Medicine Traditions
  • Home
  • About
  • Resources
    • Brief Overview of Traditional Medicine
    • Timeline
    • Authors and Sources
    • Glossaries
    • Articles on Traditional Medicine
    • Photos
    • Medicine Pictures
    • Substitute Medicines
  • Theory
  • Materia Medica
    • Ayurvedic Materia Medica
    • Chinese Materia Medica
    • Tibetan Materia Medica
    • Unani Materia Medica
    • Materia Medica of Herbal Medicine FREE
    • Materia Medica of Herbal Medicine PRO >
      • *Symphytum, Comfrey
    • Animal Materia Medica
    • Mineral Materia Medica
    • Chinese Classification
    • Western Classification
    • Humoral Medicine
    • Herbal Combinations
  • Formulas
  • Treatment
    • Types of Treatment in Traditional Medicine
    • Treatment of Specific Conditions
    • Diseases and Formulas
  • Patient Resources
  • Links & Texts
  • Contact Us
  • Store
  • Blog
Picture

Introduction to Traditional Indian Medicine

Ayurveda & Siddha

There are 2 Great ancient systems of Indian Traditional Medicine, Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine, with various other Traditional Medicine systems practiced in various parts of India, including Tibetan and Unani Medicine.

Ayurveda has its origin in the Vedic texts, while Siddha is traced back to the Tamil Siddhas. Ayurveda originated in central and northern India. It is believed the texts were composed between 1200–1500 BCE in north-western India.
Siddha medicine originated in Tamil Nadu, Southern India and is believed to originate in the Indus Valley civilization during the 3rd millennium BCE. According to some sources, Siddha is the oldest medical system still practiced, and yet other sources will claim the same for Ayurveda. Some have even suggested Siddha may have begun in Northern India or Himalayas and was pushed southward by Muslim invaders to the north.


It appears evident that they have a great deal in common, yet are independent. Both systems share some common theory including 5 Elements and three Dosas (Pitta/Bile, Kapha/Phlegm, Vata/Wind). Both have an advanced understanding of the preparation and use of metal and mineral ingredients including Mercury, and many of the herbs used are common to both systems. From a practical viewpoint, it is perhaps their formulas where they most differ.

Therapies used include Panchakarma (cleansing), Bloodletting, Regimental treatment, Herbs, Massage, Yoga, Meditation, Mantra etc.


See also

Ayurvedic Materia Medica
Ayurveda & Siddha Formulas

Glossary of Ayurvedic Medicine Names
Glossary of Ayurvedic Disease Names
Herb Groups in Ayurveda
Ayurvedic Herbs used in Unani Medicine

Image credit: 13th-century Sanskrit medical manuscript Cikitsāsārasaṅgraha by Vaṅgasena by Ms Sarah Welch (Wikimedia)

Home
ABOUT
RESOURCES

materia medica – FREE
Materia Medica – PRO
Classifications


Diseases & Formulas
Links & Texts
Patient Resources

Shop
Texts for Sale
Contact us

TERMS OF USE

PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright © 2015–2021
  • Home
  • About
  • Resources
    • Brief Overview of Traditional Medicine
    • Timeline
    • Authors and Sources
    • Glossaries
    • Articles on Traditional Medicine
    • Photos
    • Medicine Pictures
    • Substitute Medicines
  • Theory
  • Materia Medica
    • Ayurvedic Materia Medica
    • Chinese Materia Medica
    • Tibetan Materia Medica
    • Unani Materia Medica
    • Materia Medica of Herbal Medicine FREE
    • Materia Medica of Herbal Medicine PRO >
      • *Symphytum, Comfrey
    • Animal Materia Medica
    • Mineral Materia Medica
    • Chinese Classification
    • Western Classification
    • Humoral Medicine
    • Herbal Combinations
  • Formulas
  • Treatment
    • Types of Treatment in Traditional Medicine
    • Treatment of Specific Conditions
    • Diseases and Formulas
  • Patient Resources
  • Links & Texts
  • Contact Us
  • Store
  • Blog