Integrating Siddha Pathology in Public Health – A Review Article

Abstract

Background: Siddha medicine, an ancient Dravidian system, views health as an equilibrium of the five elements and three humors (Mukkutram). Amid the rise of non-communicable diseases and recent pandemic challenges, Siddha’s holistic pathological framework (Noi Naadal) offers significant potential for integrated, proactive public health strategies. Objective: This review analyzes Siddha diagnostic methodologies—specifically Envagai Thervu (eight-fold assessment), Manikadai Nool (wrist circummetric sign), and Maruthuva Jothidam (medical astrology)—and evaluates their integration into modern healthcare systems and policy frameworks. Methods: Classical literature, government reports, and peer-reviewed studies (2014–2025) were synthesized from databases like PubMed and the Ayush Research Portal. The review follows National Health Policy 2017 principles, evaluating traditional epistemology alongside modern clinical data and policy documents. Results: Siddha diagnostics provide non-invasive screening tools; studies link specific Manikadai Nool measurements (10–10.75 finger breadths) to cardiac and uterine conditions, while Neikkuri (oil drop test) correlates significantly with metabolic derangements. Although Siddha services are co-located in 13,000+ Indian facilities, challenges remain regarding standardization and professional resistance, despite high utilization (88.2%) among practitioners.
Conclusion: Siddha pathology offers a robust, cost-effective framework for community-level chronic disease management. Global sustainability depends on rigorous standardization, digital integration via the Ayush Grid, and translating humeral theories into biophysical evidence to bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern clinical practice.

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