National Institute of Siddha Treatments and Courses in Chennai

National Institute of Siddha

National Institute of Siddha (NIS) is a pioneer Siddha institute in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, under the Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India. It is a premier institute known for quality healthcare services and education.  The Siddha Institute has a 200-bed hospital; about 2300 patients visit its OPD daily. It offers postgraduate courses and a PhD in Siddha. The institute is also known for treating many diseases through its special therapies.

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National Institute of Siddha courses

National Institute of Siddha offers two courses: MD in Siddha and PhD in Siddha.

MD Siddha degree course

It is affiliated with   MGR Medical University, Chennai, and the curriculum is by the Central Council for Indian Medicine, New Delhi. There are six post-graduate programs, namely:

• Maruthuvam-8 seats
• Gunapadam-8 seats
• Sirappu Maruthuvam-8 seats
• Kuzhandai Maruthuvam-8 seats
• Noi Nadal-7 seats
• Nanju Noolum Maruthuva Needhi Noolum-7 seats

The basic requirements for the above courses are as follows:

• Qualification: Siddha graduates with BSMS/BIM
• Entrance exam: Common for all the six disciplines
• Duration: 3 years

One seat is reserved in any of the above six disciplines for Siddha graduates from BIMSTEC countries.

Point to remember:

• Total seats are 46, including one reserved for a BIMSTEC student.
• Notification is made in July.
• Entrance and counselling were held in October.

 PhD Siddha course

Ph.D. in NIS is offered in the given six specific disciplines

• Maruthuvam
• Gunapadam
• Sirappu Maruthuvam
• Kuzhandai Maruthuvam
• Noi Nadal
• Nanju Noolum Maruthuva Needhi Noolum

The basic requirements for a PhD in NIS

• Total seats: 12
• Qualification: MD in Siddha
• Selection: through entrance exam

National Institute of Siddha treatments

Out-Patient Department

• The institute is attached to Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital, where OPD services are provided free of cost to ordinary people.
• OPD services are available 365 days a year.
• OPD timings: General OPD: 8 am to 12 noon, Geriatric OP: 3 pm to 5 pm (every Tuesday), Vanmeegam-cancer clinic: 3 pm to 5 pm (every Wednesday), Magavinmai-infertility clinic: 3 pm to 5 pm (every Friday) and Yoga OP: 8 am to 12 noon (every Friday).

National Institute of Siddha IPD

The various departments under IPD are

• Maruthuvam
• Gunapadam
• Varmam, Puramaruthuvam and Sirappu Maruthuvam
• Kuzhandhai Maruthuvam
• Noi Nadal
• Nanju Maruthuvam
• Aruvai Thool Maruthuvam
• Sool & Magalir Maruthuvam

General ward in the National Institute of Siddha  In-Patient Department (IPD).

• Male ward on the ground floor
• Female Ward on the first floor
• Pediatric ward: Second floor
• Treatment facility as well as food is free of cost. 

Medical tourism at the National Institute of Siddha

The following diseases and disorders are covered under medical tourism.

• Metabolic disorder, lifestyle disorders
• Renal failure
• Geriatric diseases
• Autoimmune disorders
• Skin diseases
• Obesity, Diabetes and Cholesterol
• Eye and ENT
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Respiratory disorders
• Central Nervous System disorders

Special OPD in National Institute of Siddha

•  Geriatric OPD: It is for senior citizens of more than 60 years every Tuesday between 3-5 p.m. Medicine is free.
• Infertility OPD (Magavinmai): It is organised every Friday between 3 -5 pm.
• Cancer Clinic (Vanmeegam): This opd functions from 3-5 pm every Wednesday.
• Yoga OPD: Every Friday between 8 to 12 Noon.
• Aruvai Thol Maruthuvam: For diseases like skin, fistula, haemorrhoids, tumours, etc.

Special therapies at the National Institute of Siddha

There are many special therapies given in NIS. I have for you below a detailed description of these unique treatments.

• Varmam: Varmam treats cervical spondylosis, lumbar spondylosis, frozen shoulder, paraplegia, and hemiplegia. Varmam therapy is the pressure manipulation on the said points with a particular force for a specific time.  It leads to the flow of pranic energy, which is obstructed due to some factors. The different methods are used in Varmam therapy, such as energy-based treatment, vital air-based treatment, nervous system-based treatment, bone-based treatment, muscle-based treatment, and internal organ-based treatment. Experts in the field execute these treatments.
• Karnool Therapy: This therapy is used for the management of fistula. One of the best advantages is that it prevents the recurrence of the condition.
• Thokkanam (Physical manipulation therapy): It is given to patients with deranged vaatham and humour. Trained professionals do it.
• Attai Vidal (Leech Therapy): A unique therapy used to remove toxins from blood using a sponge. It is helpful in arthritis, eye diseases, dysmenorrhoea, traumatic swelling, etc.
• Suttigai (Cauterization) removes swelling/bleeding or burning tissues. It treats scrotal swelling, abdominal swelling, and Kaph disorders.
• Patru (Poultice): Its soft, moist mass of herbs often heated or medicated. It treats aching, painful body parts and skin diseases like emollient, anti-microbial and anti-allergic.
• Ottradam (Fomentation): This therapy is used in contusion, swelling, and dermatological conditions.
• Poochu (Anointing): Application of liquid or medicated oil locally. Reducing Pitham, eczema, and diseases related to Vaatham is helpful.
• Pugai (Fumigation): Pugai is an inhalation therapy with medicinal herbs. The main motto of this therapy is to control infection. Fumigation is helpful in cases of sinusitis, bronchitis, allergies, ear diseases, dental caries, and asthma.
• Kattu (Bandage dressing): It is the of herbs or medicinal or inorganic substances on the affected area. It is helpful in case of inflammations, wounds, and other painful conditions.
• Nasiyam (Nasal Drops): Drug administration through nasal or nasal instillation. This is useful in case of diseases like sinusitis, nasal blocks, migraines, etc.
• Vethu (Steam Inhalation): It is helpful to treat anorectal diseases, tremors and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Seelai (Medicated Gauze/Plaster): It is used in case of a wound so that it heals up quickly. Applicable in case of wound healing, chronic ulcers, abscesses, neoplasm, fistula, etc.
• Kombu Kattal (Bone setting): Herbal bone setting material is used. It is helpful to reduce pain, swelling, and contusion on fractures.
• Pottanam (Medicated packs/pouch): Heated packs of herbal powder. It is used in cases of eye diseases, tridosham, and spondylosis.
• Pasai (Cream): It’s a resin-based application where fats or vegetable oils are used for treatment. It is used for headaches or other painful conditions.
• Kalimbu (Ointment): It’s a vicious semi-solid product used in case of ulcers and eczema
• Peechu (Enema): It is to clear the rectum with the help of medicated water or medicated oil.
• Ennai Kattu (Oil Pooling): Holding warm medicated oil at a particular area for a specific period so that oil penetrates the deeper level of the tissues. This therapy is beneficial in loosening the muscles, spondylosis, sciatica, etc.
• Physiotherapy: It is also given at NIS.