Naturopathy System in Tamilnadu & Pondicherry

Naturopathy is not just a system of medicine but a way of life. It is often referred as drugless therapy. It is based mainly on the ancient practice of the application of the simple laws of nature. There are two schools of thought regarding the approach of Naturopathy. One group believes in the ancient Indian methods.

The advocacy of Naturopathy pay particular attention to eating and living habits, adoption of purificatory measures, use of hydrotherapy, cold packs, mud packs, massage and a variety of measure based on their innovative talent.

A carefully supervised total fast or partial fast is advocated to clear the system of toxic accumulation. Water or dilute fruit juices are permitted. The Naturopathy has to keep a strict supervision lest the patient may develop physical and emotional untoward effects. The system believes that, if the way of life is properly organized, one can get the bounties of energy, health and happiness from the benevolent nature. What one has to do for prevention of disease, promotion of health and to get therapeutic advantages is to adopt natural means to living. Naturopathy is based on various treatments like magneto therapy, massage therapy, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, reflexology, chromo therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, yoga therapy, diet therapy.

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Ayurvedic System of Medicines in Tamilnadu & Pondicherry

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine, which originated in northern India antiquity of which dates back to the period of vedas and this is said to be born from Atharva Veda. This knowledge has been gathered due to constant observation of nature for long years by men since the advent of civilization and cannot be attributed to any individual or a group of individuals by any stretch of imagination. Ayurveda is basically based on the predominance of three humours namely Vatha, Pittha and Kapha in the human body. Balanced state of these doshas denotes health and their imbalance produces disease.

Preceptors like Charaka, Susrutha have been benevolent enough to compile these invaluable treasure troves of knowledge to be passed on to posterity. The fact that Ayurveda has stood the test of time bears ample testimony to its efficacy till date.

It comprises of eight branches namely.

1. Kaya Chikitsa (General Medicine)

2. Kaumara Bhruthya (Paediatrics)

3. Bhutha Vidhya (Psychiatry)

4. Salakya (ENT and Ophthalmology and dentistry)

5. Shalya (Surgery)

6. Agada Tantra (Toxicology)

7. Rasayana (Rejuvenation Therapy)

8. Vajeekarana (Aphrodisiac therapy)

Pancha karma one of the areas of specialization, which has earned public acclaim in recent times, is also a part of the above branches. It enjoys popularity because of its being a hands on therapy and is very relaxing to the fatigued body and tired mind.

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Siddha System of Medicines In Tamilnadu & Pondicherry

Siddha System is one of the ancient traditional systems of medicine in India. Siddhars the spiritual scientists of Tamil land are the founding fathers of this scientific system.

According to Siddha System the human body is the replica of the universe  so are the food  and drugs irrespective of their origin. Siddha system believes that all objects in the universe including human body are composed of five basic primordial elements, namely earth, water, fire, air and space.  The human body is a conglomeration of three humors and seven physical components. The Food is considered to be basic building material of human body, which gets processed into humors, tissues and wastes.  The equilibrium of humors, body tissues and waste products is considered as health and its disturbance or imbalance leads to disease or pathologic state.

This system also deals with the concept of immortality and salvation in this life. The exponents of this system consider that achievement of this state is possible by regulated diet, medicine and processing of mind by yogic or spiritual exercises like meditation and yoga.

Siddhars described 96 principles as the constituents of Human Being. They include Physical, Physiological, Mental and Intellectual components of a person. They are nothing but the manifestations of the " Five Basic Elements ".

Disease:

Disease is a condition in which there is imbalance in the "Five Elements, which alters the "Three Rogams " which is also reflected in the seven physical constituents. The change disturbs the equilibrium and cause disease.

The basic concept of Siddha system of medicine is

" Food is Medicine - Medicine is Food"

Saint Thiruvalluvar says

" Miginum Kuraiyinum Noi Seyyum Noolor

Vali Mudhala Enniya Moondru "

"Wind, bile and phlegm three cause disease

so Doctors deem it more or less"

Diagnosis

" Noi Naadi Noi Mudhal Naadi Athu thanikkum

Vaai Naadi Vayppa Seyal."

"Test disease, its causes and cure

and apply remedy that is sure"

-  Thiruvalluvar.

