India is considered a country with a long medicinal history. Texts and inscriptions can be founded stating how Indians have dealt with diseases like fever, cough, skin disease, etc., with their medicines mainly made of herbs and minerals.
The medicines are potent today, but many medicinal systems include Ayurveda and Siddha. They are natural and nature-based medicines derived from minerals, herbs, metals, etc.
Key Takeaways
- Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that focuses on holistic health and emphasizes natural remedies. At the same time, Siddha Medicine is a system of medicine from southern India that emphasizes using minerals and metals in treatment.
- Ayurveda uses a combination of herbs, oils, and spices to treat illnesses, while Siddha Medicine uses a combination of minerals, metals, and herbs.
- Ayurveda primarily focuses on balancing the three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha), while Siddha Medicine focuses on maintaining the balance of the five elements (Earth, water, fire, air, and ether).
Ayurveda vs Siddha Medicine
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that dates back to ancient times. It emphasizes using natural herbs and remedies to promote balance in the body, mind, and spirit. Siddha medicine is an old system of medicine from Tamil Nadu, India; it also uses herbal and mineral-based treatments and specific surgical procedures.
Ayurveda is a type of medical system that originated in India and is considered the world’s oldest medical treatment developed approximately 3000 years ago with the main motive of increasing a human’s strength and immune system by using herbs, minerals, and metals.
Ayurveda makes an individual’s body strong enough to fight any disease.
Siddha Medicine is also a medicinal system that originated in India, specifically in South India. It is said that 90% of Siddha’s medicine is nothing but derived from Ayurveda.
Also, it is not popular with many; it is considered not a good choice as not many know the proper practice of it.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Ayurveda | Siddha Medicine |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The 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 a person’s body comprises 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 categorized into three different categories:
- Vata Dosha (space and air) is considered the most powerful by Ayurvedic Practitioners. This Dosha is responsible for the primary function and control of breathing, getting waste out of the body, heart function, etc. Diseases or conditions such as asthma, heart disease, skin problems, etc., can be developed if this is the leading life force of the individual.
- Pitta Dosha: This energy is responsible for digestion, breaking down food and hormones related to the appetite. Things that should be avoided if this is the primary life force are: eating spicy food and spending more time outside during otherwise conditions 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, and water and taking naps during the day should be avoided if this is the primary life energy of an individual.
What is Siddha Medicine?
Siddha Medicine is also considered a traditional medical system in India. It describes the human body as a mixture of 5 primal and 7 physical elements.
The five primal elements are Earth, Water, Air, Space, and Fire. Seven physical elements are:
- Saaram (Plasma): It is responsible for the growth and development of the body.
- Senneer (Blood): Improves intellect and nourishes muscles.
- Ooun (Muscles): It is responsible for the body’s shape.
- Kollzuppu (Fatty Tissue): responsible for oil balance and joints
- Enbu (Bone): responsible for supporting the whole body
- Moolai (Nerve): responsible for brain functions and spinal cord
- Sukkilam/Suronitham: Responsible for reproduction
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, and leech application are made in this method.
Before the 20th century, Siddha Medicine was not practised nor known by many. But nowadays, it is being practised 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 Siddha Medicine, it originated around 3000 earlier, and Siddha Medicine came into knowledge later.
- Ayurveda is the most popular among Siddha and Unani and is well-known in the nation, but this is not the same as Siddha Medicine. Its popularity is limited to a few states, mainly Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Ayurveda is recommended for diseases related to the Nerves and Muscles, whereas Siddha Medicine is recommended for respiratory and digestion diseases.
- 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 regarded as 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.
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine have fascinating historical roots and methods that make them intriguing subjects.
Absolutely, delving deeper into their origins is a rewarding journey.
The rich history and depth of these medicinal systems are truly captivating.
The comparison table makes it easier to distinguish the key aspects of Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine.
A detailed comparison helps in understanding the differences more clearly.
My interest has increased greatly after reading about Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine.
It’s great to see that these traditional medicinal systems are being recognized for their effectiveness.
The unique description of the human body and its elements in Siddha Medicine certainly holds a distinctive quality.
Definitely, such insightful categorization offers a different perspective.
The detailed classification of elements and their roles is quite fascinating.
I have reservations about relying solely on holistic or nature-based treatments for serious medical issues.
Valid point. Integrating modern and traditional treatments could be beneficial.
There seem to be valid arguments for both Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine, which sparks an interesting debate.
Yes, it’s quite intriguing to explore the intricacies and contrasts between these systems.
The history and application of these medicinal systems have evolved significantly over time.
These medicinal systems mention a lot of interesting methods, practices, and elements that are fascinating to learn about.
Yes, they are indeed fascinating. It’s impressive to see how they treat different diseases.
It’s important that more awareness is raised about these traditional medicinal systems.
Absolutely, knowledge and understanding must be shared to preserve these practices.
Indeed, education on such crucial aspects of Indian medical history is essential.
While these systems are intriguing, their effectiveness should still be studied further.
There is definitely room for more research to be done to understand the full scope of their potential.
Agreed, research and scientific analysis would offer valuable insights.