Thomas M Walter

ABSTRACT Siddha is one of the Ancient Traditional Medical systems of India. Siddhars’ are the founders of this ancient Science. The word Siddhi means ‘Perfection, a goal to be attained’. Siddha system of Medicine offers Holistic approach towards a healthier Life style in harmony with the nature. The specialty also lies in the fact that they are not only therapeutic, but also prophylactic in nature. This system of medicine which is being practiced in the Tamil speaking areas of the world offer time tested, safe and many ethical guidelines to lead a disease free life. Changes in Diet, Environment and Occupational Hazards etc, plays a vital role in inducing stress related conditions. This is in contrary to the Healthier Life style which our forefathers enjoyed centuries back. In that way, the authors of this review paper has compiled Ten ethical commandments as found in Classical Siddha texts such as Therayar Yemaga Venba, and Siddha Maruthuvanga Churukkam. The Ten Ethical commandments deals with aspects of food as Medicine, Sleep, Rest and relaxation techniques, Thamboolam (Conventional Betel chewing), Criteria of Physician, required qualities of drinking water, Information about the accompanying person of a patient and Messenger inviting a physician, Ethical aspects of Nuptial relationship, essentials of Siddha psychiatry, Dress code, Relavence of Yoga and Pranayama to the present day and the concept of ‘Kayakarpam’ (panacea). Individual guidelines regarding the Ten Commandments and the ill-effects of deviating away from these ethical issues are also discussed in detail.

ABSTRACT The active role of siddha medicine in combating chronic diseases is being widely recognized nowadays. In that way, immobile patients who have bedsores carry a high incidence of morbidity and even mortality. A decubitus ulcer, also called a pressure sore or bed sore, is an open wound on the skin. Pressure sores often occur on the skin covering bony areas. The most common places for a pressure sore to appear include hips, back, ankles, and buttocks. A considerable number of nearly 1300 new cases of decubitus ulcers are occurring on a daily basis globally. This has resulted in deaths amounting up to 34,320 during 2000-2002 in US alone. While going through the classic siddha literatures, the authors of this paper found out a very promising remedy Padukkai Pun Podi (PPP) and decided to carryout Anti-microbial sensitivity testing to prove its efficacy in treating decubitus ulcers. Disc diffusion method was followed with Mueller Hinton Agar as the culture media. The organisms tested were Pseudomonas auroginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Klebsiella pneumonia, E.coli, The test results show that the drug PPP is sensitive against Streptococcus mutans and E.coli. The clinical significance of the Anti-microbial study results are discussed in detail.

Kidney stone affect 10-12% of the population in industrialized countries. The average life time risk of stone formation has been reported in the range of 5-10%. Recurrent stone formation is a common part of the medical care of patients with stone diseases. The aetiology of this disorder is multi factorial and is strongly related to dietary lifestyle habits or practices. Increased rates of hypertension, diabetes and obesity which are linked to nephrolithiasis, also contribute to an increase in stone formation. Hence, this study was undertaken to find out the prevalence among kidney stone patients. Aim and objectives: To assess the prevalence of kidney stone among patients visiting in OPD-1, Dept.ofMaruthuvam (Medicine), National Institute of Siddha and also to find out the risk factors influencing the development of kidney stones especially Family history, inadequate fluid intake, Stress, Over weight and Obesity, Dietary habits and lifestyle modifications, association with other dise...

The concept of Single herbs as Therapeutic agents is widely recognized nowadays. In Traditional Siddha system of Medicine, there is a concept known as, „Yegha Mooligai Prayogam (Yega – single, Mooligai – herb and Prayogam – application)‟ which deals with single herbs and their clinical application. Unlike poly herbal formulas consisting of herbs, metals and minerals, single herb therapy is safe, convenient, economical and time tested. In that way the use of Kungliyam (Resin of Shorea robusta) is well documented in Traditional Siddha literatures especially for conditions such as Menorrhagia, Leucorrhoea and all types of wounds including burns and scalds. This review paper gives a complete insight of this resin including its Pharmacognosy, Habitat, Types in Siddha Medicine, Phyto-chemistry, Traditional uses and results of In-vivo studies carried throughout the World.

