SIDDHA INSTITUTE

 Mathumegam (Diabetes Mellitus)

 Eraipppu Erumal (Swasa kasam) (Bronchial Asthma)
 Elaippu Irumal (Pulmonary Tuberculosis)
 Iya Iraippu
 Kaasam (Erumal) (Cough)
 Pithakaasam
 Manthaarakaasam
 Suram (Fever)
 Vaathasuram(Chikungunya)
 Kapha juram
 Lasuna thaabitham(Tonsillitis)
 Peenisam(Sinusitis)
 Pithaathikkam
 Kuruthi Azhal Noi (Hypertension)
 Kurarkammal(Hoarseness of voice)
 AthiVeethana Noi (Hyperthyroidism)
 Kurai Veethana Noi (Hypothyroidism)
 Suryaavartham (Headache during daytime; migraine)
 Chandraavartham (Headache during moonlit night)
 Paandu (Anaemia)
 Sobai (Oedema, dropsy)
 Kaamaalai (Jaundice)
 Gunmum (Peptic ulcer, dyspepsia)
 Gunmasoolai
 Ajeeranam (Indigestion)
 Malakkattu (Constipation)
 Kazhichal(Diarrhoea)
 Seethakkazhichal (Dysentery)
 Kuruthikkazhichal (Bloody diarrhoea)
 Kuruthi Moolam(Ano-rectal bleeding disease)
 Moolam (Anorectal problems)
 Bouthiram(Fistula - in - ano)
 Seezhkkatti (Abscess)
 Akkaram (Stomatitis)
 Kalleeral Noi(Liver disease)
 Pithappai kal (Gall stone)
 Peruvayiru (Diseases causing abdominal distension)
 Neer churukku (Moothirakireecharam; UTI)
 Kalladaippu (Urinary calculi)
 Athithoola Rogam (Obesity)
 Thamaraga Noi(Heart disease)
 Anda veekkam(Scrotal swelling)
 Thaathu Nattam (Spermatorrhoea, Nocturnal emissions)
 Napunjakam(Impotence)
 Maladu (Infertility)
 Soothakathadai (Amenorrhoea)
 Sinai(ppai)kkzhalai (Soolakakkazhalai) (Ovarian tumour)
 Soolaka Neerkkazhalai (Ovarian cyst)
 Perumpaadu (Abnormal menstruation)
 Vellai noi (White vaginal discharge)
 Silipaatham (Filariasis)
 Ninakkazhalai(Lipoma)
 Katti (Hard swelling)
 Thazhumbu Thisu Valarchi(Keloid) Enbumurivu(Fracture)
 Eka anga vaatham(Monoplegia)
 Pakka vaatham(Hemiplegia)
 Arunavaatham (Paraplegia)
 Mutrudal vaatham(Quadriplegia)
 Cegana vaatham (Cervical spondylosis)
 Thandaga vaatham (Lumbar spondylosis)
 Kuthikaal vaatham (Painful disease of the heel)
 Nadukku Vaatham (Parkinson's disease, tremors)
 Mahaavaatham
 Kumba vaatham
 Lahu pakka vaatham (Hemiparesis)
 Muga vaatham (Facial paralysis)
 Vaathasoolai (Neuralgia, Myalgia
 Karapaathasoolai (Peripheral neuropathy)
 Vaathasthambam(Sciatica)
 Sevi soolai (Ear ache)
 Ulapirazhvu Noi(Mental disorder)
 Valippu Noi (Convulsive disorder)
 Mana Noi (Mental disease)
 Ninaivu marathi(Loss of Memory)
  Unmaatham
 Kudiveri Noi (Disease due to intoxication)
 Naala vibaatham (Varicose veins)
 Valikkeelvaayu(Rheumatic arthritis)
 Azhal keel vaayu(Osteoarthritis)
 Uthira vaatha suronitham(Vali Azhal keel vayu; Rheumatoid arthritis)
 Adipatta keelvayu (Traumatic arthritis)
 Ovvamai (Allergic condition)
 Karappaan(Eczema)
 Podugu (Dandruff)
 Pitha vedippu (Fissure foot)
 Kaal ani (Corn)
 Mudiuthiral(Hair falling)
 Venirkatti(Summer boil)
 Mugapparu (Acne,Pimples)
 Kaalanjaga padai (Psoriasis)
 Thol varatchi Noi(Dryness of the skin)
 Viranam(Ulcer; traumatic ulcer)
 Karumpadai(Black patch)
 Marul(Waart)
 Ven padai(Leucoderma, vitiligo)
 Padar thaamarai(Ringworm)
 Themal (Tinea versicolor)
 Virpodagam (Boil(s)
 Akki (Herpes zoster)
 Nagachutru (Whitlow)
 Kanaakkadi(Urticaria)
 Puzhuvettu (Alopoecia)
 Nala vibaatha pun (Varicose ulcer)
 Ela narai(Premature graying of the hair)
 Kan Noigal (Diseases of eyes)

