The Siddha system is quite similar to Ayurveda. There are extensive references to this system in the 'Thirukural' and the Tamil grammar work 'Tholkappiam' which are pointers to its period of origin. It is an ancient, traditional system of Indian medicine, developed by 18 Siddhars who glorified human beings as the highest form of birth. They believed that it was essential to preserve the human body to achieve eternal bliss. They proved through their own lives that it was possible to achieve longevity without becoming senile, by leading simple lives and following the laws of nature.

The Siddha system has not only made valuable contributions in the field of medicine but has also provided knowledge of eternity, alchemy and yogic living. Like Ayurveda, the Siddha system also believes that everything in the world is made up of the panchabhoothas panjeekarnam (in Ayurveda they are called the panchamahabhuta) or the five basic elements - earth, water, fire, air and space.

Siddha describes 96 main constituents of human beings. These are manifestations of the 4 basic components of an individual - physical, psychological, moral and intellectual. Of the 96 principles, Mukkutram, the psychological unit (consisting of vali or pain, azhal or crying and iyam or giving) is very important. It has to be in equilibrium for the body to be healthy. Any slight deviation causes diseases.

There are 8 methods of diagnosis in the Siddha system. The most primary of these methods is the pulse diagnosis. Apart from this, diagnosis is also based on the examination of the tongue, complexion, speech, eyes, palpitation, urine and stool. A unique feature of the urine examination is the oil test or neikuri.

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