Tamil Nadu possessed very rare fine arts which no other country in the world could boast of. Though these exist, whether veiled or forgotten, a few have a life-throb still among us. One such is the Art of Varmam.

I would like to make it clear that there is no relationship between Varma System of medicine and Acupuncture and its methods of recent origin. I stress this point with my experience of 45 years in the field and hailing from a family of 46 generations dedicated to Varma medicine. It would be better that people are made aware of it.

Life is propelled by Prana Vayu (Oxygen) in our body It gives life energy to the 72000 nerves found in the human body, When the flow of Prana Vayu is obstructed, life is at stake.

We find that about 50% of the people face some accidents or the other. Some have been victims of road accidents, fall from tall buildings, physical assaults, fire accidents, bruises, cuts injuries on bones, nerves, muscles, inner organs, senses etc. more . . .

The transmutation of base metals into gold was but a secondary aim of the Siddhas. The Siddha system of Alchemy considers the turning of base metals into gold as the higher eternal bliss for ever is regarded as the highest form of alchemy.

Art of Alchemy is intended only for attaining salvation, it should not be indiscriminately broadcast to all or be practised by all for material gains or advantages, Siddhars therefore found it necessary to veil the alchemical formulae relating to kalpa drugs in figurative language.

The secret technique adopted by Siddhas is the combination of alkaline (Male-Sivam) drug with acid (Female-Sakti) substance, without which no fruitful result would be feasible. Take, for instance, an egg-the white albumen of which is alkaline and its counterpart yellow, This combination is the basic principle of life in nature. Similarly in the preparation of Kalpa drugs also this basic principle is adopted by Siddhas to evolve a new born beneficial drug (Child) as a result of the conjugal affection and union of a male and a female drug. As for a mad elephant that could be controlled and neutralized by the union of its counterpart, a female drugh viz., Sakthi of acid origin, like Sulphur. This process is referred to in Siddha system as Nadha Bindu union on drugs. Further to increase its potency, a third substance is also added. Similarly almost all the drugs are classified in Siddha works as alkaline (Bindu) and acid (Nadha) origin. As a matter of interest a few of such important drugs classified in Ugimuni works and Bogar Vocabulary are given below:-

ALKALINE SUBSTANCE   ACID SUBSTANCE

1. Mercury :   Sulphur

2. Potassium Nitrate : Alum

3. Camphor : Copper Sulphate

4. Magnet :   Vinegar

5. Vermilion :  Rock salt

6. Gold :  Realgar

7. Borax : Salammoniac

Before using the metals or metaleic compounds they are always subjected to processes called `Suddhi Muraiâ. `Suddhiâ is usually carried out by heating thin sheets of metal repeatedly and plunging them into various vegetable juices, decoctions etc.

These preparations are absorbed very slowly and in this way minute concentration having stimulant action on the tissues are obtained and higher toxic concentrations are avoided.

It is free from evil pungent. Great virtue is attributed to such calcinated powder which will conquer all degenerated cancer and heart disease including coronary thromboises and other maladies in older people and rejuvenate the entire system.

The role of Siddhars (water) `Amuri, in the preparation of `Universal Salt of Muppu is worth mentioning here. One may wonder how it is that mere water has such a miraculous power as to contribute in the preparation of Muppu. A bath in the waters of Cauvery, Thamparapani, Ganges, Yamuna, Godhavari, Krishna and other holy rivers of India was regarded as a sacred religious ceremony as well as cure for certain diseases since the great virtues of these river water have been mentioned in the ancient religious and philosophical text books of India. Why should they have so much curative powers? Because they had medicinal properties derived from herbs and minerals from the bountiful rich soil of the vast hilly tracts.

Pooneeru : Andakkals Certain Species of lime stones composed of globules, are said to be found underneath the fullers earth soil. A white substance that bubbles out from these lime stones during the full moon night attracted the Siddhas. It was collected on a full moon night once in a particular month of a year and purified with a juice of Kalpa plant. A special water by name `Amuri was also used in the purification process.

Kalluppu : It literally means hard salt or stone salt. The correct interpretation of the term or its identification would be very difficult as the same is referred to in some texts either as rock salt dug out from the mines under the earth or as the saline deposits formed underneath the sea or consolidated nonvolatile salt specially prepared by Siddhar or the froth of the sea floating on the water.

Vediyuppu : It is first subjected to a cleaning process for seven times and further purification by its unfriendly substance alum. It is an active agent in alchemy. The salts mentioned above, if correctly understood and identified, are three in number which are considered to be the main ingredients in the process Muppu. These are purified with the sacred water Amuri and also with the juice of certain rare Kalpa plants. These salts are also subjected to purification by the nitric acid specially prepared with friendly and unfriendly salts. Finally, these salts are calcinated.

