ABOUT SIDDHA

About Siddha Medicine

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,

“மிகினும் குறையினும் நோய்செய்யும் நூலோர்
வளிமுதலா எண்ணிய மூன்று.” - குறள் 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.

Hospital

OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT

Services

• Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital is a 200 bedded Hospital attached with
  National Institute of Siddha is providing health Care Services through
  Siddha system of medicine. 
• The OP department has started functioning from 13.10.2004 and the
  treatment is being given to the patients free of cost at OPD and IPD.
  Semiprivate Air conditioned special wards are also available for which
  payment is applicable.
• Faculty members, Medical  Officers and Post Graduate Scholars of
  various departments provide consultation and treatment to more than 2000
  patients daily on an average.
• Out patient consultation are available on all 365 days of the year.

PATIENT REGISTRATION

• OPD registration is done at the New registration counter with a minimal charge of Rs 15/- for the first visit.
• During each subsequent visit patients are charged Rs 5/- towards registration at old registration counter.
• There are about five registration counters are functioning.
• Separate counter for Paid OP registration made available
• A help desk is available in the out-patient premises for guiding the patients.

GENERAL OP

PAID OP

SPECIAL OP (Special Out Patient Clinics)

EVENING PAID OPD:

• Evening Paid OPD is conducted on all week days (Monday - Friday) for
  the benefit working people and who are all coming from long distances
• Consultation including 10 days medicines charges of Rs 500/- for
  first visit and Rs 450/- for revisits will be charged from every patient
• The timing of Paid OP is evening 5.00 to 7.00 pm

HELP DESK GUIDANCE

CONSULTATION:

• Patient by enquiring help desk provided in the reception can visit
  the respective consultation room relating to their disease condition.
• Patients are attended on first come first serve basis. However out of turn consultation may be provided in case of emergency.
• For consultation, all the doctors including senior faculties are available in each department.
• Proper consultation is provided by the PG scholars of individual
  departments under the supervision of the Head of the department/faculty
  concerned.
• After needful examination and consultation the patients are directed
  to follow a line of treatment recommended by the consultant i.e.
  Internal medicine prescription, required External therapy and
   requisition for various Investigations like Hematology, X ray, ECG
  etc.,

OPD CONSULTATION ROOM

OPD CONSULTATION ROOM

OPD CONSULTATION ROOM

INVESTIGATIONS:

After OPD consultation, the treating doctor fills up the necessary
requisition forms for various investigations and directs the patients to
concerned departments.

LAB-RECEPTION

Available Investigation facilities:

Routine blood investigations, Sputum, Urine, Stools and Some Special investigations are performed.

Blood Investigation:

Separate clinical labs are available for Biochemistry, Clinical
pathology and Micro biology with well equipped Instruments and qualified
& trained laboratory professionals.

LABORATORY SAMPLE COLLECTION:

BLOOD SAMPLE COLLECTION

• Sample collection centre is available in the Inpatient building near the hospital office.
• Timings: 8 am – 12 noon.
• Report for the tests are made available on next day.
• For fasting Blood Sugar examination patients has to report in empty stomach between 8:00 am to 9:00 am.

MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION

NEERKURI – NEIKKURI (OIL ON URINE SIGN)

OIL SPREADING PATTERN IN URINE (SIEVE LIKE)

OIL SPREADING PATTERN IN URINE

Other Investigations:

X-RAY

• X ray investigation facility is available with well trained and qualified technicians with Radiologist opinion at OPD hours.

X RAY INVESTIGATION

ULTRASOUND 

Diagnostic imaging modality based on the
application of ultrasound (i.e. transmission,reflection and reception of
high frequency sound waves) 

Used to examine the soft tissues inside the
body and also monitor the blood flow in accessible vessels and thereby
used to diagnose a variety of medical conditions.

Various USG s done:

Abdomen - complete,upper,
lower, Pelvis, Follicular study, Neck, Transe Vaginal Scan
(TVS), Obstetrics, Neuro sonogram, Musculo Skeletal Scan
(MSK), Breast, Doppler of upper, lower limbs artery and venous, Carotid
doppler, Renal etc.

user charges:

Abdomen/pelvis/KUB/Follicular/TVS/obstetrics     Rs.200/-

Neck/Breast/MSK                                              Rs 300/-

Doppler studies                                                 Rs.500/-

SEX DETERMINATION OF FETUS IN UTERO IS ILLEGAL AND IS NOT PRACTICED IN THIS CENTRE.

ECG 

• ECG investigation facility is available with well trained and qualified technicians at OPD hours.

ECG INVESTIGATION

SPIROMETRY (PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST):

The Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), also commonly known as a Breathing
Test, is designed to measure how well your lungs are working. 

PFT  MAY BE PRESCRIBED IN THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS:

Asthma, Smoker, Occupational lung
disease, Restrictive lung disease, Unexplained cough > 3
months, Unexplained dyspnoea, Diaphragmatic function, Neuromuscular
diseases ( to see for involvement of respiratory muscles), Fitness for
surgery, Drug efficacy for non infectious respiratory ailments, 

PFT INCLUDES ONE OR ANY COMBINATION OF THE FOLLOWING:

Spirometry, Spirometry with bronchodilator, ROCC, ROCC with bronchodilator, Respiratory muscle function assessment

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE COMING FOR TESTING:

1.Fasting is not required, but avoid eating a heavy meal at least 2 hours before test.