The importance of Herbal medicines is increasing nowadays. This impact creates a huge awareness among public to undergo traditional treatment methods in order to maintain a disease free healthy life. This concept in particularly true when it comes to the management of Non-communicable diseases (N.C.D). Not only in developing countries like India, the demand of herbal medicines are increasing in developed Countries due to growing recognition of natural plants possessing no drastic side effects, being time tested, easily availability and also cost effectiveness. According to Traditional Indian Siddha system of medicine, Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is denoted as ‘Gunmam’ [1]. It is again classified into 8 types according to the symptoms and clinical picture. Gunmam (PUD) is one among the major and commonly occurring problem worldwide. Peptic ulcers are a broad term that includes ulcers of digestive tract in the stomach or the duodenum. The formation of peptic ulcers depends on the presence of acid and peptic activity in gastric juice plus a breakdown in mucosal defenses. The authors of this paper, decided to document the literary review of ‘Gunma Kuligai (GK)’ having its reference in Traditional Siddha text, “Sikitcha rathna deepam” [2]. Complete literary review and Pharmacological activities of the ‘Gunma kuligai’ for its antiulcer and gastroprotective effects are documented here.

Medicinal plants are sources of great economical value in Indian subcontinent. In recent years the importance and value of Herbal remedies for all sorts of diseases are being discussed widely. Herbal remedies have their origin in the household of Indians. People are well aware about the medicinal properties of the ingredients of their daily diet. Medicinal plants are naturally gifted with invaluable bio active compounds which form the back bone of Traditional medicines. Many infectious diseases have been known to be treated with herbal remedies throughout the history of mankind. This action is due to the presence of phyto-chemical components like glycosides, tannins, alcohols, aldehydes etc., those chemical components are not only for the discovery of therapeutic agents but are also an asset for the future genera. Due to the fast phased lifestyle and polluted atmosphere people are exposed to many lifestyle disorders especially skin diseases. This review paper deals with the single h...

Tamil Civilization is one of the most Ancient Civilizations of the world. Tamil language which is being given the status of one among the World Classical languages (Semmozhi) has many specialties including Siddha medicine. Recent studies shows that, the world population is more attracted towards the Traditional systems of medicine because of being Time tested, Safe and Economical. Traditional Siddha Medicine is Holistic in nature and it considers the well being of both Mind and Body. The Classical Siddha literatures written centuries back by the great Siddhars contain Guidelines to be followed by all to lead a Healthy and Disease free life. With the advancement of Science and Technology and in a fast paced Lifestyle, the relevance of these ethical Considerations arises doubt whether they can be implemented or not. In order to have a clear idea regarding the feasibility of implementing Traditional Siddha Ethics into practice, the Authors decided to conduct a survey among the Siddha M...

The concept of “ANTIOXIDANT” is no way new to the Traditional Siddha Medicine. It is well known and described as “KAYA KARPAM-Rejuvenating Drugs” in Siddha medicine. The term “Antioxidant” refers to the substances that Delays Aging Process. Scientifically, an Antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecule. Oxidation reaction produces free radicals. When this reaction occurs in a cell it can cause damage or death to the cell. Therefore antioxidants avoid oxidation reaction by removing the free radicals. According to the studies on Life Expectancy of Humans, it is revealed that in recent days, it is reduced to the maximum age of 65years; this is because of the living habits of the people. To solve this, the method of “Kaya Karpam-Antioxidant” is followed in Siddha medicine which provides a long healthy life. The Authors of this paper studied the Antioxidant property of a Siddha drug “Kirambu chooranam” having its reference in the text book “Gunapadam-Mooligai”...