It is always essential to identify the cause for any disease to be accepted as a “Scientific method " The Diagnostic methodology in Siddha Treatment is unique as it is made purely on the basis of the " Clinical Acumen " of the Physician. He examines the Tongue, complexion, speech, eyes, palpation in a patient and he also examines the urine and stools. The diagnosis is then confirmed by the " Pulse Diagnosis ".  The above approach is collectively known as “Eight types of examinations". However, the Siddha Physician now also accepts the modern diagnostic methods for the purpose of diagnosis.

TREATMENT :

The following line of treatment  have been in practice in Siddha medicine.

Using medicines like Choornam, Kudineer, Vadagam etc. made of  herbs.

Surgical methods like incision, excision, heat application, blood letting and leech application etc.

Physiotherapy - Thokkanam  and Varma,  the Siddha way of   Touch therapy, Medicated Oil application , Fomentation, herbal steam bath etc.

Using medicines  like Parpam, Chenduram,  Chuxnam etc . made of  minerals especially of metals.

MATERIA MEDICA:

Siddhars , with their clarified and intuitive intellect resulting from their yogic powers explored the nature and exploited the natural resources for the sake of humanity. They documented their findings about the characteristics of plants , metals,  minerals and animal products. They documented all their findings in the form of poems for the use of  posterity. Knowledge was transmitted from Guru to disciples. Their boundless knowledge on the properties of drugs, purification, processing, heat application, fixing dosage , toxicity , antidote and clinical application is astonishing  the modern scientific world.

SIGNIFICANCE:

The Siddha System is capable of treating all types of chronic diseases especially arthritis, skin problems urinary tract disorders, infertility , degenerative disorders like osteo arthritis , Senile Dementia, disease of  the  liver, medicinally treatable  Spinal  disorders ,general  debility ,diarrhea and intractable  allergic disorders..

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Siddha, Ayurveda & Unani Simple Home Remedies

Siddha, Ayurveda & Unani

Simple Home Remedies

" Food is Medicine - Medicine is Food"

Siddha

FEVER

For ordinary fever and intermittent fever the following decoction may be administered:-

Preparation

Take Nilavembu (Chiratta) leaves two handful add 2 glass of water boil and reduce to 50ml. and filter.

Dose: 1/2 glass 2 times or 3 times a day

If fever is accompanied with bodyache, 2 piece of Arathai (Galanga the lesser), one teaspoon of MILAGU (pepper) and 2 piece of CHUKKU (Dry Ginger) may be added for the above preparation. But the quantity of water to be increased proportionately.

If cough is present with fever, 10 Nos of Adathodai leaves (ADATHODA VASICA) may be added with the preparation.

COUGH

(a) Take three leaves of Adathodai(ADATHODA VASICA) cut them into small pieces, and put the pieces into a vessel. add two teaspoon full of honey and fry the content until some pleasant smell comes. At that stage add the following coarsely powdered Athimathuram(Jamaica liquorice) 1 piece Thippli (Piper longum) 1 pinch Thalisapathri (Flucourtia calaphracta) 1/2 gm., Chitharathai(galanga the lesser) 3 piece then add 4 glasses of water and boil, reduce to 1/2 glass.

Dose: 1/2 glass two times a day.

(b) Take 2 glasses of water. Add the following drugs, Adathodai leaves (Adathoda Vasica) three numbers, Kandankathiri leaves (Solanum Xanthocarpum) five numbers. Thulasi (holy basil) leaves five numbers Thoothuvalai (Trilobatum) leaves ten numbers and 3 gms.,  of Athimathuram (Jamaica liquorice) after roughly powdering them boil and reduce into 1/2 glass.

Dose: 1/2 glass two times a day with honey.

(c) 10 gms., of the root of Thoothuvalai(Trilobatum), grind with Cow's milk and to be taken in the morning.

(d) Adathodai leaves juice 30 ml. (ADATHODA VASICA) , Finely powdered Milagu(pepper) 6 gms., Perugayam (asafoetida) 1 gm. mixed all and take in the morning and evening.

(e) For Chronic cough, it will give relief when 2 gms.,  of chooranam (powder) which is made out of equal quantity of Kadukkai (Chebulic myrobolan, Ink nut) and "Thippli" (Piper longum) is administered in honey twice daily.

