The Essence of Siddha Medicine
The Siddha tradition began in ancient India. The people who became the practitioners of Siddha medicine came to be known as siddhars. These were people who had undergone years of severe spiritual practice in an attempt to gain enlightenment and had succeeded. To these chosen people was bequeathed the knowledge that had been secret to the world, they gain the knowledge by awakening the serpent power lying dormant in the body. A state, which is described as the highest mental status where one, gains the ultimate knowledge. The traditions of Siddha medicine were written down on palm leaves for the reference of the next siddhar. We are fortunate that these records have survived the onslaught of time and have been handed down to us over the ages.
The tradition of Siddha medicine originated in Tamil Nadu, and its reach has, for a long time, been restricted to that area. However, in recent times, the increasing interest in alternative health therapies has led to a greater flow of information regarding Siddha medicine. What are the basics of Siddha medicine? It is a medical system that is based on natural substances. Siddha practitioners lay emphasis on healthy living and a balanced diet. People who follow Siddha medical practices rightly believe that good health is a result of good food habits and living well.
According to Dravidian tradition, there have been as many as 18 siddhars, each of whom has made a major contribution to the development of Siddha medicine. According to some sources, the following people who lived around 4000 years ago have been identified to be the eighteen famous siddhars who gave form to Siddha medicine: Thirumoolar, Ramadevar, Kumbamuni, Idaikadar, Dhanvanthri, Valmiki, Kamalamuni, Bhoghanadar, Machamuni, Konganar, Pathanjali, Nandidevar, Bothaguru, Pambatti Siddhar, Sattaimuni, Sundaranandadevar, Kudambaisiddhar, and Korakar.
These siddhars have compiled their own written records that hold the essence of Siddha medicine. Among them Kumbamuni, also known as Agasthiyar is belived to be the father of Siddha medicine. Thirumoolar is another most important among the eighteen siddhars. His work, the Thirumanthiram, talks about attaining moksha while listing out a number of medical processes. Later siddhars introduced various medical concepts. They talked about the importance of breathing correctly. They brought about advancements in pharmacology and toxicology. They came up with various kinds of drugs that were created through completely natural means.
The siddhars believed that the body was an embodiment of the world. Thus, they believed that the human body was made up of the five basic natural elements. These were earth, water, sky, air, and fire. Any imbalance in the body was said to be due to impurities that would have to be purged out. The siddhars had discovered the importance of detoxification much before the dawn of the modern age with its emphasis on detoxing the body.
Like the more popular ayurvedic system, the Siddha medical system is based on natural medicines. Siddha physicians encourage their patients to follow a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle that is devoid of impure habits. They offer medicinal substitutes prepared according to Siddha rules. These medicinal substitutes are generally extracted from plants and minerals. However, historically speaking, Siddha practitioners have also extracted medicinal substances from animal products.
The essence of Siddha medicine lies in its dependence on natural medicines and in the emphasis that it places on healthy living. It is no wonder that people today are discarding side-effect-ridden drugs and choosing Siddha medicines instead.
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