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Siddha
Siddha medicine, which dates back to
around 5000 BC originated in southern parts of India. The
word Siddha means "an object to be attained", "perfection"
or "heavenly bliss".
According to Siddha system, the human body is composed of
96 Tatwas, 72,000 blood vessels and 1,300 nerves. Besides
these, there are 10 Nadi (main arteries) 10, Vayu (vital pranas)
and 10 Vengangal (natural functions). All of them play important
roles in different functions of the body.
The Siddha medicine also recognises the role of three Humors,
called Mukkuttram (Vatam, Pittam and Kapham). These humors
remain in a balanced state in normal healthy person and disturbance
in their equilibrium leads to ill health.
Siddha physicians base their diagnosis on Mukkuttram and
Ennvagai Thervu (eight entities) i.e. Nadi (pulse), Na (tongue),
Niram(colour) MoozhiCvoice), kan(eyes), Sparsham(touch), Malam(faeces)
and Muthiram(urine).
The treatment is mainly directed towards restoration of equilibrium
of the three Humors (Vatam, Pittam and Kapham) and for the
purpose one or more of the following cleansing procedures
are adopted. (a) Vanthi(vomiting) (b) BedhiCpurgation), (c)
Piccu(enema) and (d) Nasyam (nasal drops). After above procedures,
the patient becomes suitable for receiving drugs for the treatment.
For Vatharogangal (neuromuscular disorders) a specialised
treatment called Tokkanam is applied which is similar to Pancha
Karma therapy of Ayurveda.
In this treatment, Siddha physician makes use of 12 types
of medicated oils and five methods of application.
Siddha texts like 'Varma kannadi' and Varma Suthiram have
described 108 vital points, which are located on vital junctions
of arteries and veins joints etc. and are called Varmanilaigal.
For the purpose of treatment, Siddha physicians give pressure
by specialised technique on these points to cure ailments.
Medical education of 5112 years duration is imparted for
undergraduates and 3 years duration for postgraduates. There
are well developed and balanced curriculae for teaching and
clinical exposure followed by internship. Medical institutions
imparting undergraduate & post graduate education are
affiliated to universities and have to maintain the. standards
laid down.
Central Council of Indian Medicine set up under an Act of
Parliament regulates medical education in Aymveda, Siddha
and Unani Medicines, maintains standard of education, regulates
medical practice, ethics, code of conduct and maintains a
Central Register of practitioners.
The efficacy and effectiveness of certain drugs and procedures
have been accepted by the modern system after evaluation and
trial by modern scientific parameter. More and more procedures
and drugs are being subjected to collaborative trial with
modern medicine. Ayurveda and Siddha systems are being integrated
with modern system in National Health Programmes and patient
care.
The Clinical therapeutic trials in Siddha medicines have
demonstrated the efficacy of Thambirachendooram in vali gunman
(Peptic ulcer); Keezhanelli and Karifalai in manjal kamalai
(Infective hepatitis); Padiga linga thuvar and Amaioduparpam
in kazhichal (Dysenteric disorder); Annabedi chendooram in
Veluppunoi (Anaemia); 777 Oil in kalanjaga padai (Psoriasis);
sivanaiamirtham, akanakarudan kizhanugu churnam in karappan
(Skin disorders); RGX / VK 2 / SKX etc in putrunoi (Cancer);
koiyya / Avarai in neerrazhivu (Diabetes mellitus); Panchondhisudar
Thailam in kakkai valippu (Epilepsy); Gowri chintamani and
lingachendooram in sandhi vata soolai (Rheumatiod arthritis)
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