Principles of Siddha by Asucre Wellness - Concepts Regarding Habitat and Season Vol 3
Concepts Regarding Habitat and Season
Siddha science which visualizes man as a microcosm, believes that planetary changes and natural rhythms that result in six seasons/year (perum pozhuthu) and six periods/day (siru pozhuthu) also result in corresponding physiological changes in other creatures living in macrocosm, viz., the Universe.
“Andathil ullathae Pindam, Pindathil ullathae Andam …” -- Satta Muni Gnanam
This verse means that the environment is same within and outside our body which indicates that the body physiology must be tuned according to the habitat and the prevailing season as an adaptive and preventive measure for one’s health.
Accordingly, Siddhars designed basic regimen in harmony with the habitat (Nilam) and seasons (Pozhuthu).
1. Habitat (Nilam)
Habitat or nilam indicates the place where one lives. On the basis of certain characteristic features like geographical (landscape) conditions, climatic conditions, flora, fauna, etc., habitat is categorized as follows:
Each habitat is said to harbour a particular humour (Uyir Thathu). This can be interpreted from the following table:
- Hilly tract (Kurinji)
- Sylvan tract (Mullai)
- Agricultural tract (Marutham)
- Coastal tract (Neithal) and Arid tract (Paalai)
Each habitat is said to harbour a particular humour (Uyir Thathu). This can be interpreted from the following table:
Habitat (Nilam)
|
Geographical description
|
Prevalent disease
|
| Hilly tract | Mountains and its surroundings | Kabham related disease and liver disease |
| Sylvan tract | Forest and its surroundings | Pitham, vaatham related diseases and liver disease |
| Agricultural tract | Fields and its surroundings | Ideal place for healthy living |
| Coastal Tract | Ocean, sea and its surroundings | Vaatham related disease and liver disease |
| Arid Tract | Desert and its surroundings | Vaatham, pitham, kabham related diseases |
The following table depicts the state of predominant humour (Uyir thathu) in each type of habitat.
| Humours (Uyir thathukkal) | Hilly tract | Sylvan tract | Cultivation area | Coastal area | Arid area |
| Vatham | @ | # | # | ||
| Pitham | # | @ | # | ||
| Kabham | # | @ | # |
# indicates predominant and @ indicates balanced
Season (Pozhuthu) : Each day, is divided into six periods of four hours each, which is called siru pozhuthu. Every year, on the other hand, is divided into six seasons of two-month duration each, which is called perum pozuthu. The effect of seasons on the incidence of diseases has been defined and further, seasonal conduct has been advised to prevent these diseases. A single humour (uyir thathu) dominates over the other two in a particular season and during any specific period of a day and hence the food habits and other lifestyles must be tuned in accordingly for healthy living.
Cyclic representation of states of the three humours (uyir thathukkal) in a day
Daily regimen (Naal Ozhukkam) : Naal Ozhukkam mentions the systematic order of every day activities that every person needs to follow in order to avoid lifestyle disorders and related diseases. It describes the methodology to take good care of our body and mind.
- Waking up (Kaalai Ezhuthal) : Our new day begins as we wake up and it is the first activity of a day. The apt time for wake-up is between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM. As we wake-up early, we breath fresh air rich in vital respiratory gases and that also helps the three humours or Uyir thathukkal to be in the state of equilibrium. Meditation and worship performed early in the morning brings immense pleasure to one’s mind.
- Excretion of stools and urine (Mala salam kazhithal) : This is the act (or) function of eliminating the waste products of digestion and other metabolic activities. Excretion of faeces and urine are activities of vaatham and hence it should be performed soon after we wake up. Urine is passed first followed by stools. It is normal to pass faeces twice a day and urine 4 times a day which when disturbed indicates abnormal bowel function. One should not suppress these two physiological reflex activities. Certain methods have also been mentioned for cleaning after the act of defaecation in order to avoid infections. Proper excretion indicates proper digestion and helps the three humours or uyir thathukkal to stay in equilibrium.
