The word 'siddha' comes from the root word 'Siddhi' which means
'an object to be attained' or 'perfection' or 'heavenly bliss'. Siddhi generally refers to the eight supernatural powers enumerated as 'anima' and those who have attained them are called 'siddhars' and also called them as Divine Scientists the Siddha system. These worshipful Tamil siddhars using their divine powers had classified 4,448 diseases and prescribed medicines with real therapeutic value in the form of herbs, roots, salts and even toxicity reduced poisons to treat rare array of diseases that attack human beings.

Once it was practised from Lemoria to mediterranean sea and subsequently is practised in Southern India. The origin of the Tamil language is attributed to the sage Agasthya and the origin of Siddha medicine is also attributed to him. Before the Aryan occupation of the Sind region and the Gangetic plain there existed in the southern India, on the banks of the river Kavery, and Tamirapani, a civilization which was highly organised. This civilization has a system of medicine to deal with problems of sanitation and treatment of diseases. This is the Siddha system of medicine. It is possible that in the course of time this system and the one prevalent in the north supplemented and enriched each other. The therapeutics of Siddha medicines consists mainly of the use of metals and minerals whereas in the earlier Ayurveda texts there is no mention of metals and minerals. From earliest times in Siddha text, there is mention of mercury, sulphur, copper, arsenic and gold used as therapeutic agents. The Tridosha theory, sapta dhatu physiology and nomenclature of the diseases in the two systems may seem similar. According to Siddha medicine AIDS has been written by the Tamil Siddhars as far back as few thousand years during the ancient prehistoric civilisation of Southern India. Traditionally, it is said there were 18 Siddhars. They left their imprint not only in medicine but in yoga and philosophy. The Siddhars were essentially yogis and secondarily physicians.

Siddhars have the fundamental concept that the body's immunity gets heavily depleted by diseases caused due to excess sexual activities. The devastating HIV virus causing high mortality rates is by itself new to the Modern system of Medicine, was known as VETTAI NOI to Tamil siddhars as early as thousand years ago in the cradle of the prehistoric civilisation, Tamil Nadu. The chief cause of VETTAI NOI is due to the defect in the three humours and mainly due to AZHAL KUTRUM (Pitham) exhibited in the blood stream. The signs and symptoms found in the AIDS patients are found to be similar with the VETTAI NOI expounded in the Siddha system of Medicine. So in this disease there is deterioration of all the thathus by the involvement of vali and defence of the body is at stake, which manifests into a dreadful plethoric picture consisting the following clinical features: soolai (pain), kuttam (skin lesions), kiranthi (formation of nodes), putru (malignancy), pilavai (abscess), andamalai (cervical adenitis), araiyappu (inguinal adenitis), sirangu (pustules), ottiya pun (ulcer in the loin), arunkarappan (eczematous eruptions), malakattu (constipation), kshayam (tuberculosis), bedhi (diarrhoea), kirani (chronic dysentery), pandu (anemia), kaamalai (jaundice), peenisangal (upper respiratory tract infections).

Thus a person affected by the HIV virus is in turn affected by various infections and diseases due to impaired immune system. The main seat for all these immunological deficits are places of BONE MARROW, LIVER and THYMUS GLAND in the lymphatic system of the human body. In other words, any of the above organs will predominantly cure the defective immune system and its function.

The universe consists of two essential entities, matter and energy. The Siddhars call them Siva (male) and Shakti (female, creation). Matter cannot exist without energy inherent in it and vice versa. The two co-exist and are inseparable. They are the primordial elements Bhutas, not to be confused with modern chemistry. Their names are Munn (solid), Neer (fluid), Thee (radiance), Vayu (gas) and Veli (ether). These five elements (Bhutas) are present in every substance, but in different proportions. Earth, water, fire, air and ether are manifestations of these 5 elements. The human anatomy and physiology, causative factor of diseases, the materials for the treatment and cure of the diseases, the foods for the sustenance of the body, all fall within the five elemental categories. The human being is made up of these five elements, in different combinations. The physiological function in the body is mediated by three substances (dravayas), which are made up of the five elements. They are Vali, Azhal, and Iyam. In each and every cell of the body these three doshas co-exist and function harmoniously. The tissues are called dhatus. Vali is formed by Akasa and Vayu. Vali controls the nervous actions such as movement, sensation, etc. Azhal is formed by Thee and controls the metabolic activity of the body, digestion, assimilation, warmth, etc. Iyam is formed by Munn and Neer and controls stability. When their equilibrium is upsets disease sets in. In addition to the influence of the Mukkuttram the seasons also affects body constituents as evident in northern and southern India.

The Tamil Siddhars are 18 enlightened men and women who wrote down the causes of 4,448 different diseases and prescribed medicines. AIDS can be compared "Vettai Noi". AIDS syndrome was already known to the Siddha system of medicine. It was further classified into 21 types, most of which are caused due to wrong diet, excessive sex causing depletion of prana. By stating this, Siddha medicine does not mean to judge people or make a moral stand but meaningless sex depletes a person emotionally, physical and spiritually. Underlying all sexual acts is the quest for love, intimacy and acceptance. The chief cause of "Vettai Noi" is the defects in the three humors - Mukkuttram.

