Ancient and traditional system of medicines, which are holistic in nature, are becoming popular once again. In 2014, the Government of Bharat (India) established the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) to promote traditional medicines in Bharat. Recently, Sowa Rigpa has been added to this list. The Ministry also established eight national institutes for training and research in “Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy Education“. One of them is National Institute of Siddha in Chennai.
As per the literature, Siddha system of medicines has been practised for more than 5000 years in many regions of Bharat. However, at this moment, Siddha system is mainly practised in Tamil Nadu and it is not well known outside Tamil Nadu. Steps are being taken for collecting, screening, analysing and codifying the available manuscripts (including in palm leaf manuscripts) and printed books; and by encouraging to have a Siddha division in all State Government hospitals and primary health centres.
Siddha System of Medicines
Like Ayurveda, the Siddha is a traditional system of medicine places equal emphasis on the body, mind and spirit. Treatment is aimed at understanding and restoring balance between macrocosm and microcosm, between cosmic body and physical body. Siddha Treatment is based on 3-step approach: It applies Mani (mathematical analysis to understand chemical profile – minerals, elements – of an individual), Manthiram (acoustic therapy for hormone balancing), and Oushatham (nano bio medicines for chemical balancing).
The word Siddha has derived from “siddhi” meaning “attaining perfection in life or heavenly bliss”. The system is said to have emerged from the highly evolved consciousness of Siddhas (mystics, yogis, seers). They were scientists and known for their practical knowledge and wisdom. With their intellect and intuition resulting from their yogic powers, they explored the world around them and utilized locally available, cost effective natural resources for treatment.
Ancient literature identifies n number of nano- and organo-metallic compounds. It means, the Siddhas have used nano bio science and technology (nano-drug design, nano-drug synthesis, nano-drug delivery) although many people are not aware of this fact. The literature also identifies many processes that are used to prepare nano compounds. First ever documented nano formulation was given by the great Siddha Agastiya Muni (Ref: Agasthiar Pannirandayiram).
Siddha medicines can be classified into: Herbal product (specific herbs); inorganic substances (preparations from salts and minerals); and animal products (preparations from horns, pearls or corals). Their findings on the characteristics of plants, salts, minerals and animal products and their knowledge of the properties of bio-formulations, its purification, processing, fixing dosage, toxicity, antidote and clinical application, were in poetic verses.
As per our ancient literature, 18 Siddha Masters (including Dhakshanamoorthy, Nandhi, Agastiya Muni, Bhogar, Konganava) have written over 3,00,000 verses and were responsible for the growth and development of Siddha medicines. This includes alchemy, medicine, yoga, kayakalpa (rejuvenation therapy), philosophy, astronomy, astrology, varma.
Siddha Education
In ancient Bharat, Gurukul tradition was used to impart Siddha knowledge. The sacred medicines and techniques were taught by Guru (teacher) to Shishya (disciple) after the Shishya attains certain stage of his individual growth (especially the inner growth). This unique legacy was shared to select disciples through word of mouth. Over time, this oral tradition was transcribed on palm leaf manuscripts which serves as the major repository of knowledge.
Around the middle of the 20th century, however, the Siddha education was turned into a mass institutional education. Currently, there are 12 Siddha Medical Colleges, of which 11 of them are in Tamil Nadu and 1 in Kerala. Total intake is 650 students per year. They are all affiliated to Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University.
In 2005, National Institute of Siddha was established for post-graduate study and research of Siddha medicine. This Institute is also the national headquarters of the Central Council of Research in Siddha (CCRS), the exclusive body for Siddha research. Developments in academic and scientific research is adding a value to the modern medical system.
Manushyaa Blossom
Manushyaa Blossom Private Ltd is a registered nano-biotech pharma company focusing on traditional Siddha nano-bio formulations (medicines) and herbo-mineral formulations, produced as per the good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards. It has over 50 licensed medicines.
The goals of Manushyaa Blossom are
- To carry out research and development (R&D) in Siddha medicines, especially in nano-bio material synthesis, nano food supplements, and nano drug delivery.
- To demonstrate and bring awareness to the general public and Govt. agencies about the efficacy of the traditional Siddha medicine in treating chronic illnesses.
- To spread this knowledge worldwide.
The higher-order Siddha medicines produced by Manushyaa Blossom were launched by Shri Shripad Naik, Hon. Minister for AYUSH, on 30 March 2018 during a national seminar “Popularization of scientifically validated Siddha medicines for global acceptance” organized at the National Institute of Siddha, Chennai. Swami Vigyananand, Founder of World Hindu Economic Forum blessed the occasion.
A number of senior Government officials including Director, National Institute of Siddha; Director General, Central Council for Research in Siddha; State Licensing Authority (IM), Govt. of Tamil Nadu, were present. Manushyaa Blossom signed MoU with the WHEF in 2018 to promote entrepreneurship among youth and women through its contribution.
The current focus of Manushyaa Blossom is on autism and other intellectual disabilities. They also provide Siddha treatment for Parkinson’s disease, liver disorders, ulcerative colitis, manhood problems (e.g. ED), women health care, urinary tract infection, and hypertension.
Autism and other intellectual disabilities
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication and social behaviour. General belief is that the scientists do not know the exact causes of autism and it cannot be cured. However, early interventions and treatments can improve a person’s ability to function. The prevalence of ASD has been increasing.
Manushyaa Blossom has a diagnostic mechanism / tool to diagnose if the child is autistic at birth. They also have three formulations (all licensed) for treatment of autism for any age.
- Herbo-mineral supplement
- Herbal nutrition supplement
- Special herbal oil
The first “awareness campaign” to promote the traditional Siddha system of medicines for autism and other intellectual disabilities was in 2019. Presentations were made at national institutes, special schools and hospitals in over 30 cities. Feedback received from parents whose children have taken Siddha treatment is given in Figure 2. The children are in different age groups (4 – 17 years), different gender, and born in different locations in Bharat (e.g. Chennai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Anand, Delhi, Lucknow etc), and countries (USA, Malaysia, New Zealand).
Manushyaa Blossom Multi-Speciality Siddha Clinic was inaugurated by three former autistic children in Chennai in March 2019. The parents of these gifted children shared their experiences, before and after Siddha treatment for autism. Manushyaa Blossom plans to open Siddha clinics throughout Bharat by collaborating and working with interested parties in this growing community healthcare domain.
-by Prof. Guna Magesan (Director, International Operations, Manushyaa Blossom)
Website: http://www.manushyaablossom.com/
Phone: +91 44 2621 0606 / +91 89397 22033
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
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