Concept and description of madhumegam (Diabetes mellitus) in siddha system of medicine

Abstract

Rapid socio-economic development and demographic changes, along with an increased susceptibility for Indian individuals, have led to the explosive increase in the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in India over the past four decades. Siddha System is one of the oldest Traditional Systems of Medicine in India and predominantly practiced in southern India especially in Tamil Nadu. The vital part of Siddha Medicine is to revitalize and rejuvenate dysfunctional organs that cause the disease and to maintain a healthy body and mind. According to Siddha, all objects and living bodies are composed of five basic structural elements (Panchabhutams), namely earth, water, fire, air, and vacuum (ether). Siddha believes in the theory of Tridoshams, namely wind (Vaatham), bile (Piththam), and phlegm (Kabam). The Madhumegam has 20 types which divided into Vaatham- 4, Piththam- 6 and Kabam- 10 types. Madhumegam is a clinical condition characterized by the frequent passage of urine more than the normal resulting in deterioration and diminution of Seven Thathus. The diagnosis in the Siddha system is based on the Land (Nilam), Season (Kaalam), Pori alaridhal, Pulan alarithal, Threedosham status (Mukkutra Nilaigal), Udal Thathukal Nilai and Envagai Thervugal. As the researchers looking an alternative way for treating this high burden disease, it is the need of the hour to invests more on to create the evidence to prevent, control and treat this high burden disorder by synthesizing the evidence from the Siddha.