Indian System of medicine (Siddha system of medicine) As per PCI Syllabus (T. Y. B. Pharm Sem –VI Unit-I)/(S. Y. B. Pharm Sem –IV Unit-IV) Principles of siddha Diagnosis in siddha system Treatment


Indian System of medicine

Siddha system of medicine As per PCI Syllabus


(T. Y. B. Pharm Sem –VI  Unit-I)/


(S. Y. B. Pharm Sem –IV  Unit-IV)


Introduction

Traditional system of medicine also known as indigenous/ folk medicine/ alternative medicine comprises of medical aspects of knowledge, skills, and practices based on different cultures and different people which are used to treat the diseases.

It includes various systems being practiced throughout the world such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy, Chinese systems etc.

Siddha SYSTEM OF MEDICINE
This system was practised in south India especially Tamil Nadu. This system is believed to be older than Ayurveda and the latter was derived from Siddha system. 
 ”Agastya' was believed to be the father of Siddha medicine and he wrote a book known as “Agattiyar  Charkku".

1.This civilization has a system of medicine to deal with problems of sanitation and treatment of diseases. This is the  Siddha  system of medicine. The therapeutics of Siddha  medicines consists mainly of the use of metals and minerals whereas in the earlier Ayurveda.
 2.  There is mention of mercury, sulphur, copper, arsenic and gold used as therapeutic agents.

It is based on three principles vata, pitta and kapha, which are known as  “Trigunas”.

Vata: People with predominant vata are characterized by stout, black, cold and inactive personalities. Increased vata develops flatulence,acidity, obesity,heart attacks, etc

Pitta: People with predominant pitta are characterized by lean, whitish complexioned hot personalities. Increased pitta shows early greying of hair, reddish eyes, burning chest. mental derangement, anaemia.

Kapha: People with predominant kapha are characterized by well built, good complexioned, well behaved personalities. Increased kapha leads to jaundice, heart attack, high fever, anaemia, etc.

A particular guna in the body increases according to the time.

 
•Vata is predominant at 6am -10am & 6pm -10pm.
•Pitta is predominant at 10am – 2pm & 10pm - 2am.
•Kapha is predominant at 2pm -6pm & 2am -6am.

Diagnosis in siddha system


During the diagnosis the physician studies eight things, they are

1. Nadi (Pulse)
2. Dhwani (Speech)
3. Twaka (Tongue)
4. Deham (Body)
5. Neeram (Colour)
6. Malam (Faeces)
7. Mutram (Urine) and
8. Vizhi (Eyes).

Treatment 

Siddha physicians give knowledge of one thousand herbs and their effectiveness in
specific composition and formulation. Commonly medicines are prepared freshly for
specific diseases.The formulations are prepared using plants, animals, minerals,
metals like mercury, gold, silver, sulphur, zinc, copper, aluminium, borax and
arsenic are used in small quantities.

The following formulations are commonly used in Siddha system. 

• Kashayam (Decoction). 
• Churna (Powder). 
• Tailam (Medicated oils). 
• Ceulligai (Pills  & Tablets). 
• Chenduram (Metal complexes). 
• Bhasma (Calcinated drugs). 

Diet in Siddha

Siddha system also gives importance to ”Pathya” It refers to diet planning
in Siddha system (restriction on diet),
Examples of restricted and non restricted diets.
Non restricted foods: wheat, milk, ghee, pulses, tender vegetables, goat meat, 
sugar, etc. 

Restricted foods: chicken, mangoes, coconut, fenugreek, mustard, sesame,
almonds, etc.