Expert calls for popularising Siddha treatment

Dr T Thirunarayanan from the Centre for Traditional Medicine and Research (CTRM) in Chennai has approached the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) in Bahrain with the purpose of familiarising the Kingdom with the benefits of a traditional form of treatment known as Siddha.  Siddha, a system of traditional medicine originated in ancient Tamilakam (Tamil Nadu) in South India and Sri Lanka. The strength of the Siddha Medical system lies in its holistic approach for healthy living. The healing science encompasses the physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing “Siddha and Ayurveda both, more or less, have the same basic principles and philosophies. Siddha believes that an individual should be treated in a holistic way and not centered on a disease and its treatment,” stated Dr Thirunarayanan.  “All systems of medicine speak of two major approaches, one is prevention of disease through vaccines and the second is surgery or intervention procedures. Siddha emphasis on two things, prevention and wellness,” he added.

He said that the method of treatment attains immense significance amidst the noncommunicable diseases and lifestyle disorders becoming a global issue. “Postural disorders is a major issue, people are working in front of computers for hours together without moving from their seat. Traveling long distances, such as a 16-hour flight, causes issues. Siddha will help with the prevention of many issues and prevention is better than the cure. It is also cost effective and affordable,” Dr Thirunarayanan said. Most resources used in this system are obtained from renewable biological resources including plant products, animal products, and marine products as well as naturally occurring geological products. “The focus has all along been on preventive, promotive, rejuvenate methods for maintaining good health, defying ageing and curative procedures including cleansing therapies and external therapies,” added Dr Thirunarayanan.

Meanwhile, Namat Al Subaie, NHRA Consultant-Advisor Allied Medical Profession and Head of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Committee, emphasised on the need to understand Siddha. “Siddha is a type of alternative medicine that the people of Bahrain are not very knowledgeable of. It may familiar in India and other countries, we need to educate ourselves. We welcome lectures and information associated with the Siddha treatment,” said Ms Al Subaie.

“As a regulatory body, I am yet to attend a conference about Siddha. The current need is to fully understand Siddha if we are to regulate it,” she added.

 As of now, the NHRA recognises acupuncture therapy, ayurveda medicine, massage therapy, Chiropractic, herbal therapy, homeopathy therapy, naturopathy therapy, osteopathy therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, biodynamic craniosacral therapy, cupping therapy, reflexology therapy and unani medicine.