Siddha system of medicine is one of the oldest systems of medicine practiced in South India especially in Tamil Nadu. It is a traditional system of medicine which is gradually evolved along with the Dravidians culture and hence this system is known as Dravidian system of medicine. The exponents of Siddha system of medicine are called Siddhars.

This system is mainly based on Andapinda Thathuvam that means the relationship between the universe and human body. These two are interlinked through the five basic principles which are known as Panchaboothas. The structural aspect of the human body is said to be Udal Thathus (i.e. the physical component of the human body) and the functional units of the human body is said to be Uyir Thathus (the physiological units i.e., Vatham, Pitham, and Kapham). Functional co-operation of these two are essential for the maintenance of health.

It is very vast in Siddha when compared with other indigenous system of medicine. In siddha system, thousands of raw drugs are used. These drugs are categorized into three groups, namely herbal products, metal, mineral products and animal products. Before preparing medicines, siddha physicians laid a great emphasis in purification of raw drugs. More than 80% of the siddha medicines are formulated by herbal products. But in certain life threatening diseases and in many chronic diseases the herbal medicines alone is not much effective. In such conditions, Siddhars enumerated some herbo-metal and herbo-mineral formulations. These types of medicines are prepared by a standard purification and preparatory techniques and the finished product is very minute and it seems to be size of nano microns or even less.

Treatments in siddha are widely classified in to 64 types i.e. 32 types of internal medications and 32 external treatments. Some preventive measurements are also clearly mentioned in siddha system. Among theses diet plays major role. One should take proper diet in proper time with proper quantity, need not worry about diseases. Therayar, a Siddha exponent insists some preventive methods to be followed on a day-to-day basis as well as seasonal basis which are highly useful for preventing many of the life style diseases.

Salient Features of Siddha – Simple and safe medicines, Very effective for chronic ailments, Not only for correct the diseases but it also maintains the perfect state of the body, Medicines are palatable, Treatment available for all age groups, Specific treatment for old age (Geriatrics) problems, Enhance the immunity of growing children, Varma therapy are highly effective for neurological, musculo-skeletal problems and promotes physical and mental fitness.