Some Reflections on Siddha Medicine in Tamilnadu

This paper offers some observations on the history and development of Siddha medicine in Tamilnadu from the point of view of a scholar of Indian medicine, whose special focus has been the Sanskrit medical tradition. Contrary to popular belief, this paper offers that opinion that the basic principles and many of the practices now employed in Siddha medicine result from a combination of indigenous medical practices along with theoretical and practical elements derived primarily from A yurveda and also perhaps from the Arabic based Unani – medicine. Although much more serious research is required, this study is based on a sound assessment of the available secondary sources on Siddha medicine and its history.