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SIDDHA – Legacy of Ancient Sages (Article from Heritage Healing, August 2001 by Dr T Thirunarayanan and Dr J David Sathyakumar) Any medical system is an evolution and not an overnight invention. The traditional system of the Tamils, called the Siddha is one such that seems to have existed since the beginning of time. The earliest practice of this system can be graced to the Dravidians, the oldest, native race in India. It aimed at perfect physical, psychological and spiritual health of the human being. The excavations of the Indus valley civilization, renamed as the Harappan civilization, also support the antiquity of the Dravidians, and their practice of medicine. Many instruments found in south India were believed to be of the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. The horns of deer antelopes, corals and leaves of neem, were used as medicines. The worship of the male God Shiva and the female Goddess Uma is of Dravidian cult and not of the Aryans, who were worshippers of Brahma. According to some researchers, Ayurveda, considered an upaveda of Atharvaveda, is itself a non – Aryan veda, and it is probable that during the later stages of vedic period, it might have incorporated the practices of the Dravidians into it. Dhanvantri, the creator of Ayurveda is also listed among the Siddhars and a few books written by him are in Tamil. Among the several groups of Tamils of the ancient time, Siddhars were highly spiritual people with extra sensory perception and powers of transmutation. They believed to have gained awareness of all the natural objects and of all times – past, present. The Siddha medicine practiced by them, is said to have originated from Shiva, which is known from the following poem from Yugi Chintamani-800,
“Thus revealed Sadashivam to Devi The Goddess passed it onto Nandi Nandi exposed it to Dhanvantri Dhanvantri thought it to Ashwini Agasthiya received the knowledge from him To be passed on to Pulathiyar Pulathiyar conveyed it to Theraiyar” Though there were thousands of Siddhars, the most prominent among them were 18 Siddhars, though their names contained and their period is still a controversy. Apart from them, Navanadha Siddhars and Navakodi Siddhars were also prominent. The father of Tamil medicine and literature, however, is Agasthiya, who is said to have come to the southern tip to create a balance between the north and the south. According to the science of Siddhars. The first sound “AUM” (Pranava Mantra) originated from the creator, identified itself with the space or ether. From this ether, air came into existence, which in turn created the fire. Water was created when the fire melted and cooled down. The residue formed the earth matter. These five elements, which are in a subtle state (Sukuma Nilai) manifest into a gross state (Sthula Nilai) and become visible. The manifestation of these five elements from the subtle state to the gross state is called as “Pancheekarana”. The matters get attributed with the property of the element that is predominant in it. For example, the “Sthula Panchabootha” of earth consists of one half of earth and oneeighth of each of the rest. The human body is a small world in itself. Thus, bone, flesh, nerves, skin and hair are made of earth. Blood, semen, secretion and sweat are made from water.
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Hunger, thirst, sleep and indolence are attributed to fire. Contraction, expansion and motion are given by air. The male sperm is a combination of air and fire, while the female ovum has predominant water. Thus the mobility of the sperm is the functionality of air. The uterine wall where the fertilized ovum gets implanted, has earth as the predominant element, while uterine cavity gives space for the fertilized ovum to grow in the ether. Siddha medicine also states that every matter has five characters viz. Suvai (Taste), Gunam (Property), Veeriyam (Potency), Vibhavam (Taste after ingestion and digestion), Prabhavam (Special character of that matter). The physiology, pathology, diagnosis, pharmacology and treatment in Siddha medicine are totally based on the equilibrium of five elements. The components of Nature and of our body are divided into Tatwas. Tatwa is the primordial and eternally existing basic essence. The human body is composed of ninety-six Tatwas or constituent principles in Nature, including elements, bodily and mental organs, faculties, matter etc. The human body is composed of 72,000 bloodvessels, 13,000 nerves, 10 main arteries, 10 vital airs (Prana), and all together in the form of a net-work; and it is due to the derangement of the three humors that the body becomes susceptible to 4448 diseases. Of the ten vital airs, five play an important role in the physiological functions necessary for the preservation of the physical body and they are: # Chief Prana which regulates the respiratory system. # Apana which helps excretions from the lower organs, evacuation & generation. # Vyana is the principle of circulation of energy throughout the entire nervous system.
