The word 'siddha' comes from the root word 'Siddhi' which means 'an object to be attained' or 'perfection' or 'heavenly bliss'. Siddhi generally refers to the eight supernatural powers enumerated as 'anima' and those who have attained them are called 'siddhars' and also called them as Divine Scientists the Siddha system. These worshipful Tamil siddhars using their divine powers had classified 4,448 diseases and prescribed medicines with real therapeutic value in the form of herbs, roots, salts and even toxicity reduced poisons to treat rare array of diseases that attack human beings.

Once it was practised from Lemoria to mediterranean sea and subsequently is practised in Southern India. The origin of the Tamil language is attributed to the sage Agasthya and the origin of Siddha medicine is also attributed to him. Before the Aryan occupation of the Sind region and the Gangetic plain there existed in the southern India, on the banks of the river Kavery, and Tamirapani, a civilization which was highly organised. This civilization has a system of medicine to deal with problems of sanitation and treatment of diseases. This is the Siddha system of medicine. It is possible that in the course of time this system and the one prevalent in the north supplemented and enriched each other. The therapeutics of Siddha medicines consists mainly of the use of metals and minerals whereas in the earlier Ayurveda texts there is no mention of metals and minerals. From earliest times in Siddha text, there is mention of mercury, sulphur, copper, arsenic and gold used as therapeutic agents. The Tridosha theory, sapta dhatu physiology and nomenclature of the diseases in the two systems may seem similar. According to Siddha medicine AIDS has been written by the Tamil Siddhars as far back as few thousand years during the ancient prehistoric civilisation of Southern India. Traditionally, it is said there were 18 Siddhars. They left their imprint not only in medicine but in yoga and philosophy. The Siddhars were essentially yogis and secondarily physicians.

Siddhars have the fundamental concept that the body's immunity gets heavily depleted by diseases caused due to excess sexual activities. The devastating HIV virus causing high mortality rates is by itself new to the Modern system of Medicine, was known as VETTAI NOI to Tamil siddhars as early as thousand years ago in the cradle of the prehistoric civilisation, Tamil Nadu. The chief cause of VETTAI NOI is due to the defect in the three humours and mainly due to AZHAL KUTRUM (Pitham) exhibited in the blood stream. The signs and symptoms found in the AIDS patients are found to be similar with the VETTAI NOI expounded in the Siddha system of Medicine. So in this disease there is deterioration of all the thathus by the involvement of vali and defence of the body is at stake, which manifests into a dreadful plethoric picture consisting the following clinical features: soolai (pain), kuttam (skin lesions), kiranthi (formation of nodes), putru (malignancy), pilavai (abscess), andamalai (cervical adenitis), araiyappu (inguinal adenitis), sirangu (pustules), ottiya pun (ulcer in the loin), arunkarappan (eczematous eruptions), malakattu (constipation), kshayam (tuberculosis), bedhi (diarrhoea), kirani (chronic dysentery), pandu (anemia), kaamalai (jaundice), peenisangal (upper respiratory tract infections).

Thus a person affected by the HIV virus is in turn affected by various infections and diseases due to impaired immune system. The main seat for all these immunological deficits are places of BONE MARROW, LIVER and THYMUS GLAND in the lymphatic system of the human body. In other words, any of the above organs will predominantly cure the defective immune system and its function.

Fundamental Principles of Siddha medicine:

The universe consists of two essential entities, matter and energy. The Siddhars call them Siva (male) and Shakti (female, creation). Matter cannot exist without energy inherent in it and vice versa. The two co-exist and are inseparable. They are the primordial elements Bhutas, not to be confused with modern chemistry. Their names are Munn (solid), Neer (fluid), Thee (radiance), Vayu (gas) and Veli (ether). These five elements (Bhutas) are present in every substance, but in different proportions. Earth, water, fire, air and ether are manifestations of these 5 elements. The human anatomy and physiology, causative factor of diseases, the materials for the treatment and cure of the diseases, the foods for the sustenance of the body, all fall within the five elemental categories. The human being is made up of these five elements, in different combinations. The physiological function in the body is mediated by three substances (dravayas), which are made up of the five elements. They are Vali, Azhal, and Iyam. In each and every cell of the body these three doshas co-exist and function harmoniously. The tissues are called dhatus. Vali is formed by Akasa and Vayu. Vali controls the nervous actions such as movement, sensation, etc. Azhal is formed by Thee and controls the metabolic activity of the body, digestion, assimilation, warmth, etc. Iyam is formed by Munn and Neer and controls stability. When their equilibrium is upsets disease sets in. In addition to the influence of the Mukkuttram the seasons also affects body constituents as evident in northern and southern India.

Gold:

It is alterative, nervine tonic, antidote to poison and a powerful sexual stimulant. Very little is absorbed in the system. Care is taken to see that calcinations of gold are free from metallic state and lustre to ensure safe absorption in the system.
Thus, these drugs and metallic minerals can be screened for its anti-viral, immune stimulant and immuno-modulator activity. As HIV negative people have taken Kalpa drugs for rejuvenation and long life, it is believed that if Kayakalpa therapy is thoroughly investigated using modern parameters it might lead one to find whether these drugs could be used in preventative or curative benefits in AIDS or other degenerative disorders.

Sulphur:

Calcined sulphur or red oxide of sulphur can be obtained by solidating it first by the Siddha method of purification. In small doses, it conserves the body, and it is diaphoretic and alterative. Therapeutically, it is used as both external and internal remedy against skin diseases, rheumatic arthritis, asthma, jaundice and blood poisoning

Kalpam:

The Siddhars have developed a discipline called kaya kalpa. This discipline addresses the sections on longevity and fountain of youth with complete freedom from illness. It is similar to rasayana of Ayurveda and gerontology of modern medicine. Kalpa means 'able, competent'. The Siddha were more concerned with quality and longevity of living than with the pursuit of sex.

Gold and mercury are administered in rejuvenation. More than medicines it is the discipline led by the individual that ensures longevity and free from illness. Breath control (Sarapayarchi pranayanam) and diet are two important parts of this discipline. Proper diet will promote physical stamina and mental equilibrium. The less one eats the healthier they can remain. In today's world it pays to be mindful of everything that we ingest.

Significance:

Medicine > Siddha