Source : www.indiaheritage.org
The Siddha system is the science of cell-regeneration, as taught by Lord Siva to the goddess Parvati who taught it to Nandideva who taught it to Agastya rishi (known also as the Tamil rishi). Unfortunately, researchers have discovered thirteen Agastya rishis…
THE QUEST FOR FOREVER
Siddha healing concerns itself with preventing cell degeneration so as to allow the body an immortality that reflects the immortality of the soul. This stems from the Hindu belief in the two kinds of salvation- Videha mukti i.e. salvation following death, and Jeevan mukti i.e. salvation during life itself. In the latter, the body remains healthy in the face of chronological old age. Siddha medicinal philosophy believes that medicines (kalpa) and meditation (yoga) together make jeevan mukti possible.
The scienctific theory behind this approach rests on the fact of cell repair and cell waste processes that occur simulataneously upto a certain stage, after which the latter overtakes the former. The prevention of the second phase is the focus of Siddha effort. Only natural then that the materials chosen as medicines be imperishable themselves. Metals (including gold and silver) and minerals constitute the bulk of Siddha treatment, and mercury (rasa) and sulphur (gandhaka) are of particular importance.
Mercury is vital herein because it acts as an alternator- successful in altering the pathology of the existing condition irrespective of other factors. Respecting this aspect, mercury is known as Siva beeja (the seed of Siva).
Sulphur is more often than not used together with mercury because it acts as a regulator of the latter’s fluidity. It converts mercury to mercuric sulphide, a substance that is insoluble in mineral acids. Thus, sulphur is known as Parvati beeja (the seed of Parvati), and both mercury and sulphur acting in unision are seen as representing Siva-Sakti (male and female principles understood as one whole).
FRIENDS & FOES
There is a clear distinction between drugs that are compatible with one another and those that are not. Incompatible medicines reduce one another’s efficacy and are known as shatru (foe). Compatible medicines enhance on another thereby heightening the therapeutic effect, and thus they are mitru (friend).
ASHTA-STHANA PAREEKSHA
The Eight-fold test is the basis of Siddha diagnosis. This entails the examination of:-
a) Pulse: an important method whereby the pulse as well as the nerves - in particular the Sushumna, Ida and Pingala - are read. In addition to the regular deductions to be made, an experienced practitioner is able to gauge the behaviour of hormones and enzymes in the system.
b) Eyes: the colour, vision and a number of physical characteristics reveal the state of the individual’s health.
c) Voice: the strength and smoothness of the voice apart from any speaking difficulties are clear indicators of health.
d) Touch: the texture of the skin, the pressure applied at a touch are both signals of a healthy/unhealthy individual.
e) Colour: an obvious diagnostic tool in that the lack of healthy pallour is the first sign of ill-health.
f) Tongue: a clean and pink tongue denotes good health. Dryness, excess saliva, discolouration, furriness and cuts point to a disorder.
g) Falces: again, any deviation from the healthy norm signifies illness.
h) Urine: in addition to the usual pathological tests conducted, the siddha system has its very own test. The oil test is as follows - after placing the urine in a basin, one drop of gingelly oil (til oil) is added to it. The oil may or may not spread, the ensuing colours and patterns, the oil may or not sink - these are indications of specific maladies.
THE SIDDHAS
This wealth of knowledge was imparted by Agastya rishi to eighteen enlightened individuals known as Siddhas. Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras defines siddhas as persons who have attained siddhi (perfection) through birth, mantras (special prayers and chants), austerities or samadhi (profound meditation). One of the Siddhas, Tirumular, wrote the 3000 - verse Tirumantiram which concerns subjects such as embryology, medicine, and other topics. Most of the Siddha texts are attributed to the rishi Agastya.
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