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Traditional Indian Medicine are the earliest known Medical systems of the world. Both have contributed to the overall wellbeing and have pioneered to newer horizons in providing Holistic Health care. This review paper is a small attempt to document the similarities of herbs which are common to both Traditional systems and also to find out their inevitable roles in managing Non- Communicable Diseases. Both India and China are known as the “Emporium of Medicinal plants” due to availability of thousands of herbs which has got several unique properties. We are using herbal drugs in day to day practice as home remedies, health foods, Over-The –Counter (OTC as self medication) and as prescribed drugs in the Traditional Medicine sector. This strategy supports an integrated approach to herbal remedies for all sorts of diseases including some deadly lifestyle disorders including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, obesity, respiratory disorders, diabetes etc. This review paper is a small attempt to document the similarities of herbs which are common to both Traditional systems and also to find out their inevitable roles in managing Non-Communicable Diseases.

Traditional Siddha system of Medicine is widely practiced in Tamilnadu and Tamil speaking areas of the World. With the specialty as one of the World’s ancient Traditional systems of Medicine, its importance is being felt and widely discussed now-a-days. Apart from its tremendous healing properties, it is also alleged of not having remedies for emergencies such as Cardiac conditions, acute respiratory conditions, bleeding disorders etc. On the other hand, such conditions have always been dealt by our forefathers’ even centuries back. In olden days the Siddhars’ (founders of Siddha Medicine) used lots of herbs to treat cardiac and respiratory conditions, heal wounds, treat Snake bites, Scorpion bite, dreaded diseases like Cancer and STD/VD etc and documented them in the form of Palm leaf manuscripts, stone and copper scriptures etc.. With the advancement of Medicine, the treatment options and parameters have changed, but the concepts that our ancestors followed so far remains in the o...

The active role of siddha medicine in combating chronic diseases is being widely recognized nowadays. In that way, immobile patients who have bedsores carry a high incidence of morbidity and even mortality. A decubitus ulcer, also called a pressure sore or bed sore, is an open wound on the skin. Pressure sores often occur on the skin covering bony areas. The most common places for a pressure sore to appear include hips, back, ankles, and buttocks. A considerable number of nearly 1300 new cases of decubitus ulcers are occurring on a daily basis globally. This has resulted in deaths amounting up to 34,320 during 2000-2002 in US alone. While going through the classic Siddha literatures, the authors of this paper found out a very promising remedy PPP and decided to carryout Anti-microbial sensitivity testing to prove its efficacy in treating decubitus ulcers. Disc diffusion method was followed with Mueller Hinton Agar as the culture media. The organisms tested were Pseudomonas auroginos...

Fever is documented as a separate disease as per Traditional Siddha Indian Medicine. There are 64 types of fever among which 52 types occur due to intrinsic causes and 12 types occur due to Extrinsic factors. Intrinsic causes are due to the disturbances in the Vatha, Pitha and Kapha equilibrium. Some of the extrinsic factors include fever arising out of God's wrath, excessive sexual desire, due to black magic, curse, trauma, phobia etc. Fever as a symptom arises due to various aetiologies. It is also a main factor for complications such as Febrile fits, Shock, Dehydration and Hallucinations (apparent perception of something not present). Infants and children are more vulnerable for the after effects of fever. This usually happens due to delayed medical attention, Lack of Transport facilities and Manpower especially in rural areas. While thinking of designing a topical application for the effective management and control of fever, the Authors of this work, based upon their wide c...

Siddha system is one among the Traditional medicines of India which is well known for its ability to cure the root cause of disease and hence effective in treating severe chronic diseases also. It is a well known fact that, it is safe, time tested, without any drastic adverse effects. Siddha pharmacology consists of 32 internal and 32 External medicines. While treating a patient, both Internal and External medicine plays equal role in alleviating the burden of the disease. The external medicationsinclude Topical application, therapeutic massage, fumigations, instillation of medicated drops, application of oil and bath powders etc. The authors' of this paper has scientifically explored the Physio-chemical and Anti-microbial sensitivity testing of a external topical drug 'Thengai ennai'' a poly herbal formula which is indicated for Skin diseases like Scabies & Eczema. This preparation ishaving its reference in siddha text 'Anubhoga vaithya Gunabhothini'.The Phy...