Diseases of the Children treated in Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital of NIS

 Maantham (GIT Problems - Indigestion - Dyspepsia etc )

 Kanam (Complicated Lower respiratory Infections)
 Kirumi (Worms infestation)
 Paandu (Anaemia)
 Sobai (Oedema)
  Kaamaalai (Jaundice)
 Lasuna thaabitham (Tonsillitis)
 Suram (Fever)
 Erumal (Cough)
 Baala vaatham (Poliomyelitis, Cerebral palsy, Mental Retardation)
 Thasai vaatham (Myopathy)
 Moolai valarchi kuraivu (Mental retardation)
 Venpadai (Leucoderma)
 Sirangu (Scabies)
 Seethakkazhichal (Dysentery)
 Puzhuvettu (Alopaecia)
 Akkaram (Stomatitis)
 Podugu (Dandruff)
 Kalaanjagapadai (Psoriasis)
 Marul (Wart)
 Karappaan (Eczema)
 Thavalai chori (Phrynoderma)
 Thol varatchi noi (Dryness of the skin)
 Vithai Noigal (Diseases of the testis)
 Kabasuram (Fever with respiratory Infections)
 Peenisam (Sinusitis)
 Eraippu Erumal (Bronchial asthma)
 Padar thaamarai (Ringworm) 

 Special Therapies Provided in Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital of NIS

 Thokkanam, Yoga and Varma treatment

 In the department of Sirappu Maruthuvam, Thokkanam treatment is given

regularly for the patients of loco-motor Disorders -- Vaatha diseases and Keel
vaatham (Joint) diseases. As per the methods prescribed by the faculty members,
one masseur (for male patients) and one masseuse (for female patients) and also
P.G scholars of Sirappu Maruthuvam department provide oil massage and
Thokkanam treatment to O.P and I.P patients regularly. The commonly employed
methods of Thokkanam are Asaiththal(Moving), Azhuthuthal(Pressing),
Pidithal(Gripping), Irukkal(Compressing), Murukkal(Twisting), Thattal(Tapping or
Punching) and Izhuthal(Pulling) and oil massage is given simultaneously depending
upon the clinical conditions.

Common diseases for which Thokkanam and /or oil massage given  (in
Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital of NIS) are:
 
 1. Pakkavaatham (Hemiplegia)
2. Keel vaatham (Joint diseases)
Cegana vaatham (Cervical spondylosis), Azhal keel vaatham
(Osteoarthrosis),
Vali Azhal keel Vaatham (Rheumatoid Arthritis), Valikkeel vaatham
(Rheumatic arthritis),
Thandagavaatham (Lumbar spondylosis) etc.
3. Arunavaatham (Paraplegia)
4. Ekavaatham (Monoplegia)
5. Thasaivaatham ( Myopathy)
6. Iyakka Narambu vila Noi (Motor Neuron Disease)
7. Moolai vaatham (Cerebral palsy)
8. Mugavaatham (Facial paralysis)
9. Karaveezhchi (Wrist drop)
10. Paatha veezhchi (Foot drop)
11. Vaathasthambam (Sciatica)
12. Nadukkuvaatham (Parkinsonism)

