India is considered a country with a long medicinal history. Texts and inscriptions can be founded stating how Indians have dealt with the disease, like fever, cough, skin disease, etc, with their medicines which were mainly made of herbs and minerals. The medicines were extremely powerful today also, but there are many medicinal systems which include Ayurveda and Siddha. Both of them are natural and nature-based medicines derived from minerals, herbs, metals, etc.
Ayurveda vs Siddha Medicine
The main difference between Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine is that Ayurveda is way older than Siddha Medicine. Both these medicines have different main focuses and different literature languages. Another main difference is the number of vatha in Ayurveda, and Siddha Medicine has.
Ayurveda is a type of medical system that is originated in India and is considered to be the world’s oldest medical treatment development approximately more than 3000 years ago with the main motive to increase the strength and immune system of a human being by using herbs, minerals, and metals. Ayurveda makes an individual’s body strong and powerful enough to fight any disease.
Siddha Medicine is also a type of medicinal system that originated in India, specifically in South India. It is said that 90% of Siddha’s medicine is nothing but the Ayurveda, and it is derived from Ayurveda itself. Also, it is not popular many, it is considered to be not a good choice as there are not many who knew the proper practice of it.
Comparison Table Between Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine
| Parameters of Comparison | Ayurveda | Siddha Medicine |
| Definition | Oldest Indian Medicine was found approximately 3000 years ago. | Indian Medicine came into existence after Ayurveda. |
| Popular | Nationwide | Kerala and Tamil Nadu. |
| Recommended for | nerve and muscle, related problems | respiratory and Digestion |
| Main Focus | Vatha, Pitha and Kapha | Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space |
| Languages | In the Sanskrit language | In the Tamil Language |
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a medicine based on the belief that the body of a person is made up of five elements of the Universe, space, air, fire, water, and earth which combine and form energies in the form of life. This is known as Doshas. These Doshas are categories into three different categories:
- Vata Dosha (space and air): it is considered the most powerful by Ayurvedic Practitioners. This Dosha is responsible for basic function and control breathing, getting waste out of the body, heart function, etc. Disease or conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and skin problems, etc. can be developed if this is the main life force of the individual.
- Pitta Dosha: this energy is responsible for the digestion, breaking down of food and hormones related to the appetite. Things which should be avoided if this is the main life force are: eating spicy food and spending more time outside during otherwise condition or diseases such as heart disease and high blood pressure, etc. are likely to be developed.
- Kapha Dosha: this energy is responsible for the growth, strength, weight, and stability of the body. It also controls the immune system. Having food with excess salt, sugar, water, and taking naps during the day should be avoided if this is the main life energy of an individual.
What is Siddha Medicine?
Siddha Medicine is also considered a traditional medical system of India. It describes that the human body is a mixture of five primal and 7 physical elements.
Five primal elements are Earth, Water, Air, Space, and Fire. Seven physical elements are:
- Saram (Plasma): It is responsible for the growth and development of the body.
- Chenier (Blood): improve intellect and nourish muscles.
- Ooun (Muscles): It is responsible for the shape of the body.
- Kollzuppu (Fatty Tissue): responsible for oil balance and joints
- Enbu (Bone): responsible for supporting the whole body
- Moola (Nerve): responsible for brain functions and spinal cord
The medication under Siddha Medicines is categorized under three different categories:
- Deva Maruthuvam (Divine Method): medicines used mercury, pashanam and sulfur, etc
- Maranda Maruthuvam (Rational Method): kudineer, churanam and vadagam, etc
- Asura Maruthuvam (Surgical Method): practices of excision, heat application, bloodletting, leech application are made in this method.
Before the 20th century, Siddha Medicine was not practiced and known by many. But nowadays, it is being practiced and taught to various practitioners; the government is also providing help for spreading awareness of this medicine.
Main Differences Between Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine
- Ayurveda is the oldest than the Siddha Medicine, it was originated around 3000 earlier, and Siddha Medicine came in knowledge after.
- Ayurveda is the most popular among Siddha and Unani, it is well known in the nation, but this is not the same with Siddha Medicine. Its popularity is limited to few states, which mainly includes Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Ayurveda is mainly recommended for the disease-related to Nerve and Muscle, whereas Siddha Medicine is mainly recommended for the disease-related to respiratory and digestion.
- Ayurveda is mainly written in Sanskrit, which is an Aryan Language, but Siddha is written in Tamil, which is a Dravidian Language.
- The mythical father of Ayurveda is considered Dhanvantari, and Lord Shiva is considered the divine father of Siddha.
- The main focus of Ayurveda are Tridosha, Vatha, Pitha, and Kapha and the main focus of Siddha Medicine are Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space.
- There are five Gathas in Ayurveda and ten Vatha’s in Siddha Medicine.
Conclusion
Therefore, Siddha Medicine is not very popular and is not considered the best, but the Ayurveda is considered and preferred by most of the population of the country. It is believed that both the medicine has the same roots and that most of the names of Siddha Medicine are copied from the Ayurveda. Ayurveda is considered over Siddha Medicine as it evident that Siddha Medicine is not practised by many, and sometimes people who don’t have any knowledge about the medicine are practising it that result in worsening the health condition of the patient. Therefore, Siddha Medicine is not flourished.
References
- https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(97)04223-2/fulltext