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.