# Udana regulates the function of higher organs of the brain. # Samana is the principle of digestion on assimilation. The psychological aspect of the human body, according to the Siddhars, has nine gates (ten in women) described for the play of forces of the five senses in the human body, in which lives the soul commonly known as Jivatma a miniature representation of Paramatma, the universal soul. The human body is therefore considered to be a temple of God. The three physical elements of the external world, viz., air (wind), heat (fire) and water, in medical parlance, form the three humors namely – Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. These are the expressions of the vital force and form the fundamental basis the human body. The three humors are called “Muppini” in Tamil and Ayurveda calls them “Tridosha”. The three humors, in their normal order, respectively occupy the lower, middle and upper parts of the body, and maintain their integrity – Vatha in the regions of the pelvis and the rectum; the Pitha in the region of the stomach and the internal viscera and the Kapha in the region of the thorax, throat and head. It is also said that the characteristics of the three humors in the constitution of man, is either hereditary or atavic. In scientific parlance, Vatha comprehends all the phenomena which come under the functions of the central and the sympathetic nervous system; Pitha, the functions of thermogenesis or heatproduction, metabolism, within its limits, the process of digestion, coloration of blood, excretion and secretion etc., and Kapha, the regulation of the heat and the various preservative functions. The Siddhars’ MATERIA MEDICA asserts that all substances of the animal, the vegetable and the mineral kingdoms can be
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correlated to one or more of these three humors in their composition. Therefore, diet should play an important role in the maintenance of these humors in men and women, if disease is to be prevented. The three humors contribute to the upkeep of the human body through their combined functioning. When deranged, they bring about disease peculiar to their influence. The humors by themselves are not the producers of diseases in their functioning; but they give rise to diseases if they are vitiated by other factors. According to the fundamental principles of humoral pathology, no disease can be local and absolutely unconnected with the other parts of the organism. If the physician tries to cure a disease, he should necessarily concentrate on the vitiated humors resulting in that disease. Diagnosis and treatment The physician using his organs of perception and senses, examines the patient’s tongue, skin color, voice, eyes, urine, stools and pulse. Interrogation is considered the last, as indicated by the maxim, “Eyes first and most, Hands next and little, Mouth last and never.” In ancient times there were no instruments like the modern stethoscope, sphygmograph, endoscope etc., for extending sensual perceptions into the interior of the body. Nor were there apparatuses and contrivances for the test of urine, faeces, sputum (phlegm) etc., to enable the physicians to observe, record and compare the phenomena of health and disease. The physicians in those days had to depend almost entirely on pulse in the matter of diagnosing diseases, and in this, they were pre-eminently successful. The Science of pulse forms a very important branch of the Indian system of Medicine. It is not Vedic in origin, and no trace of it can be found in any of the authentic works of Ayurveda such a Charaka or Sushruta. It is a science peculiar to the Siddhars’ system of Medicine.
The Siddhars’ Materia Medica asserts that all substances of the animal, the vegetable and the mineral kingdoms can be correlated to one or more of these three humors in their composition The term pulse in medical practice is applied to the throb felt in the radial artery at the wrist, though it may be felt over the temporal, carotid, lunar, brachial, and femoral arteries. But the perspective of Siddha science is much more and interprets it as the language of the soul. The throb is usually in the form of a wave with three peaks and they are connected with the three doshas, namely the vatha, pitha and kapha, which in turn have a relationship with the five elements. These doshas are nothing but the expression of the vital force in the body and one can predict the change in the internal organ by reading the pulse. Siddhars have analyzed the wave pattern of the pulse along with its rate and rhythm and have associated it with the gait of different animals and birds. For example, when vatha is predominant, the wave pattern has been found to be like the gait of a peacock, swan or hen and enables a person to graphically imagine the wave pattern. Pulse waves vary according to the time of the day, seasons, person’s mental attitude, diet and disease. Recent research by scientists in Pennsylvania, has thrown light on the connectivity of cardiovascular system to the circadian clock, which supports the findings of Siddhars.