Cancers are one among the leading causes of human death worldwide and the incidence continues to increase. Patients and their relatives are alarmed at the higher risk of morbidity and mortality this disease carries with it. Issues like prolonged hospitalization, treatment adherence, treatment costs and quality of living also annoy the patient and naturally they look for alternatives with proven track record. Here comes the wonderful therapeutic and prophylatic role of Traditional systems of Medicine. While the disease itself is not new to the mankind and it has always been dealt with since time immemorial by effective Traditional Siddha and Ayurvedic remedies. Cancer is known as 'Putru' in Siddha Medicine which literally means 'Termite mound' because of its proliferative nature. Breast Cancer is the leading cause of death in women worldwide among other types of Cancers. Breast cancer risk in India is One in Twenty. The risk is more at Urban areas (one in twenty two) ...

‘Kaya Karpa’ medicines find a special place in Traditional Siddha Medicine. These medicines especially when they are from Herbo-mineral origin are enriched with anti-oxidant principles etc. Iru nelli karpam, a herbo-mineral medicine containing Sulphur (Kanthagam) processed with the juice of Phyllanthus emblica (Nellikai) is widely used for treating skin disorders. Nellikai kanthagam and Nellikai are the two ingredients used in this preparation and hence the name, ‘Iru Nelli Karpam’. Theriyar compares Kanthagam with a mother nurturing her child. Nellikai, one among the ‘Thiripala’ is a well known Karpam. This medicine was prepared as per the Standard Operative Procedures (SOP) and subjected to Heavy metal analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The results indicate the presence of Sulphur, Iron, Manganese, Copper and Lead. The results along with their biological importance are being discussed in this paper.

The awareness and use of Traditional Siddha Indian Medicine is on the increase in this globalized world. The specialty lies in its therapeutic potential in curing chronic diseases such as Arthritis, dermatological conditions, life style disorders etc. The usage of NSAID in the treatment of painful musculo-skeletal conditions often results in adverse effects such as gastric irritation, renal damage etc. On the other hand, poly herbal medicines are safe, effective, time-tested and devoid of drastic side-effects. Siddha Medicine has many such herbal medicines indicated for the treatment of Vatha (arthritis). This research paper deals with the In-vitro Anti-inflammatory screening of such a medicine documented in Classic Siddha text, ‘Yugi Muni Vaithiya Kaaviyam’ and specially indicated for ‘Kudaithiri Vaatham’ – which can be correlated to a kind of Rheumatism attended with pain all over the body especially in the loins. In our study we reproduced an inflammatory state by treating THP-1 ...

One among the many specialities of Siddha Materia Medica is that the Physicians’ themselves can prepare their own medicines. Although there may be variations in the way and method of preparing medicines, major differences in preparing the same medicine will not benefit the well being of the patient. This concept is of much importance when the medicine contains poly metal and mineral ingredients. Even though the Government and regulatory bodies stress to follow one standard Pharmacopoeia, traditional practitioners and qualified physicians follow various methods to prepare a single medicine. In order to scientifically prove the differences in preparing the same medicine by different methods, the Authors’ of this paper decided to test two different samples of ‘Kanthaga parpam’ through AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry). The first sample (S1), was prepared by a Traditional Practitioner and the second sample (S2) was purchased from the Pharmacy (Market sample). The differences in ...

Page 1. AYA BRINGARAJA KARPAM – A Boon for Geriatric Practice H. Nalini Sofia*, K. Manickavasakam**, Thomas M. Walter• INTRODUCTION The Siddha System of medicine is regarded as the most unique system especially in the preparation of “Kaya Kalpa” drugs. ...

