The Evidence of yoga in the Siddha system of medicine

Abstract

Abstract:
The Siddha system of medicine is one of the ancient codified indigenous system of medicine. This system is a comprehensive medical science dealing with the ancient scientific and philosophical methods. According to this science, the four major divisions of treatment methods are Vadham(Alchemy), Vaidhyam(Medicine), Gnanam(Wisdom), and Yogam. Siddha system of medicine is one of the ancient system contemporaneous with those of the submerged lands, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Chinese, and Grecian medicine. The unique nature of this system is its continuous service to humanity for more than five thousand years in combating diseases and maintaining physical, mental, and moral health. The concept of the Siddha system of medicine is “to treat the man as a whole and not merely the disease alone”. Siddha system of medicine also includes Martial arts like Varmam, Yogam, and other traditional lifestyle ways for healthy living. This system is confined to Tamil-speaking areas of the southern peninsular region. This system is entirely in the Tamil Language in lyrical form. Being the oldest language Tamil is known for its artistic science. The Tamil arts are sixty-four (Ayakalaigal 64) in number. Yoga is placed as the tenth art in the Ayakalai sixty-four. Yoga is one of the Kayakarpam (Rejuvenation science) methods of the Siddha System of Medicine. Yoga is not only a meditation science but it comprises eight types of Siddhis including Medical Postures (Yogasanam). It is also known as “Attanga Yogam or Aga Thavam Ettu. This Attanga yogam is said to be first learned from Lord Shiva by Siddhar Agathiyar. Agathiyar passed on this science to Patanjali sage and Pulikaal sage. Patanjali has regularly summed up the Yoga principles of Siddhar Agathiar hence Patanjali is revered as the father of Yoga Art. Yoga science is mainly dealt with by Siddhar Agathiar and Pathanjalali,.Siddhar Agathiyar and the other Siddhars have described the Attanga Yogam in various Siddha literatures. From their description, it is understood that evidence of the yoga art are extensively found in our Siddha literature. This paper deals with the widespread references of Yogam or Yoga in Siddha literatures and their connotation as well.
Keywords:
Siddhar Yogam,Attanga Yogam,Eight type of Siddhis, Siddha literatures, Siddha system of Medicine, Yoga