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Yugi Muni was the first person to classify disease based on science and symptoms. Yugi Muni and his master Theraiyar, by their sound theoretical knowledge and experience, wrote classics on clinical medicine. The insight and experience of Yugi Muni is astonishing, in that he has described neoplastic growth of organs like rectum and prostate. Among the different medical treatise written by Agasthiya, one can find the classics on ophthalmology, pharmacology, classifications of disease etc. Theraiyar, though not included among the 18 Siddhars, has contributed much towards diagnosis and treatment of Siddha medicine. His book “Theraiyar Neerkuri” deals at length about the urine examination for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. “Theraiyar Thailavarga Churukkam” is a treatise on the preparation of oil-based drugs used internally and externally. He is believed to have done Craniotomy to remove a mass from the brain. Various forms of internal medicines that exist are classified into 32 categories. These include medicines such as fresh juice, decoctions, powders, medicated oils and tablets. Chenduras and bhasmas are preparations that are considered to be higher medicines and act in very minute quantities. They have a very long shelf life and bhasmas can be used for up to a hundred years. The external applications are also divided into 32 types. They range from bandage to enema. Thokkanam is also an external treatment, which consists of manipulation of the body with medicated oil and is similar to the present day physiotherapy. The bakthi ages between the 7 th and 12th century saw even greater development in this system, as most of the Siddhars lived during this age. Surgery is believed to have developed during this period. To quote Kambaramayanam.
“Incising the haematoma, blood letting was done followed by cauterization and healing it by external application” and to quote from Nammalwar, “I love thee O’ Lord like a patient who loves his surgeon despite the trauma inflicted by surgery”. As many as 26 surgical instruments were described by Agasthiya in his book of ophthalmology. Yoga in Siddha medicine The regimens of life and the yogic practices are divided into Attayogam (eight stages of yoga) and Rajayogam. Yoga is restraining the mind from taking various forms. The seven stages of yoga are: 1. Iyama which are the moral codes for crossing the barriers like caste, regligion, race and sex. 2. Niyamas are the study of self and selflessness with dedication. 3. Asanas are physical postures. 4. Pranayama is rhythmic and sustained breathing. 5. Prathiyakara is withdrawal of mind from worldly affairs by controlling the senses of perception. 6. Dharana is holding the mind on a specific object. 7. Samadhi is the last stage, where one identifies with the super consciousness.
The Science of Siddha interprets pulse as the language of the soul and has associated its wave patterns with the gait of different animals and birds.
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The practice of yoga is fundamental to Siddha medicine and helps to raise the God within the practitioner. According to Shivavakiyar – “It is a waste to make floral offerings and to chant mantras to an idol when the god is within you; just as a vessel which doesn’t realize the taste of food in it”. Through the practice of Raja Yoga, Siddhars awakened the serpent power (Kundalini) lying dormant in the base of the spinal column in the region of the sacral plexus, which led to the awakening of the supernatural consciousness and their spiritual faculties were combined with supernatural powers. With this they were able to analyze the microcosm and macrocosm. Their in-depth study of genesis of creation, its relationship to five elements unraveled the secrets of the universe and laws of life. They were not only able to measure interplanetary distances by using their super-consciousness whereby they derived astrology, but they also got to be experts in the science of Alchemy and Medicine. Saint Thirumoolar’s treatise on Agama cult, “Thirumandhiram” is pioneering work and a foundation stone in Siddha medicine, work that till today is a guide to the Siddha physician. It deals with the smallest particle of matter, purity of thought and action, and covers everything to Ashtamahasiddhis (Octomiracle) and talks about preserving the physical body. Toxicology in Siddha medicine Siddhars, having investigated and studied fully the cause and effects of disease, their diagnostic method, and methods of treatment,
also analyzed the poisons and their antidotes. Siddha physicians laid a great emphasis on detoxification of raw drugs before medicines were prepared. This is not merely a physical or chemical action, but much more than one can imagine. it is the removal of morbid factors from the raw drugs by killing it with its enemy (sathuru) and raising it by its friend (mithuru). Siddhars seemed to have mastered the science of antagonism and synergism. Through this process, even the highly toxic earth products like arsenic, sulphur, vermilion, zinc, and toxic plants became lifesaving drugs. Bogar, who is believed to be of Chinese origin and a student of Kalinganathar, had the skill of binding the Navapashana into a solid mass in the form of Balathandayudhapani, presently at Palani hills. Calx or Calcined Oxide and red-oxides etc. were prepared from mercury and other metals. These minerals and metals were treated with various herbal extracts, lime juice and breast milk according to requirement, for a specific duration, during the process of purification. This marvelous area, as yet, has not been understood properly and the poor quality and sub-standard drug preparations circulating in the market has lead to a wide range of criticism linking them often to renal damages. On the contrary, the ancient Siddhars have rarely come across such a criticism and much of their success was due to an in-depth knowledge of toxicology. The process of proper purification always increased the margin of safety, thereby reducing the risk of side effects. The antidotes for all
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minerals, metals and herbs are mentioned in detail in Siddha medicine. The toxic effects of mercuric salts can be countered by Indigofera tinctoria, tribulus terristris, white yolk of egg, and tender coconut. Lotus seeds, roots of gynandropsis pentaphylla, cassia and Indigofera, and meusa ferrea are indicated to neutralize the toxic effects of sulphur. A decoction including common milk hedge (Euphorbia nivulia), tuber of cyperus rotundus, Acorus calamus and dried ginger is a good antidote for toxic effects of papaver somniferum and cannabis sativa. The leaf of sesbania grandiflora (Agatti), gymnema sylvestre, garlic and cumin seeds are indicated as antidotes for nicotine. The knowledge of Siddhars on venoms, especially snake venom, is discussed in detail in Vida sankarrudam, which classifies the severity of symptoms into 10 stages and specifies antidotes for each stage. It is strange that very little effort has been made to study the effect of purification on metals and minerals, and antidotes for various bites, poisons and venom. The availability of rabies vaccine and antidote for snake venom is coming down today, due to various restrictions in using animals. Mortality due to snakebites in developing countries is still large and more research into the Siddha system is called for, to provide safe and effective treatments. Alchemy in Siddha medicine Siddha physicians were also well acquainted with the process of obtaining metals from their ores.
