Diseases and Diagnosis

• The Causes of Diseases
• The Classification of Diseases
• The Method of Diagnosis

Siddha medicine, according to Theraiyar, identifies 11 reasons for illnesses:

• Altered or improper food habits
• Excessive activity
• Karma, or the outcome of the actions of past birth
• Anger
• Starvation
• Polluted water
• Over exposure to sun
• Inactivity
• Speaking too loudly
• Over indulgence in sex
• Improper dress

Further, alcoholism, exposure to rain and wind, seasonal and geographical changes, and faulty postures could also lead to ill health.

Four thousand four hundred and forty-eight types of diseases have been identified in Siddha.

These are classified under different heads.

• The variation in the three doshas due to various factors lead to disease. These have been identified and classified according to clinical symptoms.
• Types of pain.
• Classification by causes.
• Possession of evil spirits.
• Karma.
• Worm infestations.
• Classification according to the affected region.
• Diseases due to accidents.
• Diseases due to mental stress.

In an age of endless lab tests, CAT scans, and MRI imaging, Siddha methods of diagnosis might sound simplistic. The Siddha theory believes that the healer is endowed with extraordinary perception (because of yogic powers).

The following are indicators that help in diagnosis:

1. Tongue - The tongue is an important indicator. If the tongue is black or blue, it indicates a Vatham disease; if red, a Pitham disease; and if white, a Kapha disease.
2. Skin colour - The same inferences as in tongue colour.
3. Speech - The Speech is another element in diagnosis. The tone, voice and clarity indicate the type of problem.
4. Eye - Eye discoloration is a critical indicator. The colour indications are the same as for the tongue.
5. Body Heat and Sweat Patterns - Excessive sweating indicates an excess of Vatham. Sweat on the forehead indicates constipation.
6. Urine Examination - A sample of the early morning urine after a night fast is collected. The colour of the urine is indicative of various diseases. Straw colour indicates indigestion; reddish-yellow indicates excessive heat; a rose tinge, blood pressure, and so on.
7. Oil in Urine Examination - Urine is kept in a tray, in sunlight. A drop of oil is placed gently on it with a rod. If it spreads like a snake, it indicates Vatham. If it appears as a ring it indicates Pitha; if it floats like a pearl it is Kapha.
8. Pulse examination - This is the most important diagnostic tool of Siddha medicine. The pace and tempo of the pulse indicate the type of constitution, and the irregularities present in the body.