The Siddha system of medicine is a form of south indian traditional medicine. It is believed by followers to have been handed over to the Siddhar by the Gods. Siddhars were the followers of Lord Shiva(saivam).
According to the scriptures, there were 18 principal Siddhars. Of these 18, saint Agasthiyar is believed to be the father of Siddha Medicine.
Siddhas believe that a healthy soul can only be developed through a healthy body. So they have developed methods and medication that are believed to strengthen their physical body and thereby their souls. They wrote scriptures about how this can be done. Through these methods they believe disease can be removed and they believe they can also gain immortality.
The Siddhars wrote their knowledge in palm leaf manuscripts, fragments of which were found in different parts of South India. It is believed that some families may possess more fragments, but keep them solely for their own use.
From these manuscripts, the Siddha System of medicine developed into a part of Indian medical science. Today there are recongnised Siddha Medical Colleges, run under the government universities where Siddha medicine is taught.
Siddha medicine, like ayurveda, categories diseases into Vata,Pitta and Kapha.
