Abstract:
Traditional Medicinal System (TMS) is one of the centuries-old practices and long-serving companions to
the human kind to fight against disease and to lead a healthy life. Every indigenous people have been
using their unique approaches of TMS practice where among, the Chinese, Indian and African TMSs are
world-wide renowned. India has a unique Indian System of Medicines (ISM) consisting of Ayurveda,
Siddha, Unani, Naturopathy and Homoeopathy. Siddhars are the saints as well as the eminent scholars,
who have attained Ashta-mahasiddhi [Tamil: (Ashta-Eight; Mahasiddhi-Power)] or enlightment. They
have postulated, practiced, immensely contributed and have established the concept of the Tamil
medicinal system called Siddha System of Medicine (SSM). From ancient time, SSM has flourished and
has been widely practiced in the southern part of India particularly in Tamil Nadu. The induction of the
modern medicinal system has immensely influenced the existence of SSM and has made the SSM
principles and practices undervalued/extinct. However, at present, still a considerable group of people are
using the SSM as a basic health-care modality. In this context, the present scrutiny deals with the TMS
history, its significance with a special reference to SSM history, Siddhars, the basic concept of SSM, its
diagnostic procedures, materia medica and treatment. Conclusively, Siddha is one of the most ancient
indigenous health practices despite its several thorny challenges and issues, which needs to be flagged
effectively and to be preserved and revitalized in the international arena in the near future.
