What is Siddha Medicine?

India as a country is known for its traditional medicine, and this is something that has managed to keep India on the global map. It is true that in the last few years the healthcare system has revamped and got very advanced with the help of modern medicine and technology. Having said that, it is true that traditional medicine like Ayurveda and Siddha medicine is somewhere losing their relevance.

Siddha medicine is an alternative system for healing, actually originated in South India. This alternate way of healing is considered to be one of the oldest systems of medicine. Those who understand the world of Siddha medicine can tell you without a doubt that this medicine is a combination of ancient medicinal practices and alchemy.

The first known mention of this medicine comes from the Tamil culture ( writings found from the Dravidian scriptures). In fact, the oldest mention of Siddha medicine can be found in the 4th-century scriptures. There is a big philosophical story that surrounds the origination of this medicine which tells us that originally there were 18 siddhas who received the knowledge of Siddha medicine directly from Lord Shiva. It is believed that the siddhas travelled to other countries widely to teach others as well.

Siddha medicine mainly focuses on the five elements that are found around us. The integral belief is that each of these elements in some way or the other can be found in the human body as well. Of all the elements that are present three of them are emphasized in Siddha medicine. The three elements of air, water and fire form the three fundamental components of the human body.

According to most of the theories established by humoral pathology, most diseases are caused as a result of the mixture of these elements in some ratio or the other. According to Siddha medicine breathing is considered one of the most important functions of all. It is the simple act of breathing that provides instant vitality and freedom from diseases. Controlling breathing otherwise known as Pranayama is one of the best practices that Siddha medicine imparts.

Large learning of the siddhas who till date practice Siddha medicine was conducting research on plants to see how they can be harnessed medicinally. Now, most people confuse Siddha medicine to be similar to Ayurveda, but they are starkly different. Ayurveda medicine gives priority to herbal treatment whereas Siddha medicine gives more importance to the integrated use of plants

Siddha medicine is all about utilizing the elements of medicines obtained from plants in the most basic form. This is why all the siddhas advise people to herbs in their most natural form itself. Over the years more people have been fascinated by the learning of the ancient Siddha medicine.

Even with all the modern nuances of medicine and healthcare, people these days are understanding the importance of going back to the basics of what our ancestors left behind. Siddha medicine has been used to cure several chronic diseases and ailments like arthritis, autoimmune diseases and disorders related to collagen and the central nervous system.

The key thing to keep in mind regarding Siddha medicine is that it will be only as effective as regular you are in doing exactly what the siddhas have told you to follow. With a little bit of perseverance and a lot of faith and dedication, even the gravest of diseases and ailments that you have can be cured with the help of Siddha medicine.