The popular saying “Tamils were the race who lived with swords even during the actual formation of the earth� shows their knowledge in metallurgy. Siddhars analyzed almost all the materials of the world and left nothing unexplored. On the journey of discovery, they found remarkable ways to change the basic nature of a substance, and no other area reflected this as much as alchemy. They were masters in converting basic metals into gold. They were able to change the nature of mercury, amalgamate it and use it in medicine. This was popularly knows as Rasamani and was considered a great elixir which brought forth the dormant power of the Soul (atmasakti). Siddhars used it to arrest the flow of semen to raise the power of the soul. There are literature evidences from Agasthiya, Bogar and Pulasthiyar, which say that, "even a sword cannot pierce the body� and it has remarkable ability to absorb all kinds of poisons from the body.
The Siddhars indepth knowledge of toxicology enabled them to effectively purify raw drugs and eliminate side effects
More than 12 types of Rasamani have been identified, which have different powers. For example, Kamalini, can absorb a great volume of water, and can help a person walk through fire. Sorubamani can turn a body into blazing fire, Kavunamani can make
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a person travel in space and is used in astral projection. Veramani has the power of repelling wild animals and probably Siddhars had this for protection against them. It also gives stamina and a person can run for many kilometers without tiring. With Ashtama siddhi kuligai, a person can perform Octomiracles. Mercury was effectively used in Siddha and more research to understand the principles behind this, will unravel many secrets. Muppu is a universal solvent made by the combination of three salts: fuller’s earth, ammonium chloride, and saltpeter, representing three elements viz., water, air and fire. It was used to consolidate mercury into a pill, and easily reduces minerals into red or calcined powders. It also promotes the potency of drugs many folds and keeps one strong and free from disease. Research in Siddha medicine Scientific and research activities have been carried out by the Central Research Institute, Chennai, for chronic diseases like psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, arthritis, and other respiratory diseases and a medicated oil prepared from the leaves of Wrightia tinctoria has proved to be effective. The leaves were shown to have proteolytic properties, indigo yielding glucosides and found to be active against gram positive bacteria. More interesting findings have been shown with Indigo plants having the same properties. Marking nut (Semicarpus anacardium) prepared with clarified butter, and commonly available as “Serankottainei” has been a drug of promise for various carcinomas. Its
cytotoxic activity has been found to be selective for cancer cells. Another breakthrough in Siddha medicine is the work done on Hepatitis. In-vitro studies were carried out to test the efficacy of various phyllanthus species and among the 23 species, Phyllanthus Amarus or P. Fraternus has been shown to be effective. A red pigment isolated, has been responsible for inactivating the hepatitis B Surface antigen (HBS Ag). Various other research projects are also underway at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences at Taramani, Chennai. AIDS –research In Siddha system, pitha is considered responsible for governing the immune system. Siddha system considers AIDS as a type of “Mega Noi” and references from Agasthiya says that this disease, if not properly treated, may lead to many incurable diseases. More severe cases of Mega Noi have clinical features similar to that of AIDS and respond only to metallic preparations. Ushna veerya drugs, with bitter principles like Semicarpus anacardium (marking nut), Plumbago zeylanica (white lead wort), Enicostema littorale, Indigofera tinctoria (Dyer’s indigo), Swertia chirata (Chiretta), and Phyllanthus niruri are some of the herbs shown to have antiviral properties. Drugs prepared from Perchoride of mercury (veeram), yellow arsenic and copper are found to be effective for the treatment of AIDS. Naga parpa, Nandi mezhugu and Talisadhi vatagam are some of the other drugs prepared by the Indian medical practitioner’s cooperative society being used for
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AIDS. Research departments have been established in Chennai and Palayamkottai, to investigate and formulate the potential drugs in this area, including cancer. Diet and health Diseases are largely due to improper dietary habits. The body preserves good health when the new food is eaten only after the old food is fully digested and the food agrees with the body. Pathartha guna chinthamani elaborates a daily regimen for good health. Waking up early in the morning helps clarity of thoughts and, visualizing good objects helps in increasing the ability of an individual.
