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SIDDHA

Last Updated on 16th September, 2024
4 minutes, 16 seconds

Description

SIDDHA

Source: ISM

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Context

A combination of 'Siddha' drugs can reduce anaemia among adolescent girls, according to a recent study.

What is Siddha System of Medicine?

  • It is one of the oldest indigenous medical systems in India.
  • It evolved from the Dravidian civilization. Literary evidence from the Sangam Era dates its origin to around 10,000 BC.
  • The word 'Siddha' is derived from 'Siddhi', which means attainment of perfection.
  • The system emphasizes holistic health—physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being.

Background

  • Siddha medicine is said to have originated from the Shiva cult.
  • The sage Agasthiyaris regarded as the father of this system.
  • Some of the Pathinen Siddhars (18 siddhars) who significantly contributed include Thirumoolar, Bogar, Yugimuni, and Theraiyar.
  • Siddhars believed the physical body was an instrument for attaining mukthi(liberation) and advocated for practices like:
      • Vatham (alchemy)
      • Vaidhyam (treatment)
      • Yogam (ashtangayoga)
      • Gnanam (knowledge)

Fundamentals of Siddha Medicine

  • Anda Pinda Thathuvam:Emphasizes the relationship between the universe and the human body.
  • 96 Thathuvam (Basic Principles):Includes the concepts of:
      • Five elements
      • Three humours (doshas)
      • Seven physical constituents

Three Humours (Doshas)

  • Vatham (Air + Space)
  • Pitham (Fire)
  • Kapham (Water + Earth)
  • Health is maintained when these humours are in balance; any imbalance is termed as Kutramor Dosha, leading to disease.

Pharmacology (Gunapadam)

  • Categories of Raw Drugs:Based on origin, raw drugs are classified into:
      • Plant origin (Mooligai Vakuppu)
      • Mineral origin (Thathu Vakuppu)– Includes metals, salts, mercury, arsenic, and other minerals.
      • Animal origin (Jeeva Vakuppu)– Includes products like coral, musk, honey, etc.

Types of Siddha Medicine

  • Internal Medicine (32 Types): Classified into 32 categories based on form and preparation methods. Medicines range from those with short life spans to metallic preparations usable for centuries.
  • External Medicine (32 Types): Includes treatments like fomentation (Ottradam), inhalation (Vedhu), bandaging (Kattu), leech therapy (Attai Vidal), and more.

Treatment Approaches

  • Deva Maruthuvam (Divine Method):Uses medicines like parpam, chendooram, and is effective for chronic ailments.
  • Manida Maruthuvam (Rational Method):Uses herbal medicines like churnam, kudineer, and vatagam.
  • Asura Maruthuvam (Surgical Method):Involves surgical techniques such as incision, bloodletting, and leech application.

AYUSH

  • AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.
  • These are traditional Indian medical systems that focus on a holistic approach to health.

Key Systems

  • Ayurveda: A holistic medicine system based on balancing the body's three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—to promote harmony within the body, mind, and environment.
  • Yoga and Naturopathy: Focus on physical and mental wellness through practices like yoga postures, breath control, meditation, and natural healing techniques that enhance the body's self-healing capabilities.
  • Unani: Originating from ancient Greece, it involves the balance of four humours—blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile—used for diagnosis and treatment based on individual temperament.
  • Siddha.
  • Homoeopathy: Based on the principle of "like cures like," where diluted substances that cause symptoms in a healthy person can cure similar symptoms in a sick person.

Sources:

Economic Times

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q:How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (UPSC Mains 2019)

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