It has powerful action on any metal like gold, copper, magnet and iron. It has got the power to conquer everything and can penetrate every solid. The glory of preparing Siddhar Kalpa from Muppu, mercury, sulphur, gold, magnet, iron etc., to be used as a panacea for degenerative diseases like cancer etc., will then be achieved with the aid of this powerful Muppu. The Calcination of gold leaves is easily performed. The calcined oxide of high potency (prepared from the three super salts and the nonvolatile substances like mercury, sulphur and gold leaves) is now highly regarded as the Elixir of life which can be safely administered to the system to rejuvenate the degenerated cellular organisms for living longer and useful life.

It is sought by Siddha adepts for prolonging life. It is a constructive agent that could arrest the decay, and degenerating cellular organisms. It is Siddhar Kayakalpam serving as a panacea.

It is clear therefore that Mercury is an integral part of the ancient Kalpa medicine of South India -a system that is closely associated with ancient religion of India. The use of mercury, sulphur and salt is as old as alchemy itself. The secret use of it is said to have been revealed by the Supreme Siva to Siddhas like Tirumular in the preparation of Kalpa drug before 3000 B.C. Mercury means life; it is Siva; it is Bindu; the very seeds of life. It is Ambrosia. It is the Philosophers stone. It is kalpa. It is alchemy. There is no alchemy without the primordial `Muppu.

There is no alchemy without Mercury. No Kalpa without mercury. This is a divine art.

Salt (Sodium chloride) is one of the most essential things that is widely used by mankind from time immemorial as a comestible obtained from salt deposits from mines or sea water. It is used in cooking as a preservative and taken at meals to taste to give food. It promotes appetite and digestion.

It has also been proved that “Sodium salts occur abundantly in the blood and other fluids of the animal body and in much lower concentration in the tissues”. For the effective functioning of the cells its irons are essential. Since irons involved in metabolism is regulated by the kidneys which excrete in the urine the chloride that is not absorbed in the body they must be constantly replenished. But Siddhars do not advocate the use of ordinary common salt in the diet during the Kaya Kalpa treatment.

Accordingly, they prescribe a salt of special kind that devoid of pungency and other evil effects. This is called `Kattuppu in Tamil-which is a consolidating salt made by a special process. It plays an important role in Kalpa drugs. This is also the basic salt in the preparation of Kalpa drugs. The peculiar characteristic of this salt is that it withstands the action of fire and water and it is capable of transmuting baser metals into gold. There is no alchemy without this consolidated salt. Therefore the recipe is kept as a secret. This consolidated salt is described to be hard as ivory. It does not absorb moisture nor is it soluble. It is capable of melting in fire. In Kalpa drugs, this super salt serves to invigorate the system making the body invulnerable to decay and rejuvenates the system by casting off the epidermis (skin) like that of a serpent.

Siddhars also used to make strings of beads out of this consolidated salt to be won by them to invigorate the system. A dining plate made out of this consolidated salt was used by Siddhars for purposes of rejuvenation. Similarly, bowels made out of consolidated mercury, mica, sulphur, magnet etc., were used by them for rejuvenating the system. It seems therefore that the art of consolidating the salt is the most difficult one and it is known only to Siddhars.

Siddhars remark that he who takes consolidated salt in his food, excretes little salt in his urine. It seems that, in the opinion of Siddhars the intake of salt should fully be utilized by the system and not exereted in sweat or urine. The salt thus absorbed in the system recuperates the cellular organisms and makes them invulnerable to decay.

A close study of Siddhars theory reveals that the process of excretion of salts in the urine deteriorates the system and renders it vulnerable to decay and death in the long run.

“All salt used with food which has not been digested by the stomach, which also on being expelled has passed down into the intestine, unless it makes a thorough transit, generates colic and suffering in the bowels which are very difficult to cure.

“Nature produces from the bowels of the earth a certain kind of salt, named vitriol, possessed of such virtues and powers as can scarcely be described to the full by any.”

This suggests that the salt also now obtained from the sea water is more contaminated and pungent in its characteristic taste etc. than three hundred million years ago and that its use in its crude from vitiate the cells and thus induce the formation of cancerous cells and other complicated maladies in the human system. The fact why animals on earth are not much prone to such degenerated diseases shows that they are free from the extra sodium chloride obtained from sea. It seems therefore that the living conditions of animals adapted according to natural environment are better than that of the civilized mankind whose life is artificial defying the natural laws.

Siddhars refrain from taking ordinary sodium chloride in their diet and in its place, a substitute which seems to be a right type of salt suitable to the good functioning of the cells has been specially prepared by them. The medicinal plants grown along the sea shores up to a distance of thirty miles inland will not be effective for medicinal use due to the influence of sea salt. This suggests that Siddhars preferred Kalpa plants of mountain origin only.

The Siddha system says the human body both the physical and the subtle is made up of 72,000 veins and nerves and 7 vital nerve centres (Chakras) along the route of the spinal cord.

