The Essence of Siddha

Siddha form of medication or system of healing is believed to have its roots in the ancient culture of Tamil Nadu. History has shown that this form of medicine or healing goes back to between 10,000–4,000 B.C and is associated with the ancient cultures of Egypt, China, Greece and Mesopotamia. The origin of the word comes from the Tamil word ‘siddhi’, which shows a deep connection between Siddha medicine and the mythology and culture of one of the oldest Indian cultures, namely the Dravidian culture.

The Siddha form of healing is believed to have been passed by Lord Siva to his companion Parvathi (Shakthi), who gave the baton of sacred knowledge to Nandi, where it was finally passed on to the first batch of “Siddhars”. The word Siddha comes from the Tamil word “siddhi” — meaning perfection.

Passing the torch

Siddha form of medication has evolved over the years, with all the credit for this being given to the Siddhars who have polished and refined this form of medicine into what it is today. These Siddhars were a group of men who ranged from devotes, soothsayers, clairvoyants, yogis, poets, and medical men who were admired far and wide for their practical knowledge and wisdom.

The heightened intuition, understanding and intellect of this group of individuals is said to result from their yogic powers. These powers enabled the Siddhars to optimally use the natural resources and the world around them to benefit humanity. The Siddhars were known for their sharp awareness and were responsible for the maturation and evolution of Tamil medicine, yoga, alchemy, kayakalpa (rejuvenation therapy), philosophy, astronomy, Varma, muppu, thokkanam, astrology, etc., and many other publicly utilised sciences.

What is Siddha medicine or healing?

The Siddhars believe that the human body comprises five elements: water, fire, air, earth and space, pitta, vatha and Kapha, referred to as the three humours, and the seven physical constituents. The Siddhars, in their celestial wisdom, have also determined that for a human body to be considered in a healthy state, there must be an equilibrium.

Any form of imbalance or disturbance to the humours causes the body to lapse into a diseased state. The Siddha form of healing or medication has its focal point around the belief that the universe and an individual are deeply connected where the human being is considered the miniature image of the physical world.

In the Siddha system of medication, the need for harmony in an individual is dependent on the unity of mind, body and spirit. When the body is in a diseased or imbalanced state, the Siddhar form of treatment aims at restoring balance to both the mind and the body. To achieve this harmony, diet and lifestyle play a critical role in maintaining an individual’s health and curing them of any disease they may have.

Siddha system of medicine involves medication comprising animal, vegetables and mineral products and treatment techniques. These are found in over 32 types of internal medicines and 32 types of external medicines. This concept is as simple as a list of dos and don’ts, which the Siddhars term as pathiam and apathiam.

Finding harmony through Siddha medicine in India

Anyone seeking to increase the harmony of mind, body and spirit can spend time at the healing centres of Chakrasiddh in India (Bangalore and Hyderabad) as well as in London. Practised and taught at any of these centres, the Siddha form of medicine accords equal importance to an individual’s physical and spiritual balance or harmony.

The Siddha form of therapy’s success depends on the consistency of an individual in maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle of lifestyle, diet, yoga, and meditation. The perfect balance of these will positively impact the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of a person and help to cure many diseases that a person may have.