மலேசியாவில் சித்த மருத்துவம் (Siddha Medicine in Malaysia)

Abstract

Siddha and Siddha medicine have been featured prominently in Tamil history. Generally, a Siddha strictly governs his thoughts, which accords him internal powers and immortality. Siddhas, who can foresee the future, belong to one of the 11 categories in Hinduism. Their thoughts, philosophy, arts, and strategies are the treasure trove for human society. One such valuable knowledge is Siddha medicine. This field is widely approved in India, especially in Tamil Nadu. Tamils who migrated from Tamil Nadu to other countries introduced the branch of medicine that has the power to cure many health issues. Malaysia was introduced to Siddha medicine by the Tamils, who were brought to Malaya by the British colonials. However, other research states that Malaysia has been practising Siddha medicine since the 11th century based on the records found during the excavation in Bujang Valley in Kedah, Malaysia. Past research indicates that an individual named Periya Thambi taught Siddha medicine to 50 students in 1870 Malaya. Currently, Siddha medicine is recognised by the Malaysian Health Ministry. Nevertheless, the limited number of Siddhas, Siddha hospitals and universities teaching Siddha medicine can become the main obstacles preventing Siddha medicine growth in Malaysia. Research about the advantages of Siddha medicine and the Siddhas who introduced this branch of medicine can serve as the stepping stone for Siddha medicine to prosper in Malaysia. The growth of this field needs a careful and well-expounded history of Siddha medicine and its development in Malaysia, which is the main objective of this paper.