IRAIPPU - ERUMAL - (Bronchial Asthma)

a) Combine 2 Nanjaruppan (Tylophora Indica) leaves and two numbers of milagu (Pepper) and a piece of Chukku (Dry ginger) to be taken in the morning along with milk.

DRY COUGH

Keep a piece of Athimathuram (Indian Liquorice) and two numbers of Milagu(Pepper) in the mouth and swallow the saliva.

HEADACHE

a) For running nose, headache, boil Nochi leaves (vitex negundo) in the water and place red hot brick on it. The vapour is inhaled by covering the body with a blanket.

b) Juice of Thumbai flower (Leucus) 2 drops may be instilled in nostrils which will produce sneezing, after which headache (due to cold) will be relieved.

c) Produce smoke by putting Omam (Carum copticum) Milagu(Pepper) Poondu thole (rind of the garlic) in fire and inhale the same.

Flatulance due to indigestion

a) Omam (Carcum Copticum) 35 gms. Milgu (pepper) 35 gms.  fry. combine this with palm jaggery and grind.

Dose: Betal nut size, morning and evening.

(b) Poondu (Garlic) Milagu (Pepper) Karisalai leaves (Eclipta Alba) in equal parts. Grind and administer twice daily in betal nut size.

DYSENTERY

a) One Mangoosthan (Mangostain) fruit can be taken twice a day

b) Powdered dried mango fruit.

Dose: One teaspoonful with Butter milk two times a day.

c) Powder of Vetpalai seeds (Wrightiatinctoria).

Dose: One teaspoonful with honey two times a day.

d) Powdered kadukkai thole (Rind of the Terminalia Chebula).

Dose: two gms. with honey.

e) Mathulampazha thole (rind of the Pomegranate) 10 gms., 

Mangoosthan pazha thole (rind of the Garcinia mangosthan 10 gms. Lavangam (clove) 4 gms., 

Kasakasa (opium poppy seeds) one teaspoonful.

Powder the above drugs coarsely and boil with the 2 gms. of water and reduce to half and filter.

Dose: 30 ml. two times a day.

f) Extract milk from half of a coconut, and mix 2 gms., of Kasukkatti (catechu) and administer two times a day.

VOMITING

a) Soak Seeragam (Cumin seed) in the lime juice and dry. Then powder the Seeragam nicely.

Dose: 500 mg. with honey two times a day.

b) Burn vasambu (acorus calamus) until it becomes coal and powder.

Dose: 200 mg. with honey.

c) Take equal quantity of juice of Mathulam Pazham (Pomegranate fruit) and cane sugar. Boil till it becomes a syrup. Administer one teaspoonful twice day.

CONSTIPATION

a) Soak ten gms. of dried Drakshai (Grapes) in sufficient water for some time and crush the Drakshai and take it at bed time.

b) Take five-numbers of Seemai Athippazham (Country fig) at bed time

c) Take papaya fruit either with food or separately (except pregnant ladies)

d) Soak 5 gms. of Nilavarai leaves (Indian senna leaves) in 1 glass of water for sometimes, and make it as a decoction 1/2 glass and filter it and take it at bed time.

FEVER WITH THIRST

Boil 5 gms., of alpagoda pazham (Prunus communis) in 1/2 glass of water, reduce to quarter, filter and administered with sugar, quantity sufficient at bed time. It acts as a Laxative also.

WHITE DISCHARGE

Five drops of Chandana Athar (Sandalwood oil) to be taken with Peyan vazhaippazham (Plantain) twice daily.

POLYUREA

a) Take dried flowers of Avarai (cassia auriculata), the tanner cassiae, 15 gms and prepare decoction with sufficient quantity of water.

Dose: 60 ml. two times a day.

b) Juice extracted from Kodippagal Kai (Bitter gourd) and to be taken in doses of 1/2 oz. (15 ml) twice daily.

SCABIES AND ITCHES

a) Juice of Kuppaimeni leaves (Acalypha Indica) with common salt may be applied externally.

b) Soak one part of karbogi Arisi(Psoralia corylifolia) in four  parts of coconut oil and apply the oil externally for skin infection.

c) Grind Arugampul (Cynodon daetylon) with a piece of Turmeric and apply externally for skin infection.

