Page 34 - Traditional Medicine Systems of BIMSTEC Member States – 2023 Report

e. Siddha

Siddha is one of the ancient comprehensive medical systems in India revealed
by the Siddhars. The evolution of Siddha system is believed to date back 10000 – 4000

BC. The Siddha system provides preventive, promotive, curative, rejuvenative and

rehabilitative health care with holistic approach. Siddhar Agasthiyar is called the Father
of Siddha Medicine. The Siddha diagnostic methodology is based on the clinical
examination by the physician based on three Humours (Mukkuttram) and eight vital

tests (Ennvagai Thervu). The treatment in Siddha system is aimed at keeping the three

vital life factors in equilibrium and in the maintenance of the seven body Thathus.
Special therapies/external therapy techniques such as Pressure Manipulation Therapy
(Varmam), Physical Manipulation Therapy (Thokkanam), Bone setting (Otivu Murivu

Maruthuvam), Siddhar Yogam are strengths of Siddha system.

Varmam therapy Thokkanam therapy

f. Sowa-Rigpa

Sowa-Rigpa is a system of medicine that is one of the oldest medical traditions
across the world. The term Sowa-Rigpa means Knowledge of Healing and derives its

meaning from the Bhoti Language. This system was reinforced in the Trans-Himalayan
region and is popular in the Himalayan societies such as Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh

(Spiti and Lahoul), Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal (Darjeeling), Arunachal Pradesh,
and Sikkim. Just like the spread of Buddhism, the Sowa- Rigpa, also known as the Amchi

System of medicine, has also established its influence in various parts of the world.
Considering the importance of Sowa-Rigpa and its active role in public health especially

in Himalayan regions, Government of India has recognised the Sowa-Rigpa system of
medicine by amendment to the then Indian Medicine Central Council Act. 1970 in

India
September 2010.

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