- Brushing of teeth (Pal thulakkal): Oral cavity being the main entrance of our gastro-intestinal tract must be well maintained by taking good oral care. Plaque deposits formed as a result of mastication should be cleaned properly in order to avoid infection. Siddhars have mentioned the use of certain herbal twigs and powders for a good dental care. The herbal twigs are considered best to be used as brush, as they are used and thrown (single use). Also, the act of chewing the herbal twig increases salivation and releases the juice of that particular twig which usually has astringent and disinfectant property. The bristles so formed help remove plaque easily away from teeth. This twig is usually selected without any nodes and from a fresh, well grown tree. In cases where people suffer from ailments like stomatitis, the use of twigs is restricted and instead the use of appropriate herbal powders is advised.
- Exercise: Iron rusts when not in use and, similarly, our body becomes a ground for diseases when not involved in proper physical exercise. As a part of daily regimen (naal ozhukkam), Siddhars stressed on the importance of practicing yoga which includes asanas, breathing techniques, meditation techniques, etc. These practices are aimed at developing body strength as well as peace of mind resulting in health and harmony. Early morning is the best time to perform yogic exercises as it help to face the day with great energy and enthusiasm. To refresh oneself after a day’s activity, physical exercises can be done in the evening. Physical exercises must be done in a well-aerated area and before meals or 2 hrs after meals. Yogic and physical exercises practiced under proper guidance along with appropriate diet habits facilitate proper functioning of internal organs, thereby leading to longevity.
- Bath : Physical exercise is followed by a bath to clean oneself of the sweat and dirt formed as a result of one’s activities. A bath before sunrise is considered good for health. Oil bath is recommended once in 4 days to bring strength to the five motor organs also known as Panchainderiyangal. The method prescribed is application of gingelly oil/ghee/certain medicated oil, usually followed by use of herbal bath powder (Panchakarpam) for washing. This practice is believed to protect the body against illness in all seasons. Methods for an oil bath, seasonal and diet restrictions while taking an oil bath have also been clearly discussed in ancient Siddha literature.
- Dress and Ornaments: A detailed description of dress code for men and women according to seasonal variations have been given due importance in day-to-day life. Influence of planets on humans, their relation to ornamental gems and how these can be used to treat diseases have been described in detail.
- Diet: Diet plays a major role in our everyday activity. Diet acts as the source of vital nutrients to gain energy and it builds our body. Improper diet habits cause disturbances in equilibrium of the three humours (Uyir thathukkal) and physical constituents (Udal thathukkal) in turn causing several diseases. "Unavae marunthu; marunthae unavu". This verse, meaning diet can act as medicine, explains the importance of diet. The diet concept of Siddhars is based upon taste of foods as it indicates the natural property of the kind of food. A typical diet must therefore include a combination of 6 tastes that is best suited to the prevailing season. Hunger (pasi - one of the 14 physiological reflexes or Vegangal) indicates the need for food. Diet intake nourishes the different physical constituents, viz., Udal thathukkal in a particular sequence and finally provides strength to our body. However, food like milk, water and meat soup provide instant strength to body. According to Saint Thiruvalluvar, 3 main factors decide the structure of a good diet.
a) Taste: Tastes may have a compatible counterpart or an inimical counterpart and inimical tastes should never be taken together. A particular taste of food when taken in combination with its inimical taste food might yield poisonous effects due to dietetic incompatibilities. E.g. Milk and fish should never be taken together. Similarly, a combination of milk and green leafy vegetables is also harmful. A diet should also include food that normalises the three humours (trithoda sama porul). The concept of inimical and compatible taste in diet is also applied for selection and preparation of Siddha medicines.