Plants have always been a common source of medicament either in the form of traditional preparations or pure active principles. It is well known that traditional herbal medicines existed before the application of the modern scientific methods to health care; and even today majority of the world population depends on herbal health care practices1. Cyprus rotundus is a plentiful species occurring throughout the plains of India, especially South India. It is well documented in ancient literature for the therapeutic uses of skin, urinary, digestive and reproductive diseases. The present review covers the basic botanical information, Physical properties, Therapeutic actions, Phytochemistry, Ethno medicinal uses, Experimental Pharmacology and Classical preparations from AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy) systems of Medicine.

ABSTRACT The concept of “ANTIOXIDANT” is no way new to the Traditional Siddha Medicine. It is well known and described as “KAYA KARPAM-Rejuvenating Drugs” in Siddha medicine. The term “Antioxidant” refers to the substances that Delays Aging Process. Scientifically, an Antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecule. Oxidation reaction produces free radicals. When this reaction occurs in a cell it can cause damage or death to the cell. Therefore antioxidants avoid oxidation reaction by removing the free radicals. According to the studies on Life Expectancy of Humans, it is revealed that in recent days, it is reduced to the maximum age of 65years; this is because of the living habits of the people. To solve this, the method of “Kaya Karpam-Antioxidant” is followed in Siddha medicine which provides a long healthy life. The Authors of this paper studied the Antioxidant property of a Siddha drug “Kirambu chooranam” having its reference in the text book “Gunapadam-Mooligai” which serves as a standard text book for both U.G & P.G courses of Siddha Medicine. This drug is a Poly Herbo-mineral preparation. Anti-oxidant properties of this formula were studied using Nitrous oxide radical scavenging and Total Anti-oxidant activity assays and the results are being discussed.

The primary objective is to evaluate the microbial efficacy and biofilm destruction potency of Siddha polyherbal formulation “Sagadevinei’’ and secondary objective is to correlate the ingredients with Siddha principles such as Suvai (Taste) and Panchabootha thathuvam (five elements theory). The In vitro microbial activity of Sagadevinei (SDN) has been carried out through Agar well diffusion method and evaluated the Escherichia coli biofilm destruction potency, by growing of Escherichia coli to form biofilm in coverslip. The coverslip insisted with biofilm were stained by Acridine Orange (AO Staining), and the potency has observed under fluorescent microscope. The result shows significant microbial activity in five common microorganisms and the drug revealed marked potency against E. coli strain. Further bio-film destruction potency of the test drug was also carried out and discussed. There is a huge need for a drug from herbal origin to tackle the situation of a post antibiotic era....

Nandukkal parpam is a siddha formulation indicated mainly for kidney diseases especially kidney stone. This drug was tested for anti microbial property against Proteus Vulgaris, E-cloi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus by Agar-disk diffusion method and the results obtained from the study showed that NKP has antimicrobial property against Proteus Vulgaris, E-cloi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the drug is not effective against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus.

ABSTRACT In a commercialized world, where the word “ETHICS” seems to be a goal, hard to attain and implement, Traditional Indian systems of medicine particularly Siddha offer a wide arena for reversing the philosophical considerations. Hippocrates oath plays a vital role in each and every Physician’s life. They undertake this oath when coming out of their Medical Colleges and try to implement it in their practice. In traditional Siddha Medicine, the Physicians study Ethics along with their subjects since this is a Holistic system. Siddha traditions blend in the people’s life in such a way that in some parts of India particularly in rural areas Physicians are considered as next to God. Even today there is a practice among the rural people of India to remove their footwear when entering into a Physician’s room which they do only before entering their place of Worship. This habit is being passed away through generations. So, it becomes the responsibility of the Physicians to follow ethical perspectives in serving the people who are giving them the highest attainable place. A separate chapter regarding Physicians and their characters are found in the classic Siddha text “Theraiyar Yemaga Venba” and “Siddha Maruthuvanga Churukkam”. These texts have elaborated definition and specialities of a Physician, synonyms along with their meanings, the three eyes needed for a Doctor, books to be learned which includes Anatomy, Physiology, Astrology, Logistics, Pancha Patchi Shasthra, Sara nool markam (Pranayama), knowledge about environmental and age factors, requirements for starting treatment, the ideal dress code, diagnostic methods, those who are not eligible to become physicians, characters of a Physician with negative thoughts are being discussed and the common features with Hippocrates oath is being compared and reviewed.

