About Siddha Medicine
Ancient wisdom from the Siddhars for modern wellness
Types of Diseases
Classified based on the imbalance of Vatham, Pitham and Kapam
A Complete Medical System
This comprehensive classification system demonstrates the depth and sophistication of Siddha medicine. Each disease is understood in relation to the three fundamental humours (doshas) and their interactions with the five elements, seven body tissues, and various environmental and lifestyle factors.
The Siddha system doesn't just treat symptoms—it addresses the root cause by understanding how imbalances in Vatham (Air), Pitham (Fire), and Kapam (Water) affect the body.
Disease Categories
- •80 types of Vatham diseases
- •40 types of Pitham diseases
- •20 types of Kapam diseases
- •Combined and environmental factors
The Siddhars - Ancient Spiritual Scientists
Enlightened beings who developed a complete system of holistic medicine
Pancha Bhuthas - The Five Elements
The world we see has emanated from five elements (Pancha Bhuthas) which contain two broad divisions, namely movable and immovable things. These things stand supported by Earth or Prithvi. Akash provides place of residence for this. Water, Fire and Air nourish them for their growth.
1. Earth (Prithvi)
Nature: Solid, stable, supportive
In Body: Centered in tissues for development, growth and maintenance of the human body composed of flesh and bone
Properties: Heaviness, hardness, firmness
Earth provides the foundation and structure for all living beings.
2. Water (Appu)
Nature: Liquid, flowing, cohesive
In Body: Centered all over the tissues for regulating development and growth
Properties: Coolness, moisture, fluidity
Water nourishes and maintains the body's fluid balance.
3. Fire (Theyu)
Nature: Hot, transformative, energetic
In Body: Necessary for producing animal heat which converts food to Rasas for cellulose tissues and maintenance
Properties: Heat, sharpness, transformation
Fire drives metabolism and all transformative processes.
4. Air (Vayu)
Nature: Mobile, dynamic, subtle
In Body: Centered in the brain and nerves, responsible for all movements
Properties: Lightness, dryness, motion
Air governs all movement and communication in the body.
5. Space (Akash)
Nature: Ethereal, expansive, all-pervading
In Body: Centered in the brain and nerves, provides space for all other elements
Properties: Subtle, infinite, pervasive
Space provides room for all bodily functions and consciousness.
Six Tastes
Multiple combinations of the five elements determine six tastes: Sweet, Sour, Salt or Pungent, Astringent and Bitter.
These tastes, if exceeded or decreased in combinations, cause diseases to the human body.