The three important being Sun, Moon and Fire, the 10 vital airs (Prana) and 10 vital nerves (Nadis). Out of the ten vital nerves (Nadis) the first three namely Idakalai (Moon) Pingalai (Sun) and Suzhumunai (Spinal) play an important role in the technique and prolongation of life.

Siddhars maintain that voluntary control of breathing is possible to a certain extent and that it will lead us to porlong our life span. The process of respiration in which oxygen is inhaled into the living cells and carbon-dioxide is exhaled from them is a fundamental phenomenon of life which is universally present in every type of living organism. The respiratory centre that regulates rythmic muscular contractions concerned with breathing is known as Medulla.

Siddhars hold that the subtle air (Prana) begins at the centre of Lalada, passes through the Chitra or Chandra Nadi, jumps into sacral plexus with the sound ov and Navel plexus with the sound av where from it enters into Idakalai and Pingalai nerves with the sound Sav and circles the cerebrum and finally enters into nostrils charging out at a length of 12 inches and with drawing only 8 inches inside at the same time, thus loosing in the process 4 inches. This goes on repeating itself in the act of breathing.

A part of the energy that ought to have entered the body is lost in every process of respiration and thereby the normal life span of 120 years is considerably reduced.

The normal rate of breathing of a modern man may accordingly be calculated upto 61,600 in a day. On account of this, modern man loses much of his energy in excessive breathing and his life span is also considerably reduced.

Siddhars have developed the science of breathing which helps to assimilate the full energy needed by the body for the purpose of living a life free from decay and diseases.

Tirumantram is one of the important works in Tamil dealing with the science of life. It is the outcome of Tirumular’s love and desire that mankind should share the fruits of his valuable experience attained during his Yoga supposed to have been practised for three thousand years.

Any yoga aids him to abandon the way of life which is governed by ignorance. Yoga assists him in concentration of his mind to attain the highest object of illumination. Yoga means the union with the Divine.

Yogis and Siddhas who would not be disturbed in their practice of Yoga by hunger, thirst etc., have recourse to a peculiar method for the secretion of a nectar from the cerebral region through the opening behind the uvula. This is called Amuridharanai.

This Elixir of life will strengthen the human system and make it invulnerable to decay, degeneration, diseases and death.

Ganglia of ribes (Agnai chakra) that is situated inside the forehead between the centre of the eyebrows, gets charged with Divine Light which is regarded as the third eye of man by which one will be able to look into his own self and observe functions that take place in a living organism. How is it that one can derive much benefits by the enlightenment of the wisdom Eye-is now the question. In reply to such a pertinent question, Tirumular says how can a mother explain to her daughter in detail the pleasures derived by her conjugal union. In a similar manner, the pleasures of scenes that one witnesses through his inner eye cannot be explained.

It is said there are a number of such practising Yogis in Mount Kailas (Himalayas) and other Hill regions. As they do not desire to be disturbed by undeserving rustic people, they seem to have selected inaccessible dense forests in hill regions.

The tradition of Yoga of the great Siddha Tirumular of the ancient times is continued even today in India and it confirms the belief in immortality.

That a physical frame locked up in a samathi continues to live on without any kind of diet for years is indeed a marvellous achievement and a challenge to modern medical science.

”It is possible that even the pituitary is not really the dominant gland of the body. Its activities are ruled by a region at the base of the brain to which it is the body. Its activities are ruled by a region at the base of the brain to which it is connected and which is known as the hypothalamus. Here, in the hypothalamus, the processes take place which govern much of the man’s instinctive and emotional life.

Siddha system of medicine is regarded as the most unique system especially in the preparation of Kalpa drugs. One may wonder what is the remarkable thing in the Siddha system that is capable of curing many chronic and degenerative diseases.

Siddhars, knowledge of minerals, metals and plants and the suitable combination of these things in the processing and the preparation of medicine according to the classification of five elements of nature, was of a very high order as can be gleaned from the lines of the ancient Siddha medical works. Their knowledge about poisons was also very comprehensive as can be seen from the descriptions of the properties of the poisons in the Siddha Materia Medica. These poisons are of two kinds-natural and synthetic, each of which is subdivided further into 32 numbers making up a total of 64 varieties. There are different kinds of manufacturing processes mentioned like calcination of metals and minerals, extracts and essences from minerals, calcinated powders like red oxide, preparation of caustic alkali from the plants etc. with a high potency. The process of distilling several kinds of acids in Siddha system is regarded as the most important one in using them as powerful solvents.

There is no denying the fact that the fundamental principle underlying the process of calcination of the metals and the minerals successfully eliminating their evil effects but not losing at the same time their beneficial ones is a great secret; but the difficulty is that one has to learn the secret of manufacturing the Siddhic medicines from a learned and experienced Guru, since the correct scientific terminology of the different kinds of formulae relating to kalpa drugs as given in the ancient Siddha texts are not only fully comprehensive and expressive but also shrouded in symbolic words.