  

Common diseases for which Varma treatment is given (in Ayothidoss

Pandithar Hospital) are:

1. Pakka Vaatham (Hemiplegia)

2. Keel Vaatham (Joint diseases)
Cegana vaatham (Cervical spondylosis), Azhal keel vaatham
(Osteoarthrosis),
Vali Azhal keel Vaatham (Rheumatoid Arthritis), Valikkeel vaatham
(Rheumatic arthritis),
Thandagavaatham (Lumbar spondylosis) etc
3. Aruna vaatham(Paraplegia)
4. Ekavaatham (Monoplegia)
5. Thasaivaatham (Myopathy)
6. Iyakka Narambu Vila Noi (MND)
7. Moolai vaatham (Cerebral palsy)
8. Karaveezhchi (Wrist drop)
9. Paatha veezhchi (Foot drop)
10. Mugavaatham (Facial paralysis)
11. Peenisam (Sinusitis)
12. Suryaavartham (Headache during daytime; Migraine)
13. Chandraavartham (Headache during moonlit night)
 14. Vaathamsthambam (Sciatca)
15. Valippu Noi (Convuisive Disorder)
16. Nadukkuvaatham (Parkinsonism)

  
 Common diseases for which Yoga treatment is given (in Ayothidoss
Pandithar Hospital) are:

1. Pakka Vaatham (Hemiplegia)

2. Keel Vaatham - Cegana vaatham(Cervical spondylosis), Azhal keel
vaatham(Osteoarthritis), vali Azhal keel vaatham(Rheumatoid arthritis), Valikkeel
vaatham(Rheumatic arthritis), Thandagavaatham (Lumbar spondylosis)
3. Aruna vaatham (Paraplegia)
4. Ekavaatham (Monoplegia)
5. Thasaivaatham (Myopathy)
6. Iyakka Narambu Vila Noi (MND)
7. Moolai vaatham (Cerebral palsy)
8. Mugavaatham (Facial paralysis)
9. Karaveezhchi (Wrist drop)
10. Paatha veezhchi (Foot drop)
11. Mathu megam (Diabetes mellitus)
12. Peenisam (Sinusitis)
13. Suryaavartham (Headache during daytime; Migraine)
14. Chandraavartham (Headache during moonlit night)
15. Vaathasthambam (Sciatica)
16 Athithoola Rogam (Obesity)
17. Peenisam (Sinusitis)
18. Respiratory diseases
19. Gastro-intestinal problems
20. Psycho-somatic disorders
21. Skin diseases
22. Nadukkuvaatham (Parkinsonism)
   

Origin:

The Siddha System of Medicine (Traditional Tamil System of medicine), which has
been prevalent in the ancient Tamil land, is the foremost of all other medical systems in the
world. Its origin goes back to B.C 10,000 to B.C 4,000. As per the textual and archeological
evidences which indicate the remote antiquity of the Dravidian civilization of the erstwhile
submerged  land Kumarikandam, that is the Lemuria continent situated in the Indian ocean,
the Siddha System of Medicine is  contemporaneous with those of the submerged lands
Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Chinese and Grecian medicines. The uniqueness of Siddha System
is evident by its continuous service to the humanity for more than 5000 years in combating
diseases and also in maintaining its physical, mental and moral health while many of its
contemporaries had become extinct long ago. 

The roots of the ancient Siddha System are intertwined with the mythology and
culture of the ancient Tamil civilization that existed in the southernmost tip of the Indian
peninsula, predating much of recorded history. 

Mythically, the origin of Siddha is attributed to Lord Siva, who is supposed to have
handed it down to his consort Parvathi (Shakthi), who in turn  passed on the sacred
knowledge to Nandi, from whom it was transmitted to the first of "Siddhars". Siddha is a
Tamil word derived from "siddhi" -- attaining perfection in life or heavenly bliss.