The exclusive speciality of Traditional Siddha Indian Medicine lies in the fact that the Physician themselves can prepare their own medicines for clinical practice. Unlike Modern Medicine where Physicians heavily rely upon Multi-national Pharma companies for their prescription needs, AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy) Physicians can confidently prepare and dispense medicines made by themselves. The Materia Medica of Siddha medicine has concepts defining the preparation of medicines which include Standard Operative Procedures (SOP) to be followed. Among the thirty two types of internal Siddha medicines “choorana” is given as the base for further combinations. Choorana is usually prepared out of herbs and has a shelf life of three months. According to the production ethics of choorana, the Siddha literature very clearly states that the end product should be subjected to a process known as “Pittavial”. This process ensures the assurance of quality and enrichment as per ...

Every system of medicine promotes the adage ‘Prevention is better than cure’. But Siddha system of medicine can help us to live a healthy, natural life by preventing diseases. It is well known that all the eyes of the world turning to the natural system of medicine, especially indigenous system of medicine to find out a more acceptable drug for chronic ailments. The drug Naagaraathy Elagam is one of the cost effective siddha medicine indicated for Haemorrhoids (Bleeding piles) in Siddha literature. The preliminary phyto chemical screening of Naagaraathy Elagam shows Starch, Tannic acid, Calcium, Iron, Sulphur, Sodium chloride, Fluoride, and 1.37% of Potassium. Biological significance is also widely discussed in this presentation.

The exclusive speciality of Traditional Siddha Indian Medicine lies in the fact that the Physician themselves can prepare their own medicines for clinical practice. The Materia Medica of Siddha medicine has concepts defining the preparation of medicines which include Standard Operative Procedures (SOP) to be followed. Among the thirty two types of internal Siddha medicines “choorana” is given as the base for further combinations. According to the production ethics of choorana, the Siddha literature very clearly states that the end product should be subjected to a process known as “Pittavial”. This process ensures the assurance of quality and enrichment as per Siddha ethics. But in the present day many of the Physicians skip this process because of the belief that this process is of little value and time consuming. The authors of this paper decided to prove the importance of this “Pittavial” process through scientific parameters. For this purpose Ashwagandha choorana (root powder of ...

Background and Purpose: In the recent past, the World especially, we the Indians have seen the Highest attainable place for Physicians among the General Public. Even today, especially in Rural areas, people remove their foot-wear when entering into a Physician’s room – a habit they follow when entering into their place of Worship. But in recent years, there are reports where Physicians are blamed, booked under Consumer act etc. Again, India is said to have one of the most corrupt medical systems in the world. The situation has become so bad that patients today approach the doctor with mixed feelings of questions regarding their efficacy & success rate, faith and fear, of hope and hostility. This leads to a distorted doctor-patient relationship, with high chances of exploitation both ways - doctors may fleece patients and, if some faults are exposed in treatment, patients or their relatives may blackmail doctors. In order to regain and experience the lost Integrity, we have put forth...

‘Food as Medicine’ is one of the basic concepts of Traditional Siddha Indian Medicine. The household recipes containing greens are part of Tamil culture. Even today one can find preparations containing greens (Keerai in Tamil) in the regular diet of south Indians. This tradition is passed through generations because of the immense medicinal properties which the greens posses. Among the frequently consumed greens Ponnankanni (Sessile joyweed - Alternanthera sessilis) finds an important place in Traditional Siddha Medical literatures. The specialty begins with its Tamil name which indicates ‘Ponnankanni - Pon aagum kaan nee’ (Literally meaning – Your body will get golden luster). According to Traditional Siddha literatures, this herb contains gold and thereby comes under Kaya Kalpa (Panacea) category also. Besides it is also rich in anti-oxidants, Sterol compounds, gives cooling effect to eyes & body, relieves neuritis, treats 96 types of eye diseases and aids disease free healthier l...