Contnd…

The Origin of Varmam points out to those days of the Pandiya kings who were descendants of Manu, the most ancients.

One of the Pandiya kings a descendent of Manu was a pious ruler. He could immediately visualize and see God. He meditated on Lord Shiva and finally won his favour by getting the boon of Martial Arts to win over the other kings. He made use of the Martial Arts to defeat kings and there by brought pain to a lot of people.

So those who were affected prayed to God to redeem them from their sufferings. The Lord of Creation, sustenance and transition heard their prayers and sent two of his emissaries to help them. They are called Iyyan and Kaiyan.

Iyyan and Kaiyan in their turn meditated and did penance (Thapas) and got the techniques of Varma Science (Cream of Martial Arts).

Iyyan and Kaiyan showed this art to the Chera king because they obviously felt that the Pandiya King did not deserve it. This is the Origin of Varmam.

Another version is that Lord Shiva happen to see. His two young sons viz., Ganapathy and Muruga were in single compact. During their fighting Ganapathy was kicking Muruga who, in turn hit Ganapathy with his fist. Shiva admonished them, telling that physiques are interowen with thousands of nerves. When the nerve centres are inflicted with impacts series of diseases would arise in the body. The Varma Medical Science is also called Thanuology because it is blessed by Lord Thanu (Shiva), to make available this Medical Science to the World of people to help cure the impacts caused by accidents.

Originally this Medical Science was thought belonging to Siddha Medicine. Siddha system was practised in Nanijl nadu (South of Tamilnadu). The Siddha doctors even to this day possess a lot of palm leaf parchments and information on the subject. After a lot of study and research, they found that Varma medical science was self-contained like other indigenous Medical Systems of India.

Only through this treatment one can understand the link between the body, life force and the mind. Probably this is the unique feature of this treatment. There are three varieties of problems. One is typical physical hazards, disease due to the mental afflictions and thirdly is the type where one gets life-force affected along with physique. Consequently the system deals with mind, body and life force. Hence, Varmam can scientifically be taken as “Holistic Therapy”.

The human body is made of earth and water; the soul is composed of air and either, heat and fire combine them both and make them live together.

Impact on the nerve centres (life-centres) not only generates heat but also obstructs the passage of ‘Praana vaayu’, the life giving force. Such impact is manifested in the form of PORI, fire-spark. Pori stands for many terms. It is imperative for a student of Thanuology to know some of the implications of pori in the following paragraphs.

Heat is generated in excess due to impact to nerve centres, and serves as the main cause for impact ailments. In other words, impact (heat) is the cause, and the effect being the diseases.

Machine/Device: Each nerve has many machines or devices. If it is affected, excess heat-wave is transmitted to the whole system, giving a danger signal to life.

Trap: So long as we do not get involved in accidents, the nerve centres are intact. Involvement in accidents, produces heatwaves, resulting in impact ailments. It is just like a rat is got in the trap.

Joints: Joints are the meeting points of bones, nerves etc. Once impact is formed, heat is transmitted, giving room for ailments besides breakage, damage or dislocation of organs. As the sperm merges with ovum in the uterus and gives room for pregnancy, impact at the nerve centres of physique raises impact-ailments.

Once the above derivations are understood, one can easily follow the cause for impact ailments in the body.

Mark: The human body is made up of 72,000 nerves and 8000 junctions. The nerves from these junctions unite into 4448 branches, which further unite into 1008 major branches. These are controlled by 828 life-centres or varmams which in turn are controlled by vaatha, pitha and kapha.

The nerves mark the routes for passage of praana vaayu. It’s obstruction by hit or hurt is a danger signal to life.

The essence of this Varmam treatment lies hidden in many books. Each book has covered the techniques of medical science from its own angle. With the passing of time, many of these books have disappeared. The practicing father would not pass the art to his son, fearing that his son would misuse this art. Hence, in this way many books have been lost.

Every single study belonging to this medical science has an oath, sincerity and dedication before they are initiated into love for the human beings and devotion to this science. This sanctity of approach is very essential for every aspirant, learning this medical science.

It is important for the aspirant to be pious, loving and sympathetic. The follower of this science will be blessed. The

wrong usage of this medical science will bring misery to the practitioner.

As the space of Science and Technology advances by leaps and bounds, we see that accidents as well as injuries suffered by man are also increasing day by day. This cannot be avoided. Consequent to this, we find that about 50% of the people face some accident or the other. Some have been victims of road accidents, fall from tall buildings, physical assaults, fire accidents, bruises, cuts, injuries and other trauma. These lead to ill effects and dangerous impacts on bones, nerves, muscles, inner organs, senses etc.

Injuries caused due to the impact of accident on the body has led to countless diseases. It is unfortunate that modern science does not realize the enormity of this situation. As a result many victims face premature death and others live with impact diseases.