b) The constitution of person: Diet with respect to quantity and quality should be taken according to the gender, age, physical/mental activity and basic body constitution (viz., vaatham, pitham, kabham) of the person
c) Time, season, and habitat : Selection of proper diet also takes into consideration the period of day (breakfast/lunch/dinner) seasonal variations and geographic locations
- Sleep: Sleep is nature’s way of providing rest to our body. Proper sleep is required when our body feels tired after a day’s work and it is therefore best to sleep at the end of a day. Sleep helps our body to carry out repair activities. The quantity and quality of sleep equally influences one’s good health. A man deprived of sleep develops varied disorders. Siddhars have mentioned certain procedures to follow with regard to sleep. As a part of daily regimen (Naal ozhukkam), good personality traits like silence, sincerity, charity, humanity, humility, honesty, politeness, justice, love and care for others are also encouraged since they result in purity of mind and will better chances of success in achieving eternal bliss.
2. Seasonal Conduct (Kaala ozhukkam)
The seasonal conduct called Kaala ozhukkam structures out the guidelines to be followed in different seasons to prevent illnesses and help one’s wellbeing. The guidelines are related to modifications in diet, lifestyle, etc. with respect to a particular season.
Cyclic representation of seasonal effects on the three humours (Uyir Thathukkal):
The seasonal conduct also mentions some precautionary steps to follow during Kaalachaerkai which is a transition period of 14 days i.e., last seven days of the ongoing season and first seven days of the next season. Seasonal conduct of the ongoing season should be gradually stopped and the regimen of the next season should be gradually initiated during this period so as to help our body adapt to seasonal changes.
The table below gives brief information about the seasonal guidelines
Season
|
Preferred taste
|
Preferred Diet
|
Medications
|
Preferred life style
|
State of 3 humours (Uyir Thathukkal), Appetite
|
| Rainy season from Aug 16th – Oct 15th (Kaarkaalam) | Sweet (Inippu), Sour (Pulippu), Salty (Uvarppu) | Hot potency and digestible food. | Emetic, purgative drugs and appetizers | Use dry clothing. Avoid butter milk, day time sleep and tire some work | Pitham is in accumulated state,Vaatham is in aggravated stateDecreased appetite |
| Autumn from Oct 16th – Dec 15th (Koothir kaalam) | Sweet (Inippu), Bitter (Kaippu), Astringent (Thuvarppu) | Dry and cool food, light diet | Bloodletting | Avoid curd, oil, fats, alcohol, daytime sleep sunlight, dew, heavy meals and salty diet.Use clean and dry clothes. | Pitham is in aggravated state, Vaatham is in mitigated state. |
| Early winter Dec 16th – Feb 15th (Muun Pani kaalam) | Sweet (Inippu), Sour (Pulippu), Salty (Uvarppu) | Cool | Oil (thylam) application |
Use boiled water, blankets.
Exposure to evening sun light and slight work is good.
Always use footwear. | Pitham is in mitigated state.Increased appetite and immunity. |
| Late winter from Feb 16th – Apr 15th (Pinpani Kaalam) | Sweet (Inippu), Sour (Pulippu), Astringent (Thuvarppu) | Avoid diet that increases vaatham | Oil (thylam) application |
Use boiled water, blankets.
Exposure to evening sun light and slight work is good.
Always use footwear. | Kabham is in accumulated state. |
| Spring from Apr 16th – June 15th (Ilavaenil Kaalam) | Bitter (Kaippu), Pungent (kaarppu), Astringent (Thuvarppu) | Dry and hot potency food, solid, liquid and semi-solid food. | Emetic, Nasal application (Nasiyam)medications. | Avoid bulky diet cool diet and daytime sleep | Kabham is in aggravated state. |
| Summer June 16th – Aug 15th (Muduvaenil Kaalam) | Sweet (Inippu) | Coolant | Vatha neutralizing medications | Reside in ventilated area. Avoid food that is digested with difficulty. | Vaatham is in accumulated state,Kabham is in mitigated state. |
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