2.Depending on the type of tests, you may be asked to withhold certain  medication.so kindly bring your list of medications 

3.Wear loose comfortable clothing.

4.Do not smoke at least ONE hr before test.

5.Do not consume alcohol atleast 4 hrs before test

6.No strenuous exercise 1 hr before test.

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR TESTING

Testing should not be done if the subject has or reports any of the following:

1. Heart attack - last three months

2. Chest or abdominal surgery - past 3 months

3. Eye surgery - past 1 month

4. Pregnant woman - last trimester of pregnancy

5. Active case of pulmonary tuberculosis

6. any other co‐morbidity (such as unstable angina or pneumonia)
that, in the opinion of a local clinician, may affect the performance of
the test or impact the volunteer’s safety .

TIMING  OF TESTING :

The test may take anywhere between 20 minutes to one hour depending on the test prescribed.

The test will be done from 8 am till 12 noon with prior appointment only.

BEFORE YOUR TEST

Be prepared to tell PFT nurse about : 

1.What medications you are taking:  including usage of any oral / parenteral medication, inhalers and nebulizers if any.

2.Allergies to medications; 

3.Smoking history including how many years you smoked and how many packs per day;

4.Occupational history for potential exposures.

DURING YOUR TEST

You will be asked to sit straight  in a stool and breathe through a
mouthpiece. The PFT nurse will instruct you step by step throughout the
tests. 

AFTER YOUR TEST

You may return to your normal activity. The PFT doctor will evaluate your studies and a report will be prepared for you to take.

DISPENSARY:

DISPENSING OF MEDICINES – GENERAL COUNTER

• Patients can collect the prescribed medicines from the dispensary counters situated next to OPD.
• There are 10 counters available for dispensing of medicine.
• Among them two counters are running separately for Senior citizens.

SEPARATE COUNTER FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

• Medicines are dispensed by trained and qualified pharmacists.
• After getting medicines the patients can approach the doctors for clarification about consumption.

DISPENSING OF MEDICINES – GENERAL COUNTER

Out Patient Department (Morning)

HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACT:

Hospital Superintendent (I/C) : Prof. Dr.G.J. Christian MD (S)., Ph.D

Deputy Medical Superintendent : Dr. Radhika Madhavan MD (S)

Hospital Enquiry Phone no: 044-22380789 ; e-mail: nishospitaloffice@gmail.com

Activities

Siddha in Schools Programme initiated by National Institute of Siddha

National Institute of Siddha
today rolled out a social campaign ‘Siddha in Schools’ in the premises
of Government boys Higher secondary school, Padappai, Kanchipuram
District.

Prof.Dr.R.Meenakumari, Director, NIS
delivered the chief guest address and inagurated the plantation and
dedicated the ‘AGATHIYAR SIDDHA HERBAL GARDEN’ to the school. The
principal of the school delivered welcome address and Head of the
Department of agriculture delivered the vote of thanks.

Talking about the initiative, Director
said; “National Institute of Siddha is committed to its motto of being
dedicated to the health & well being of every household through
Siddha system of medicine. Health is an important part of Fit India
movement. If you look after your body and your eating habits, it’s also
equally important to look after your health of family. So, there’s a
need to educate children about Siddha and its impact on overall well
being. With this initiative, NIS has taken the onus of promoting Siddha
system of medicine among school kids.”

The campaign is aimed at propagation of
Siddha in the country with a special focus to school children. Not only
this, the campaign will also educate the school children on simple
Siddha remedies to ensure overall health and wellbeing.

Activities / गतिविधियाँ : Archive

Courses

M.D(Siddha) Degree Course

• National Institute of Siddha (NIS) is affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai.
• Dr.Sudha Seshayyan M.S., is the Vice Chancellor of the University [Details]
• Dr. Parameswari Srijayanth, M.B.B.S.,M.Sc.(Epid.),(Ph.D.), is the Registrar of the University [Details]

 

• Education, Syllabus and Curriculum are in accordance with the norms
  fixed by the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM), New Delhi.
• The post-graduate courses [M.D
  (Siddha)] have commenced at National Institute of Siddha from
  30-09-2004. Siddha graduates with B.S.M.S Degree are eligible to apply
  for the post graduate degree. Selection is made on the basis of their
  rank in the All India AYUSH PG Entrance Examination [AIAPGET] conducted
  by Ministry of AYUSH and Counseling held in this Institute. Reservations
  are applicable as per the rules of Government of India. One seat is
  allotted for a Siddha graduate from foreign countries in any one branch
  cyclically every year. 

The branches offered to PG programme in Siddha are:

As per the Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University, Guindy, Chennai -
32, letter No Proc.No.Affln.I(3)/33933/2018 dated 17.04.2019, the
following Speciality P.G courses (M.D Siddha degree) have been conducted
in this institute. No UG courses are being conducted here.

• Maruthuvam - 8 seats
• Gunapadam - 8 seats
• Kuzhandhai Maruthuvam - 8 seats
• Noi Naadal - 7 seats
• Nanju Maruthuvam - 7 seats
• Pura Maruthuvam - 3 seats
• Varma Maruthuvam - 3 seats
• Siddhar Yoga Maruthuvam - 2 seats. (Total Seats : 46)

Fee structures for M.D(Siddha) Students of this Institute
from the academic year 2018-19 (Ref: F.No:NIS/2-6/Accts/2018-19 dated
01.10.2018)