Indian medical system is well known as Ayurveda and Siddha Vaidyam, the former being in Sanskrit and the latter in Tamil and both of them are complementary to each other.The basic principles of Pancha Bhoota Tatvas and Tridoshas are the same in both of them. But Siddha system differs from Ayurveda with regard to pharmacological preparations. Importance is given in Siddha Vaidya to metals, minerals and salts converting them to Bhasmas and Sindhooras to bring them into assimilable form to be absorbed by the system. Introduction of Rasa preparations into Ayurveda itself denotes the efficacy of Siddha Vaidya in the treatment of various diseases.
Sage Agasthya is the propagator of Siddha system of medicine and his followers are known as Siddhas. These Siddhas are the great intellectuals who perfected themselves in philosophy, Yoga and different branches of science. Their main object is to lead a life without decay and disease, for the attainment of their ultimate goal. For the benefit of posterity, they have left their entire knowledge in writing. These are available all over our country written on palm leaves in Tamil script and language. Though some of them have been published in recent years, most of them are yet unpublished and still in the form of palm leaf manuscripts. Unlike Ayurveda, Siddha Vaidya is not widely published or translated to other languages, the main drawback being the language. The modes of explanations given in their texts are metaphoric and mythical mixed with mysticism. The knowledge of Siddha is handed down from Guru to Shishya in order to maintain its sacredness and for the correct interpretation of the terminology used in their texts.
According to Siddhas there is an intricate relationship between the macro-cosm and the micro-cosm. The life and activity on this earth is influenced by the interaction of various gravitational forces and radiations from the planets and the group of stars that exist in the outer space. Their congregated forces come to the earth as cosmic ray having highly charged particles of electro-magnetic forces. These electro-magnetic forces that are constantly bombarding the earth, interact with the subtle form of the five primal elements – earth, water, fire, air and space. These combined with the radiated energy waves showered from the planets- Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn and the Sun, along with the group of stars are responsible for the creation and development of sentient and non-sentient objects of this world. The radiated energy of the cosmic showers is absorbed by the living beings on this earth in the form of metals, minerals, salts and plants.
The planetary influences on human beings mixed with environmental factors have been considered to be the cause for the derailment of health. Molecules of Shadrasas that are required for the sustenance of life are the products belonging to different planets in combination with PanchaBhootas. Imbalance in Shardasas would be created with the improper combination of food giving rise to Tridoshas. The planetary influences would adversely affect when there is Tridoshas resulting in susceptibility for the disease. Siddhas having the precise knowledge of Rasas belonging to different planets have formulated their medicinal preparations mainly with the use of Dhatus. The basic principles of using Dhatus in their preparations are that the JeevaVarga and MoolaVarga depend on DhatuVarga for the sustenance and development. Dhatus are to be in form that can be acceptable by the system at the cellular level. The adverse effects of each planet will be neutralized with the use of metals, minerals and salts belonging to such planets individually or in combination.
For a medicine to be effective, the inorganic substances are to be brought to their atomic form by converting them into Bhasmas and Sindhooras by special methods. Only traces of these inorganic substances are required to neutralize the adverse effects of the influences of the planets in the living beings. (According to modern scientific investigations, the iconic charges of different metals are essential for the activity of each cell and the production of proper enzyme).
With this theory Siddhas have recommended the use of inorganic substances in their pharmacological preparations in bringing relief to the suffering and to maintain health and longevity. Through the use of such highly atomized Siddha preparations, quick relief can be obtained with small doses which can suit the modern living conditions. In this connection, treatment with Siddha medicines is considered as ‘DaiveeChikitsa’, about which Lord Siva himself has proclaimed as follows:
“With the administration of well-prepared Rasa-Oushadis in small doses, those are devoid of taste and adverse effects, it would remove the Doshas and induce normal health within a short duration”.
– Dr. Mandayam Kumar
Siddha Medical Research Institute
BANGALORE