The system is said to have emerged in antiquity, from the highly evolved
consciousness of the Siddhars. The clarified intellect and heightened intuition of the
Siddhars, resulting from their yogic powers, enabled them to explore the world around them
and exploit its natural resources for the sake of humanity. Their findings on the
characteristics of plants, metals, minerals and animal products and their knowledge of the
properties of drugs,  its purification, processing, fixing dosage, toxicity, antidote and clinical
application, were preserved in the form of verses for the use of the posterity.

This unique legacy was bequeathed to select disciples or "chidas" by word of mouth.
It is believed that there was a line of 18 siddhars, with Agasthya being the foremost and a
large portion of Siddha lore is credited to him. With time, this oral tradition was transcribed
on palm leaf manuscripts that now serve as the major repository of the knowledge.

The contributors of Siddha system, the Siddhars, of Tamil land, were mystics, yogis,
poets, devotees, seers and medical men of various combinations and various statures. They
were super human beings who possessed supernatural powers (like Eight types of Siddhis).
They were the greatest scientists of ancient times and were the guardians of the world and
they  existed, and still exist, for the benefit of the public at large. They were men of great
practical knowledge and wisdom. They had full awareness of the nature and activities of all
the objects in this planet and of all times-past, present and future. They were mainly
responsible for the  growth and development not only of Tamil medicine that includes
alchemy, medicine, yoga, kayakalpa (rejuvenation therapy), philosophy, astronomy,
astrology, varma, muppu, thokkanam etc., but also for many other sciences of public utility.

Guiding principles:

According to the Siddha system, the individual is a microcosm of the universe. The
human body consists of the five primordial elements-earth,  water, fire, air and space, the
three humours-vatha, pitta and kapha and seven physical constituents. Food is the basic
building material of  the human body and gets processed into humours, tissues and wastes.
The equilibrium of humours is considered as health and its disturbance or  imbalance leads
to a diseased state; Saint Thiruvalluvar has indicated the same view in his Thirukural,
 

"Miginum Kuraiyinum Noi Seyyum Noolor 

Vali Mudhala Enniya Moondru" - Kural 941
 
"Three things beginning with wind, say
 experts,
In excess or lacking cause disease" - Kural 941

Reflecting this theory of cosmic oneness, the five senses are said to correspond with
the five elements. Ether (Veli) is responsible for hearing; air (katru) for sense of touch; fire
(thee) for sight; water (neer) for taste; and earth (mann) for the sense of smell. 

Mind - Body continuum: 

Siddha is a comprehensive system that places equal emphasis on the body, mind and
spirit and strives to restore the innate harmony of the individual. Treatment is aimed at
restoring balance to the mind-body system. Diet and lifestyle play a major role not only in
maintaining health but also in curing diseases. This concept of the Siddha medicine is
termed as pathiam and apathiam, which is essentially a list of do's and don'ts.

"Food itself is medicine and medicine itself is food"

Materia Medica:-

Drugs used by the Siddhars can be classified into three groups: Thaavaram(herbal

product), Thaathu (inorganic substances), and Jangamam (animal products). 

Unique diagnostic methodology:

The diagnostic methodology in Siddha treatment is unique as it is made purely on the

basis of the clinical acumen of the physician. The pulse, skin, tongue, complexion, speech,
eye, stools and urine are examined. This approach is collectively known as "Eight types of
examination"; and among the eight, the examination of pulse is very important in
confirming the diagnosis.

Concept of Siddha treatment:-

Treatment consists of three distinct categories: Deva Maruthuvam, (divine

method); Maanida Maruthuvam (rational method); and Asura Maruthuvam (surgical
method). In the divine method, medicines like parpam, chenduram, guru, kuligai prepared
from mercury, sulphur and pashanams are used. In the rational method, medicines
prepared from herbs like churanam, kudineer, vadagam are used. In surgical method,
incision, excision, heat application, bloodletting, leech application etc. are practised.

The therapeutic treatment in Siddha could be further categorized into Purgative

therapy, Emetic therapy, Fasting therapy, Steam therapy, Oleation therapy, Physical
therapy, Solar therapy, Blood letting therapy and Yoga therapy.