PADARTHAMARAI(Ringworm Infection)

Extract juice from the pods of Poovarasam(Thespesi piopulrea) and apply externally.

DANDRUFF

a) Grind Kattu Seeragam (Vemonnia anthelmintica with lime juice and apply on the head)

b) Take equal quantities of Kichilli Kizhangu (curcuma Zedoaria) manippungan Kai (seeds of sepaidus trifoliates) and Kasthuri Manjal (Curcuma aromatica) grind with water and apply on the head and take bath.

HAIR TONIC

Take Nellikai (Indian goose berry) juice 2 litres. Buffalo's milk 2 litres and gingelly oil 1 litre, boil up to thyla bagum and filter it, apply to the hair daily.

MANTHAM

a) Veliparuthi (Daemia Extensa) juice 15 drops to be mixed with one teaspoonful of castor oil and can be given in the morning.

b) Nochi (Vitex negundo), Nuna (Morinda tinctoria) Poduthalai (Leppia Nodiflora) is taken in equal parts (5 gms.) add 60ml. of water and reduce to 15 ml. by boiling, can be given in one teaspoonful dose three times a day.

c) Take 50ml. of water add 2 gms. of perungayam (Ferula asafoetida) and dissolve it. Administer 3 teaspoonful of solution with 5 drops of oma theeneer (distilled from carum trachyspermum roxburghianum) twice a day.

Ayurveda

Pyrexia (Fever).

1. Decoction of  Parpataka herb (parpadakapul)  1/4 tumbler relieves pyrexia.

2. Tinospora (Seenthikodi) decoction with some black pepper powder will relieve chronic fevers -1/4 tumbler & 1/4 tea spoon respectively.

3. Sacred basil leaf (tulasi) juice and Leucus (tumbai) leaf juice along with some black pepper will cure periodic fevers--two teaspoon each and 1/4 tea spoon respectively.

Coughs

1. Take the decoction of Adhatoda roots with some honey and powder of long pepper-1/4 tumbler  with  1/4 tea spoon  and one teaspoon honey.

2. Ginger juice with honey is also a good remedy--1/2  teaspoon juice with one teaspoon honey.

3. Take about  1 pinch of Chebulic myrobalan (Kadukkai) powder with some honey or equal quantity of liquorice root powder (Athimadhuram).  It cures cough with inflamed throat.

4. Leucus Leaf (tumbai) juice with honey is useful in whooping cough  1/2 teaspoonful with 1/2 teaspoon  honey.

Diarrhoea.

1. Take the pulp of Bael fruit (bilva) along with some sugar to relieve Diarrhoeas  accompanied by stomach ache--1 tea spoon.

2. Mix equal volumes of yellow wood sorrel leaf (puliyarai) juice and butter milk and   boil.  Add  1/4 tea spoon of Ajowan (omam) powder.  It cures diarrhoeas and dysentery 2 teaspoon.

3. Take powdered nut gall (masikkai) and  mix with some honey 1/4 tea spoon.  Three doses  will cure diarrhoes and dysentery in children.

4. Take Nutmeg (Jadikkai) and tender mango leaves in equal parts by weight and make  decoction.  This is to be given with honey 2 teaspoon.

5. Powder of nut grass tubers (korai Kizhangu) and Aswagand tubers (amukara  kizhangu) in equal quantity is given with honey--1 teaspoon.

6. Long pepper (arisitippili) ground with milk is to be given for three days to treat   chronic dysentery--1/2 tea spoon.

Emesis (Vomiting)

1. Take powdered coriander (daniya) or cardamom (elakkai) with tender coconut water         --1/2 tea spoon..

2. Give some quantity of coriander powder with rice washed water and sugar candy to  cure morning sickness-- 1  tea spoon  in 1/4 tumbler

Constipation.

1. Take castor (amanakku) root decoction with cow's milk and sugar in the morning in  empty stomach--Each 1/4 tumbler.

2. Grind castor root with some butter into fine paste, Apply a little on the tongue of   infants to relieve constipation--1pinch.

Emaciation and Weakness.

Take  equal 2 tea spoon powder of Aswagant roots with some milk and sugar or with  gingelly oil.  Regular in take will remove fatigue and weakness and it is an anabolic.