Thanuology cures not only the sufferings of mankind, but also looks after the interest of sports-persons. Thanuology can be applied as sports medicine to sports persons. It is worth mentioning about the letter written by the Chairman, Medical Commission of International Olympic Committee, Suisee to International Institute of Thanuology, Chennai – 600 102.

It is very sad that there is so much noise made in our country by various leaders about protecting “Indian Culture”, but nothing has been done. It is to note that the people of India and Indian Government are equally ignorant and indifferent to support or develop such Divine Medical Science, existing in our country. Let the people give their Verdict.

In this Kaliyuga the people of good character are a few. The book on, “Measure of Impact in Thanuology” (Varma Mathirai Nool) is intended for the people of good character. But it is better to take it for granted that all people are good. Being afraid of a few bad

elements, if we fail to make known certain good things, only the bad elements will prosper.

In this world of Maaya even a human being is infact a mere visual object. He is simply a machine that is endowed with life and body. In the body, vital nerve centres exist in the secret locations. These nerve centres are closely connected with the human respiratory system. Prana vaayu is supplied to nerves, and keeps a human being alive. In day-to-day life, man meets with numerous accidents. Due to various reasons, the impacts of these accidents affect the nerve centres (Varmam) in his body. These impacts to nerve centres create several inner ailments as well as outward dislocations, breakages and damages. If the impact is not simple or light, it creates different kinds of ailments in due course and from the time the impact is caused. Because of this, several parts of the body are affected with ailments. Although the reason is one, the ailments arising from it differ from person to person, according to the condition and structure of the human body. The Varma treatment (Thanuology) not only cures the illness but also serves as a preventive measure to ailments.

In the present world of science and technology, the impacts caused by accident is ever increasing. The number of accidents creates nervous debility, affects the life-centres and may lead to mental disorders. The nature of the impact will be most unpredictable in such a condition.

A careful and complete analysis is a must on the part of the doctor before entering into treatment. Wide knowledge about the kinds of impacts, curable and non-curable, know-how of medicines and practices gained from his own experience and experiments help his patient to get a complete cure.

Many complications will arise if the patient is not given timely treatment by retrieval method (Ilakkumurai) and medicinal treatment. If a physician tries to treat a patient superficially without ascertaining the basic cause of the disease, it will only prove his

ignorance. Similarly inadequate knowledge of this science of this science will also be disastrous.

When a life-centre is affected by impact (Varmam) a situation may arise where it will be difficult to locate the affected part. In such causes treatment should be started only after diagnosing the type of Varmams with the help of 2 or 3 known symptoms and their effects. If the patient loses consciousness the doctor (Thanuologist) should not forget that some vital nerve centres are affected. The affected part will be cold and the rest warm except in the cases of Thilarthakalam and Kallidai Kalam (Varmams). Further, in doubtful cases, the life-centres suspected to be affected should be naturalized according to the general rules and regulations. The sooner it is done the better will be the result. It includes the medicines for regaining consciousness, gruel to get rid of the exhaustion and other medicines follow next. By this method, one can cure not only the affected life-centres but also protect the patient from the other consequential ailments.

Injuries so formed can be classified under 2 heads. External injuries such as bruises, cuts, fractures etc. and internal injuries which affect the life-centres of the inner organs, including brain, heart etc.

Today the patients who come to the hospital for treatment of diseases caused by injury to various life-centres are not being treated specifically for this. They are treated as injury-cases only.

Tamil Nadu possessed very rare fine arts which no other country in the world could boast of. Though these exist, whether veiled or forgotten, a few have a life-throb still among us. One such is the Art of Varmam.

I would like to make it clear that there is no relationship between Varma System of medicine and Acupuncture and its methods of recent origin. I stress this point with my experience of 45 years in the field and hailing from a family of 46 generations dedicated to Varma medicine. It would be better that people are made aware of it.

Life is propelled by Prana Vayu (Oxygen) in our body It gives life energy to the 72000 nerves found in the human body, When the flow of Prana Vayu is obstructed, life is at stake.

We find that about 50% of the people face some accidents or the other. Some have been victims of road accidents, fall from tall buildings, physical assaults, fire accidents, bruises, cuts injuries on bones, nerves, muscles, inner organs, senses etc.

Again Prisoners are frequently beaten up by police in order to get the truth. Moreover many people follow martial arts such as Judo and Karate in our land and many people get injured. Man-handling of ladies in the in-laws homes is another lot. Some time it also proves to be fatal. This is caused by a fatal injury to the life centres of the body.

If the body is sent for Post-Mortem, the cause of death is determined by external factors. If the cause of death is due to impact to the life centres, no evidence can be found by means of modern method of investigation.

Injuries caused due to the impact of accident on the body has led to countless diseases. This sorry state of affairs is thought provoking. It is unfortunate that modern science does not realize the enormity of this situation. As a result many victims face premature death and others live with impact diseases.

