Students from Meenakshi College of Nursing visited the National Institute of Siddha on 18.11.2025 at Sanatorium, Tambaram, as part of an academic exposure program aimed at understanding traditional systems of medicine and their role in holistic healthcare. The visit included a detailed orientation at the Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital, a NABH-accredited institution equipped with both OPD and IPD facilities and a bed strength of 220.
The students were warmly received by Dr. Shiyamala, Associate Professor, Department of Noi Anugavidhi, who provided an insightful overview of various diagnostic and therapeutic practices in Siddha medicine. She explained the principles and applications of key treatment modalities such as Noi Naadal, Pura Maruthuvam, Varma Maruthuvam, Thokkanam, Attai Vidal, Nasiyam, Peechu, Kalikkam, Poochu, Pugai, Mai, Kattu and Suttigai. Emphasis was placed on the core Siddha philosophy that diet and lifestyle modifications serve as the foundation for healing and long-term well-being.
During the visit, students also explored the hospital’s laboratory facilities, including the Siddha Pharmacology Laboratory, which supports clinical services, undergraduate training and research initiatives of the Institute. A significant part of the educational tour was the visit to the Regional Raw Drug Repository (RRDR), which houses an extensive collection of raw medicinal materials—plant-based, animal-based and mineral-based—along with details of their therapeutic applications.
The students were particularly intrigued by innovative traditional practices such as Karanool, a medicated surgical thread presented as a natural alternative to modern allopathic suture materials. The on-campus museum showcased ancient surgical instruments, traditional grains and millets, raw drug specimens, miniature models of processing equipment and rare palm-leaf manuscripts authored by Siddhars, offering an enriching historical perspective.
Leech therapy demonstrations, used in treating skin conditions and detoxification, sparked keen interest among the students, adding a unique experiential dimension to the visit. Overall, the day proved to be an inspiring and informative experience, strengthening the students’ understanding of integrative healthcare approaches that can be applied in their future professional practice.
