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)