Tooth Ache.

1. Use long pepper powder with  some guggulu glu for brushing and cleaning the teeth.

2. Grind Fenugreek seeds (vendayam) with egg albumin into a fine paste and apply on the     cheek ( 2  tea spoon.).

3. Gargle with ginger juice mixed with honey 

4. Gargle with a decoction of drum stick root juice and Mustard 1/2 tumbler. ( 2 tea spoon Mustard).

Head Ache

1. Grind cleaning nut (tetrankotai)  in egg albumin and apply externally.

Unani

1.	Sue-a-Hazam (Indigestion)	a) Sounf (Sombu) Sugar b) Adrak (Inji)     Namak (Uppu)	Powder the ingredients in equal parts 1/2 teaspoon to be taken twice a day after food. Make Adrak into small bits 1/2 teaspoon of  adrak with a pinch of salt to be taken after food.
2.	Quabz (Constipation)	a) Ispaghoul b) Sanna leaves (Nilavarai)     Sugar	One teaspoon of Ispaghoul to be soaked in 1/2 a cup of water for 2 hours Luab-e-Ispaghoul to be taken at bed time. One table spoon of  sanna leaves to be boiled in one cup of milk and filtered. The filterate to be mixed with sufficient quantity of sugar and to be taken on empty stomach early in the morning
3.	Ishal (Diarrhoea)	Amla (Nellikai) Sugar	12 Nos. soaked in sufficient quantity of water over night. Boil it and make paste without seeds. The paste to be added to the khivam of sugar. 1/2 teaspoon to be taken twice a day.
4.	Sual (Cough)	a) Asal-e-soos (Adimathuram)     Sugar b) Chilbeenj (Thetankottai)     Honey	10 Nos. of Asal-e-soos with two table spoon of sugar to be powdered. 1/2 teaspoon grams of powder to be taken thrice a day with water. 10 Nos. of chilbeennj (fried and powdered) mixed with 1/2 cup quantity of warm honey. 1/4 teaspoon to be taken twice a day.
5.	Sailanur Raham (Leucorrhoea)	Saboos-e-Ispaghoul (Ispaghoul ummi)	Two teaspoon of saboos-e-Ispaghoul with 1/4 cup quantity of honey to be taken twice a day.
6.	Hurkatul - bole (Burning micturition)	Dry Kharkhask (Nerunji Mullu)	Three table spoon of Dry Kharkhask soaked in 3 cup of water over night. Boil and filter it next morning. 1/2 cup of filterate to be taken with pinch of sugar twice a day.
7.	Wajaul Asnan (Tooth Ache)	Tanbaku (Pugaiyilai) 10 grams Siahmirch (Millagu) 2 grams	Powder the ingredients, use as tooth powder.
8.	Hikkah (Scabies)	Berg-e-Neem (Veppelai fresh)	Three table spoon of Berg-e-Neem is boiled in 1/2 cup of water and Honey filtered. 1/2 cup of the filterate to be taken with honey twice a day.
9.	Wajaul Meda (Abdominal pain)	Namak-e-Hazim (Appam soda) 6 gms. Ilaichi Dane (Elakai vidai) 2 gms.	Both to be powdered final and 3 grams to be taken twice a day with water.
10.	Be-khabi (Sleeplessness)	Khashkhash safeed 10 gms. Kasakasa Roghane-Kunjad (Nalla Ennai)	Soak Khashkhash safeed in 1/2 cup of Roghan-e-kunjad over night. Boil, cool and filter it. Apply externally to the head at bed time.
11.	Yerkhan (Jaundice)	Tukm-e-Kasni 5gms. (Kasni virai) Gul-e-Surkh 15 gms. (Rojappu)	Both to be soaked 1 1/2 cup of water over night. Boil and filter it. 1/2 a cup of filterate to be taken twice a day.
12.	Humma (Fever)	Gulbail 15 gms. (Seendil kodi)	Soak 1 1/2 in cup of water over night, boil and filter it next morning. 1 1/2 cup of the filterate to be taken twice a day.

Note : If the symptom persists even after three days consult your nearest Siddha / Ayurveda / Unani Doctor for further course of treatment

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