Siddha and other natural therapies

Siddha and other natural therapies are becoming the order of the day

While gazing through the lifestyle and health magazine, one can get plenty of news and articles on Indian natural therapies. The recurrent buzz about the beneficial therapies has turned the complete scenario. The rousing health conscious attitude amongst varied generations have finally up surged the lost essence of the Indian remedies that include Ayurveda, Unani, Naturopathy, Siddha and Yoga.

Carrying the profound history for many centuries, these various therapies have been regarded as the core of Indian heritage and spirituality. Not only Indians but people from the western countries are also accepting the pathways of natural treatments. These days, yoga, naturopathy centers, Ayurvedic remedies, and Siddha medicines have become the major trends of the time. Instead of going for the heavy allopathic and other English treatments, people are moving their sides onto the traditional modes. Although, allopathy has a much bigger and widespread market, the natural therapies have their own standing amidst the hard sell.

The availability of these treatments is more easily accessible at its land of origin -‘India’. Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Unani and Siddha centers are widely located across various parts of India. While, Ayurveda has a strong presence in the northern parts of India, Siddha, naturopathy and Unani are the science of southern India. Though, Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani subsist commonly all over, Siddha is less popular in the northern parts of India. Among all, it is the oldest Indian Natural medical system and cures all diseases. There are many Siddha hospitals and dispensaries located in the southern parts of India.

These days, various new terms have been introduced into the market to advertise the Indian traditional medical systems. Medical tourism is a related term that has been introduced to enhance and popularize the Ayurvedic, naturopathy, yoga and Siddha systems amongst tourists. Furthermore, in some countries, the government has even tried to patent the various therapies under the chain. Recently, USA has stamped its patent on few yoga asanas. The news stirred huge agony among various Yoga teachers in India, which is the parent land of Yoga. The incident itself proves the powerful popularity all over.

These days, people are also running their lavish business, which includes these varied therapies. Even in the hotels along with spa, steam baths etc, the traditional Siddha and Ayurveda oil massages have become common prerequisites. Especially amidst the scorching summer heats of India, people bring out various special packages in various choices that are not only rejuvenating but also affordable. In this way, it has definitely helped to attract good revenue along with an increase in the number of tourists, who come to this varied land in search of such rejuvenating therapies.

Siddha Medicine: Science or Magic?

Medical science has progressed by leaps and bounds over the years. The last few centuries have seen some great innovations that have helped to decrease mortality rates and increase the overall well-being of people. The nineteenth century was an especially exciting time in the field of medicine due to important developments that took place in chemistry and experiment techniques. The study of bacteriology came into being and over a period of time, various kinds of vaccinations emerged to take care of all kinds of diseases, X-rays were developed, new kinds of medical practices made their way into everyday life. In the bargain, somehow, the older forms of medicine ended up falling by the wayside.

One of the medical systems that nearly got lost in the interim was the system of the Siddhars. The Siddhars were Indian saints who inhabited the area of Tamil Nadu and attempted to attain spiritual liberation through an unorthodox kind of spiritual practice. The Siddhars had access to the great Siddha traditions, which were used in case of illnesses and physiological problems. Many a time, these physical ailments were alleviated due to the wonderful effects of Siddha medicine.

It is the tendency of most of us to sideline ancient practices for being unrelated to the scientific standards of today. Everything that has to do with the past seems to have been grouped together under the spiritual or magical heads. Ancient Indian saints are often associated with magic and miracles — neither of which is believed to have a scientific basis. Ancient traditions may suggest that the ancient practitioners of Siddha medicine had magical powers. However, this should not prompt us to undermine the science and logic behind the Siddha way.

In the same way that other medical systems are based on the foundations of logic and scientific methods, so it is with Siddha medicine. The majority of the chemicals that are put into drugs all have natural origins. Taking this premise, the practitioners of Siddha medicine extract drugs from different kinds of plants that are said to have medicinal properties. The idea behind Siddha medicine is to purge the body of all impurities. Detox is such a popular word today. Yet, the spiritual gurus of ancient India had already stumbled upon the importance of detoxifying the body.

It is well-known that in the medieval times in Europe, the medical system was based on the theory of the four humours — sanguine, choleric, phlegmatic, and melancholic. These four humours were associated with the four natural elements — air, fire, water, and earth. The presence of these elements in immoderate proportions was believed to cause diseases and disorders. A similar theory was propounded by the Siddhars who believed that the body was made up of the elements of nature. It was believed that only through eating right could one hope to purify one’s system. Siddha medicine involved the intake of special herbs that would purge impurities and bring the physiognomy back into working order. Clearly, it was not just about magic. Siddha medicine had theoretical foundations as well and deserves to be called a science.

Siddha physicians

Siddha physicians – Adherents of the immortal Siddha system

Since Siddha system of medicine is all about strengthening the organs and cleansing the body system, a healthy lifestyle is a pre requisite for becoming a Siddha practitioner. Smoking and alcohol is strictly banned for Siddha practitioners, as it demeans the body’s natural resistance against the various fatal syndromes.

At the present time, Siddha medical training is imparted only in two Indias States. One is in Tamil Nadu and while the other one situated across the Southern most state of Kerala where a new college has been opened for the first time ever in history, outside Tamil Nadu. There are various other Siddha hospitals and dispensaries located all over the southern parts of India.

Varma, a key branch of Siddha medical system, used in the treatment of various neurological diseases. The impact of Siddha medication is stronger in Southern India because that was considered as the land of the origin of Siddha practice. The Tamil Siddhars are a devout category of sages, found in the southern part of India. Their establishment can be marked out back to the eighteenth century.

According to Siddha scriptures, a Siddha physician should have at least a little indulgence in spirituality. They must be confident enough to learn and treat the multi faceted treatment, proficient in preparing high quality drugs with mastery over the profound Siddha medical theories.

In addition, the heart of the Siddha physician must be free from worldly malice and should have a pure soul and a pure thought process. In olden days, while preparing the medicine from the plant herbs, chanting of mantras is done to inculcate strong healing power in the medicine. The medicines are prepared during the period of Brahma Muhurtha that is between 4 a.m. to 5:30 a.m.

According to Theraiyar (a Siddhar) in Thylavarga churrukama, a Siddha physician should render affection for all human beings; have an extensive knowledge about the geological and the seasonal changes. He should be in a positive physical and mental state and should be in the habit of consuming proper food.

The other important qualities required for becoming a good Siddha physician includes a generous behavior, consistent hard work, understanding astrology and numerology sciences. A physician is also not allowed to put on colourful dresses made up of silk, leather fabrics and any kind of cosmetics.