According to the fundamentals of Indian Medicine, the human body is made up of 96 Thathwas. Based on these thathwas there are 828 many life centres all over the body. The only form of treatment to injuries and impacts to life centres is through Varmam (Thanuology); curious enough, in Tamilnadu Thanuology has been mostly shrouded in secrecy for so long.

Injuries so formed can be classified under 2 types. External injuries such as bruises, cuts, fractures etc. and Injuries which affect the life centres of the inner organs, including brain heart etc.,

Today the patients who come to the hospital for treatment of diseases caused by injury to various life centres are not being treated specifically for this. They are treated as injury-cases only.

Injury to the life centres causes a number of diseases and the ailments which can manifest themselves over a period of time turn into chronic ailments, usually not feasible to have cent percent cure.

Further, due consideration is not given to the impacts on nerve centres when treating patients for injury. Operation are conducted with least care to the nerve centres and its sensitivity. This is due lack of knowledge about the techniques of varma science.

Since Varman was kept as secrecy, it could neither be popular among the people nor so far institutionalized to help others to know about the techniques of the medical science.

If there is a way to fully explore this truth, it is possible only with the help of Varmam (Thanuology).

According to techniques of Thanuology, the bones and joints are broadly governed by Vatha; the muscles and tissues by Pittha (Bile) and the nerve by Slerpanam (Phelgam). So injury to the various life centres associated with the wind causes Vatha diseases, nerves associated with heat cause Pitha diseases, and those of water (cold) cause Kabha diseases.

Before treatment is given to patients, it is imperative to diagnose the origin of the diseases, the movement of the organs, the nature of affection in the nerves, signs and symptoms, health-condition, classification, whether the case falls under ordinary or extraordinary nature.

If treatment is given superficially to arrest the disease, complete cure cannot be secured and after-effects would also crop up.

As laid down in Varmam system of medicine, application and administration of the prescribed oil, ghee, decoction and lehyam would work wonders and yield satisfactory results, apart from rendering retrieval methods.

If Varman Impact arises in the body, one can find out the nature of injury and feeling the Varma-pulse. Varma medicine is exclusively intended for giving relief to varma ailments only.

The statement of some medical practitioners that it is possible to cure all diseases by Varma medicine is unbelievable.

Besides Varma medicine is a divine gift delivered by Lord Thanu-ma-layan for the relief of patients suffering from impaired physical body cum life-centres. This branch of medicine has absolutely no relation or bearing to beasts and birds. To demonstrate Varmam with the aid of birds is a travesty of truth.

The medical Science of Varmam (Thanuology) deals with multifarious techniques to be employed in the cure of ailments. The science of Thanuology is dealt with in numerous treatises. Some of the important pieces of works of Thanuology are Varma Oli Nool, Varma Kannadi, Varma Odiurivu Sarri, Udal Pathi-Uyir Pathi-Udal Uyir Pathi nilayangal, Varma Kavasam etc.

Before imparting instructions on “Varmam-Art”, it would be better to closely scrutinise the merits and character of a student opting to learn this art. The Guru will impart full knowledge of the art way of Upadesa when he is satisfied that the student is equipped with humility, piety, presence of mind and good conduct.

If there is a traditional sports medicine in the world, it is nothing but Varma systems of medicine. It contains information regarding useful treatment to sports persons exposed to accidents. Hundreds of variety of medicines, methods to help build their body strength, techniques to improve their efficiency in the sports field.

It is therefore a paramount need and necessity to have Varmam (Thanuology) incorporated in the medical curriculam so as to help health care of the human beings.

One fourth of population all over the world today are suffering from diseases of sorts on account of Varma impacts. With the advancement of scientific knowledge and increased machnisation, diseases arising out of Varmam impact are also on the increase. This aspect of the situation needs to be seriously thought of by countries all over the world. It is really very important to find a solution to arrest this trend ere long.

SPECIAL SALT TO BE USED IN DIET.
Siddhars in Tamilnadu do not recommend ordinary common salt (Sodium chloride) for use in diet. Yogis refrain from using this common salt in their diet. Should we use common salt, the Kaya Kalpa treatment would be a failure. This special kind of salt, prepared according to Siddhic method will also serve to conquer old age and diseases and help to prolong the life span. It is said that the art of consolidating the salt is the most difficult one and that it is not known to other sciences. This subject has been elaborately dealt with in a preceding chapter.

