized extract containing 7 percent ginsenosides and take 100 milligrams twice daily for two to three weeks.

Note: Do not use Chinese ginseng if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or hypoglycemia. If you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine and other stimulants, you may want to consult with a qualified herbalist before using ginseng.

• Dandelion, nettle and yellow dock are botanical sources of bioavailable iron. Dandelion also helps regulate liver function. Take 500 milligrams of dandelion extract or one cup of dandelion-root tea three times a day for six weeks; 500 milligrams of nettle twice daily; and/or 250 to 500 milligrams of yellow dock twice daily for six weeks.
• Dong quai is a Chinese herb traditionally used against anemia. It is a premier blood tonic. Take 500 milligrams twice a day for three weeks.

SIDDHA WAY OF APPROCH
As per Siddha system the symptoms above said will come under the disease 'Paandu'

First of all Herbal remodies are employed and then only uses the higher medicines such as Annabedi chendooram, which is produced from ferrous sulphate ore, Aya chendooram, Aya parpam, Ayabringaraja karpam etc
Herbal products involve the preparations of Naval(shyzigium jambolina), Munthiri(vinix vitifera), Karisaalai(Rclipta alba) etc.