Other Siddha medicines that could be prescribed under medical supervision and administered for HIV as supportive therapy are as follows:
1. For purification of blood: Kanthaga Rasayanam, Paranki Pattai churnams, Palakaria Parpam.
2. For reducing fever: Linga chenduram, Gowri Chinthamani, Thirikadugu Churnam, Rama Banam, Vadha, Piththa, Kaba Sura Kudineer.
3. For persistent diarrhea: Thair Sundi churnam, Padiga linga thuvar, Amaiodu Parpam.
4. Revitalizers and rejuvenators to the disabled immune system of the body: Orilai Thamarai karpam, Serankottai Eagam, Thertran Kottai leyham, Amukkara.
5. Antiviral drugs: Rasagandhi Mezhugu, Murukkanvithtu, Masikai, Edi Vallathathy mezhugu.
6. Restoration to the disturbed mind: Vallarai.

In this report, it emphasized the fundamental concept of the body's immunity gets heavily depleted by excess indulgence as stated by the Siddhars. Siddhars have evaluated that Azhal thathu is responsible for the defence of the body. Disease takes place with the deterioration of the Vindhu thathu.

As per Thirumoolar Thirumandhiram it has been described that 6400 drops of blood cells make one drop of Vindhu, i.e. 80 drops of red cells make one drop of white corpuscles and 80 drops of white corpuscles make one drop of Vindhu. Thus 80x80 = 6400 drops of blood cells makes one drop of Vindhu. If extensive loss of Vindhu occurs in one human body naturally it will reflect on blood cell.

Hence with the deterioration of Vindhu thathu, disease that arise are as follows : pain, skin lesions, formation of nodes, malignancy, fistula, abscess, cervical adenitis, inguinal adenitis ulcers in the loin, eczematous eruptions, pustules, constipation, TB, diarrhea, chronic dysentery, anemia, jaundice and upper respiratory infections. Siddha medicines are formulated but alos they have a total rejuvenating effect on the body's thathus and not only effective against a particular disorder.
The special feature of the Siddha medicine is that most of the preparations are in compound formulation, and because of its synergistic action, toxicity is being diminished, thereby increasing bioavailability through the cells of the body. The pharmacodynamics of this system is entirely different from other systems of medicines.

Drugs that could be prepared for HIV may be classified as follows:
1. Herbal preparations
- Serankottai Neil (herbal ghee), Mahavallathy leyham, Parangi rasayanam
2. Herbo mineral preparations
Gandhak Parpam, Gandhaka rasayanam
3. Herbo mercuric preparations
Idivallathy mezhugu, Poorna Chandrodayam
(From my understanding of mercurial compounds used in Ayurveda/Siddha the mercury is undergoes an 18 step process of oxidation. The end results are an ore or derivative of mercury.)
4. Herbo-mercuric-arsenial preparations
-Rasagandhi mezhugu, Nandhi Mezhugu, Sivanar Amirtham, Kshayakulanthaga Chenduram
Apart from these medicines other Siddha medicines mentioned by other practioners can be also be used with the above.

The Siddhars have developed a discipline called kaya kalpa. This discipline addresses the sections on longevity and fountain of youth with complete freedom from illness. It is similar to rasayana of Ayurveda and gerontology of modern medicine. Kalpa means 'able, competent'. The Siddha were more concerned with quality and longevity of living than with the pursuit of sex.

Gold and mercury are administered in rejuvenation. More than medicines it is the discipline led by the individual that ensures longevity and free from illness. Breath control (Sarapayarchi pranayanam) and diet are two important parts of this discipline. Proper diet will promote physical stamina and mental equilibrium. The less one eats the healthier they can remain. In today's world it pays to be mindful of everything that we ingest.

'Kalpam' is defined as the panacea intended for prolonging life for an indefinite period. It is said that while taking kalpha drugs, one should strictly follow the prescribed diet.

Siddha kalpa drugs of mineral compounds contain chiefly gold, mercury, sulphur and salts. Mercurial compounds are highly effective as anti-syphilitic, nervine, tonic, stimulant alternatives and bacterostatic. Small doses of calcined oxides prepared according to the Siddha method ensure certainty of effect and absorption in the system.

Calcined sulphur or red oxide of sulphur can be obtained by solidating it first by the Siddha method of purification. In small doses, it conserves the body, and it is diaphoretic and alterative. Therapeutically, it is used as both external and internal remedy against skin diseases, rheumatic arthritis, asthma, jaundice and blood poisoning.

It is alterative, nervine tonic, antidote to poison and a powerful sexual stimulant. Very little is absorbed in the system. Care is taken to see that calcinations of gold are free from metallic state and lustre to ensure safe absorption in the system.
Thus, these drugs and metallic minerals can be screened for its anti-viral, immune stimulant and immuno-modulator activity. As HIV negative people have taken Kalpa drugs for rejuvenation and long life, it is believed that if Kayakalpa therapy is thoroughly investigated using modern parameters it might lead one to find whether these drugs could be used in preventative or curative benefits in AIDS or other degenerative disorders.