GENERAL PRECEUTIONS.
The diet, in the course of Kayakalpa treatment, is to be without common salt, sour things (tamarind), fish, meat and allied pungent things. Sexual enjoyment should be avoided.
The names of these drugs vary according to different authors who eliminate one or two from the list and substitute some other drugs instead. Should any one wish to undertake a comparative study and research on this subject, we may refer to the works of Bogar, Macchamuni, Konkanavar, Karuvoorar and others.
Bogar has included the roots of cynodon Dactylon (Arugu or Muthandam in Tamil) also in item (a). He says that the evil effects of the salts should be first eliminated from the system and for that he prescribes a special herb namely golden coloured Aloe barbadensis (Senkumari). Unfortunately such species are hardly available now. He also recommends certain herbs like Bacopamonnieri (Brahmi), Emblica officinalis (Nellikkai) Leucas aspera (Tumbai) in black colour to be included in the Kalpa treatment. The botanical names of the ordinary plants available at present are only given for the investigation of research workers; but a close study of Siddha’s Kalpa works reveals that there are different species in each family of herbs and Siddhars have chosen only very rare specimens which belongs either to that of a golden coloured flowers or black varieties in each group; for instance, take the Indian goose berry. It is one of the important ingredients used in indigenous medicine of India; but the Siddhar’s Kaya Kalpa treatment, a special type of goose berry, black in colour is required which is very rare and not easily procurable. Similarly almost all the herbs mentioned in Kaya Kalpa treatment by Siddhars are the specimens of rare kind in that particular species or group which are said to be found in certain parts of hills like Seven hills (Thiruppathi). Kolli hills (Salem) and Podigai Hills (Tirunelveli) in Southern India. Those who were in pursuit of Siddhar’s Kaya Kalpa treatment, were not able to identify and procure the right type of plants as indicated in their works and in the absence of these Kalpa plants, they employed only ordinary plants easily available in the market for their trials. As a result of these handicaps, the Kaya Kalpa treatment was not a success to them and they lost their faith in Kaya Kalpa methods. It is also said that Siddhars, in the course of Kaya Kalpa treatment, did not entirely depend on the rare kind of herbs but they had also used certain minerals and metals in their Kalpa drugs. It is traditionally believed that with the help of a rare single Kalpa plant, mercury, sulphur and other arsenics etc., may be consolidated so as to stand the test of fire. Such a drug is credited with the power of prolonging life.
Marvellous powers are attributed to this Kalpa medicine of mineral orgin, as it has also got the virtue of curing degenerated cancer, rheumatism, paraleysis, cardio-vascular diseases etc. Therefore it is futile to search for all the Kalpa plant mentioned in Siddha works and attention may be devoted to a few plants only.
We have found that is very difficult indeed to identify very rare specimens of plants-especially black species in each group. Siddhar Bogar suggests ways and means to solve this problem, He says that a small farm should be specially formed with a black soil for cultivation of certain Kalpa plants. This black soil should be fertilized four times with the nuts of Semecarpus anacardium (Senkottai) as its manure. He further adds that the plants thus cultivated may be tested by application of this juice to the white feathers of a stork when it will be converted into black like that of a crow. The Kalpa plant that stands this kind of test is capable of rejuvenating the system. An institution interested in this kind of research may undertake investigation on scientific lines to differentiate the ordinary plant with this kind of specially cultivated plant. However, it is said that Siddhars would always prefer original plants for obtaining satisfactory results in rejuvenating the system.

Constipation  Enemas

The next obstacle in prolonging the life span is constipation.  The very first injunction for the treatment of Kayakalpa is that the bowel should be completely cleaned and evacuated first, Enemas are used to promote bowel evacuation by softening the faces and lubricating the rectal mucosa.  The principal type of lubricating enemas employed is the juice the Aloe Indica (Kattalai) in Tamil mixed with castor oil.

Laxative

The next most popular drug in Kayakalpa used as laxative is Terminalia Chebula (Kadukkai) in Tamil.  Its virtue is highly appreciated by Siddhas and used against all internal ailments.  A decoction of Myrobalans is a safe and mild purgative unattended by griping or other ill effects.

The kernels of the myrobalans should be purified as per Siddha Pharmacopoeia and powdered before use.  For chronic constipation, operculina turpethum is also recommended to be used with myrobalans.

The following is the direction to be observed while taking the powdered myrobalans as per Kayakalpa treatment:-

To be taken with palm jaggery during June and July.
To be taken with purified Sodium chloride Impura (Induppu) during  August and September.
To be taken with sugar during October and November.
To be taken with decoction of dried ginger during December and January.
To be taken with honey during February and March.
To be taken with Amuri during April and May.

After completion of the above course, the next drug to be taken is piper nigrum.

In the Kayakalpa treatment also, pepper has to be taken daily five numbers with amuri or any other suitable media.  It should be increased at the rate of 5 per day to reach up to the maximum of one hundred.

The next one is Karanthai.  This is a general term used in Tamil for basil plant.

Take thick bottom steams of Tinospora cordifolia (Shindil Kodi) and purify it according to Siddha System.  Prepare starch from this moon creeper make fine powder and sugar 4:1, Mix well 20 grains twice a day in empty stomach, no. of days is 40.  Add powdered sugar 8 : 1 and take 40 day.

