Siddha system of medicine is the most primitive medical system. This system was formulated and established about more than 25000 years back by the eminent powers called Siddhars and hence the name Siddha Medicine .The medicines were prepared by the various research work done by the Siddhars on herbs,minerals and animals. The father of Siddha Medicine is the primordial Guru, Agasthiar. There are also 18 prime Siddhars who are the followers of the primordial Guru, contributed their valuable knowledge and experiences in this field.
Siddha medical system does’nt consider treatment and prevention separately. The main aim of this system is prevention of disease, as it is well said that “Prevention is better than cure”! This system was then carried over generations after generations by the Traditional practioners under Gurukula system.
This system of medicine was found and practiced in the earliest Dravidian civilization and hence was developed in tamil language only. Then after independence,the government of Tamil Nadu developed this Traditional system as a Medical system. So far there are 6 Siddha colleges under government and private sector in Tamil nadu which are based in Tamil medium. Recently, a college in English medium started in Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram about 7 years back. This is a 5 year course which holds B.S.M.S degree that is Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery. The interested professionals can also opt for P.G course and then P.Hd.
This system consists of both internal and external medicines which are today available in market, manufacured by various companies. However there are traditional practitioners still practicing with their self prepared drugs.
External medicines like Thokkanam (massage), Ottradam (formentation), Vedhu (steam therapy), Varmam (stimulation of vital points of body therapeutically), Kaya-karpam, Attanga Yogam (8 limbs of Yoga) etc are very effectively used for even diseases like hemiplegia, parkinsonism, arthritis etc.
Today, the treatment like physiotherapy, panchakarmam, marmam, accupressure, naturopathy and yoga are well known separately but it can be confirmed that all these are evolved from Siddha system of Medicine or Siddham. These methods are present in this single system of medicine.
Siddha system emphasizes not only a healthy body but a peaceful mind and pure soul. Hence, it is unique when compared to any other medical system.