There is also a branch of the traditional science that deals with traumatology and
accidental injuries called Varma. This is based on the notion of  more than 100 vital points
that are junctions of bones, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and nerves called Varma
points. Pranic energy is found concentrated in these points which, upon manipulation,
produce curative effect. 

Siddha system has enormous pharmacopoeia containing vegetable, animal and

mineral products and treatment techniques consisting in use of 32 types of internal
medicines and 32 types of external medicines, application of heat and cold, ointments,
potions and poultice, blood letting, counter irritation, bath, suction, manipulative processes
such as thokkanam, varma, yoga and concentration on hygiene and diet (pathiam),
periodical use of purgatives and emetics, use of drugs which include, apart from herbs,
preparations from metals and minerals such as copper, silver, gold, lead and preparations
from products of animal origin such as brain, liver, bones, blood, skull, horns of various
animals, tissues of reptiles and also Kayakalpa to prevent or postpone greying of hair,
formation of wrinkles and ageing, prevention or treatment of diseases, and postponement of
death (to any desired length of time). Some empirical treatment techniques under the guise
of magic exorcism, incantation, pilgrimage, peregrinations, mountaineering and similar
activities have also been in practice since ages.

Classification of Siddha Medicines:-

Siddha medicines may be roughly divided into three classes--- (i) Miracle medicines,
(ii) Sophisticated medicines and (iii) Common medicines. Miracle  medicines are becoming
rare and should be learnt directly from the masters who, having undergone all forms of
initiation and hazards of apprenticeship, have reached perfection in all respects.
Sophisticated medicines may be scientifically prepared and used by the well trained 
physicians without much risk. Common medicines are most simple and cheap ones which
were in wide use till the beginning of the 20th century and are still in use in remote rural
areas of our country.

Kundalini Yoga:-

The Siddhars have evolved a special technique for attaining spiritual awakening by
rousing, with yoga techniques like aasana, praanaayaama and dhyaana (meditation), the
Kundalini shakthi (Serpent power) lying dormant at the base of the spinal column in the
region of the sacral plexus. Only by caring for his mortal inheritance, man is able to arrive
at the realization of his highest potentialities. By working in unison with theology and
philosophy, Siddha medicine aids bringing to maturity the quiescent gem of immortal divine
being in his mortal body.

Siddha Education:-

The Siddha system of education in ancient India was not imparted or organized on
the scale of mass education like schools and colleges, but the ideal of education was to treat
it as a secret and sacred process, for the reason that the process of an individual growth
(especially the inner growth) can only be achieved by a close and constant touch between
the teacher and the taught in their personal relationship from which the whole world was
excluded.

The teaching was imparted in the form of verses, many of them in ambiguous
language and handed down to the posterity by the guru-sishya (teacher-disciple) tradition.
The sacred medicines and techniques were taught only to a close circle of disciples and this
trend continued to exist till recently. 

Siddha education has turned  into a mass institutional education around the middle of
the 20th Century and has been catering to the needs of the public.  Developments in
academic side and also in scientific research have been coming up. A scientific research of
available Siddha literature may bring us precious truths, methods of preparation of miracle
medicines of mineral, vegetable and animal origin and this would be a valuable contribution
to the medical world today. In addition to the literature written in palm leaf manuscripts
etc., there are many valuable medicines and treatment techniques in practice. Steps are
being taken by the government for collecting, screening, analyzing and  codifying the
available manuscripts, printed books, traditional recipes, medical secrets and many other
things found scattered in disciplines and  activities seemingly unconnected with medicine.

Contemporary relevance of Siddha:

There has been a resurgence of traditional medical systems the world over, based on
the holistic nature of their approach to healing. The efficacy of  indigenous systems has
been proved in various contexts. They tend to use locally available, cost effective materials
for treatment. Hence, the Siddha system which also has strong cultural and historical bonds
with the people of Tamil Nadu is becoming increasingly relevant.