Take the riped bark of azadirachta Indica Margosa – (Vembu) of one hundred years old.  Purify the bark, make it fine powder soak in the juice of Abrus precatorius with black seeds (Karun Kuntri) and allow it to dry.

Take equal quantity of each of the following herbs: Eclipta prostrate (Golden coloured Karisalai), Acalypha indica (Kuppaimeni) and coldenia procumbens (Sir-Serupadai) small variety.

Equal quantity of the roots of the Indigofera aspalathoides (Sivanar Vembu) and the seeds of celastrus paniculatus (Valuluvai) should be powdered first.  Prepare medicinal oil out of it.  It is called Kuzhi Thailam in Tamil.  Add Cuminum cyminum (Siragam) and sufficient powdered sugar and mix well.

Take equal part of each of the following herbs.  Solanum trilobatum (Dhuthuvalai) Allangium Salvifolium (Alinjil) seeds of celastrus paniculatus (Valuluvai) Myristica fragrants (Jadikkai) Roots of the Plumbago indica (or zeylanica) (Chitramulam) Rhizomes of curculigo orhioides (Nilapanai Kilangu) Golden coloured flowers of cassia fistula (Porkontrai).  Make fine powder of all the eight drugs.  Take 14 grains twice a day with ghee for 40 days.

Take the eggs of black fowls, keep them within a heap of rock salt in an earthern pot and close the mouth completely air-tight.  Let it be then buried into the earth for two months, for condensation of the eggs.  After taking the pot out of the pit, each egg should be boiled in the juice of the root of the corallocarpus epigaeus (Akasagarudan Kilangu).  Remove the outer shell of the egg and have it tasted before use.  Half an egg a day for 20 days.

Take purified Karpoor Silajat and grind well with the white of the eggs of fowls; when the drug is well ground, it should be made into a number of small dises that are to be dried in sun.  The drug then is to be subjected to the process of calcinations, according to Siddha System of medicine.

Take equal parts of the following herbs, rhizomes of curcumaaromatica, Fruits of Embilica officinalis, Seeds of Azadirachta indica, Poper nigrum, Fruits of Terminnalia Chebula.  Grind these five drugs into fine paste with cows milk.  The whole thing is boiled on low fire, stirring often.  Add butter and mix well.  This oil paste should be applied to the body-from head to foot.  This is to be used externally for taking bath twice in a week.

(to be continued)

The Kalpa that serves as a constructive medicine to cell and the degenerated Organs naturally as Kalpa treatment is a weapon, preventive as well as constructive.

The methods prescribed in Siddhar’s medical science in the treatment of Kayakalpa are as follows:-

1.  Preservation of vital energy of the body by diverting the internal secretions to the circulation of blood by control of breathing through yoga practice.

2.  Conservation of sperm by using it for regeneration.

3. Use of the Universal salt, such as Muppu in Tamil, prepared by certain Siddhic process for rejuvenation.

4.  Use of calcined powders prepared from metals and minerals such as mercury, sulphur, mica, gold, copper, iron etc.

5.  Use of drugs prepared from certain rare Indian herbs.

The methods 1 to 3 can be accomplished only by yogis and Siddhars for attaining immortality and the methods 3 and 4 are for prologuation of life of man freed from the degenerated diseases.  The control of breathing, according to the yoga system, leads to rejuvenation, and rejuvenation thus forms an integral part of immortality.  This kind of Kayakalpa is prescribed only for yogis practising celibacy who have dedicated their life to the service of God and for the good of the world.  Now let us, therefore, turn to the process of Kalpa as stated in No.5 using certain Indian plants for securing long life.  If the Kalpa drug is taken at the age of fifty, he will find rejuvenated as a young man of sixteen.
 Siddhars hold that in the upper edge of spinal cord in the cervical region and above the Tonsil, there is a portion similar to that of a conch and a disc.  Here a substance, namely mucus or phlegm, is formed.  It has its own poisonous effect on man and injurious to his well being and good health.  This is called Pitha Neer in Tamil.  This is described as the eclipse intercepting the union of sun and moon in the cerebrum as well as the passage for the secretion namely Amirtham (Nectar).

It is therefore obvious that those who concentrate on Kayakalpa treatment, should make an attempt to get rid of this poisonous effect first.  Should this poisonous substance be completely emitted through mouth, the spinal cord will then be opened, and the nectar begins to secrete and enters into the blood stream.  The cells in different organisms thus obtain a new type of neuclic acid to rejuvenate themselves.

The herb recommended by Siddhas for emitting the poisonous substance is Eclipta alba (Golden coloured), Karisalankanni in Tamil), A paste of the entire plant mixed with ghee should suitably be brushed up the uvula as well as in and around the tonsil to enable the mucus to vomit out through the mouth; the process should be repeated once early morning for a period of 40 days for the complete removal of poisonous effects from the throat.  The sample plant may also be used as salad in diet to rejuvenate the glands in the entire system.

(To be continued)