Kamalini can absorb a great volume of water, and can help a person walk through fire. Sorubamani can turn a body into blazing fire, Kavunamani can make a person travel in space and is used in astral projection
Cleaning teeth with twigs of neem, acacia arabica, fig tree are good for dental health.
Anjanam, an application for the eyes consisting of berberis aristata, wedelia calendulacea, once in three days helps in good vision. Nasal application once in 45 days is essential for prevention of kapha related disorders, especially of head and neck. Oil massages and oil baths prevent aging process, result in sound sleep and a fine texture for the skin, apart from making the muscles strong. It also improves the functions of sense organs. Disease is caused not only by the imbalance of the physical constituents, the Anthakaranas, especially the mind, is also responsible for health or illness. Recent research in a western university on psycho neural immunity, says that the psychic plane of mind has a considerable influence on immunity of an individual. Purity of thought and action are all emphasized by Siddhars as ways for prevention of disease, aging and restoring immortality. Indulgence in excessive foods, sexual relationships with eldery women and sex during daytime, are prohibited. Hatred, greed and anger are other passions that one should be free from. Charity and pleasing manners, helps one to live longer. Rejuvenation therapy – Kayakalpa The art of bestowing longevity is a unique feature of Siddha medicine through kayakalpa therapy. The term kayakalpa is evolved from two words, kaya meaning body and kapa meaning stone like. Scientists all over the world, are relentlessly working on promoting immunity and prevention of cell depletion. The aging process creates psychological and social problems
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and is a bane for elders with health problems. Kayakalpa treatment is aimed at the prevention of this aging process and individuals are endowed with longevity, memory, intellect, positive health, youth, excellent complexion, voice and strength of motor and sensory organs. Kalpa aviltham talks about taking a medicine in a specific form for a specific period of time and the dose is gradually increased to enhance the immune power of the body. To mention some are Teminalia chebula (ink nut), Emblica officinalis (goose berry), Terminalaria bellarica (gall), Tinospora cordifolia, Centalla asiatica, Semicarpus anacardium, Bel etc. Kayakalpa treatment is aimed at the prevention of the aging process and individuals are endowed with longevity, memory, intellect, positive health, youth, excellent complexion, voice and strength of motor and sensory organs Varma or Marma in the Siddha system, is also a unique feature. There are secret spots lying just beneath the surface of the human body and are much the same as acupuncture or acupressure points. Detailed classification of these points is available in Siddha literature. Varma treatment is confined to places like Nagercoil in south Tamil Nadu and is slowly becoming extinct.
Qualities of a Physician “If you cannot be a King be a healer”, is a famous aphorism. Physicians were regarded highly, and at times, equated to Lord Shiva. Theraiyar in his “Thaila vargachurukkam” has laid down the rules of a physician that says that he should be spiritual and have an indepth knowledge about the functioning of three humors. He should be truthful, confident, have pure thoughts and actions and love for all human beings. He should be capable of preparing high quality drugs, have mastery over medical classics and have a detailed knowledge about geographical and seasonal variations, including knowledge about patients’ physical and mental state, dietary habits etc. “Agasthiyar Sillaraikkovai” further adds generosity, patience, hard work, and capability of overcoming greed and anger, knowledge of astrology and numerology, as the good qualities of a physician. A physician should protect a patient like an eyelid protects the eye. “Theraiyar Thaila vargachurukkam” insists that a physician should clean his hands many times and have a bath after examining a patient. Once the patient is cured, a physician should give the patient a bath, new clothes and sprinkle turmeric water on him. This is a good example of the knowledge Theraiyar had on communicable diseases.
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