One of the exclusive specialities of the Traditional Siddha Medicine is its Pharmacology which has drugs derived from three origins namely Herbal, Metal & Mineral and Animal products. The guidelines for Physicians as laid by the Great Siddhars’ clearly state that the treatment regimen should start with simple herbal preparations which should be followed by drugs with metal and mineral combinations. The concept behind this is that the Patient should not be over-loaded with heavy medicines initially and also based on the fact that herbal medicines also contain traces of metals and minerals in it. In that way, the Authors’ of this research paper has evaluated a Traditional Siddha Medicine, ‘Arumuga Mathirai (pill)’, a medicine which is frequently used for treating cases of Vatha diseases (Pain, swelling etc), abdominal pain and some types of fever. Thirikadugu and Thiripala (three types of Myrobalans) are the main ingredients of this pill. This pill was subjected to AAS (Atomic Absorpt...

National disasters, which are often sudden and intense, result in considerable destruction, injuries and deaths, disrupting normal life as well as the process of development. Increasing population and various other socio-economic factors have forced people to live in vulnerable areas. This article deals with the meaning and nature of natural disasters, its scenario in India, the efforts to mitigate natural disasters at the national and global levels with special references to the international strategy for Disaster reduction.

Teaching is successful only to the extent to which students are able to grasp it fully. In this age of science and technology, the process of teaching has reached new dimensions. Teaching is not a one sided affair. In the context of modern developments, teaching is a tripolar process. The traditional teaching 30 or 40 students is no longer effective. Information explosion and propulsion explosion are bringing about changes in both developed and developing countries. The teaching practices in our universities continue to be the same. The method of teaching links the teacher and his pupils into an organic relationship with constant mutual interaction. The methods that could be followed for different levels of students discussed in this article are: play way method, Dalton’s plan, project method, Heuristic method, seminar method, demonstration method.

The Book entitled, ‘Blissful Life – The Traditional Siddha Way…  (ISBN 978-93-81992-80-9)’  is a compiled work of our previously published papers (selected) in various National & International Peer reviewed journals.  All the Book chapters are modified and compiled to suit a wider readership.  This Book has been published in a simplified way keeping the Lay public in mind.

This Book has 6 chapters and 26 papers in it.  The chapters are classified as

Contents of the Book

Kaya kalpa in Siddha. 

1. Thamboolam – The Herbal Lifeline.
2. Exploring the Divine medicine - Ginger
3. To CROWN – through CLOVE
4. Paediatics to Geriatrics - Salamisiri
5. Alchemical Body – through Dwarf Copperleaf.
6. Nurturing like Mom – Black Myroblan.

Herbs

1. Catalogue of Siddha Medicinal Herbs.
2. Be the World Charmer – with Hypnotizing herbs
3. Refresing Coffee – all you have to know.
4. Angels in Disguise – Styptic & wound healing herbs.
5. Fumigation – The Divine Smoke.
6. Be the Flag bearer – with Sweet Flag.
7. Acalypha indica
8. Danger Unleashed - Toxic plants.

III  SIMPLE DISEASES & CLINICAL CONDITIONS.

1. Fly Away Fever
2. All About Hiccups (Vikkal)
3. END the E.N.T. diseases
4. Opening the Nasal Blocks – Ever used these drops ?

IV  Life Style Disorders – Non Communicable Diseases (NCD)

1. Editorial – Non Communicable Diseases
2. Cephalandra indica – Food supplement for Diabetes.
3. Prevalence and Risk factors of Kidney stones.

V  ETHICS

1. Traditional Ethics – Not Myths.
2. Scientific Validations behind Tamil Traditional Ethics.
3. How your Doctor should be – Ethically...
4. Ten Ethical Commandments for Healthier Life Style.

VI. Mini Book

Bird Flu as ‘Paravai Thodam’ in Siddha Medicine.