Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Kayakarpam or Kayakalpam is one of the unique special therapeutic divisions in Siddha system of medicine advocated specially for rejuvenation, decreasing morbidity and increasing the life span. “Kayam” means body and “Karpam” means ‘strong as stone’. Hence it means keeping the body as strong as stone. Thus this dicipline details the methods and drugs used for longevity and enhancement of innate health. Kayakarpam provides both mental and physical wellness to the individual.

Kayakarpam therapy encompasses pharmacological and non-pharmacological regimens.

The pharmacological approach is called karpa avizhtham (karpa medicines) which include herbal, mineral and animal product preparations. Karpa medicines fall under any one of these

(a)    those  that are prepared fresh daily before administration and

(b)   those in prepared, product format as medicines

Herbal Karpam medicines are mentioned in various siddha texts such as Theraiyar yamaga venba, Bohar karpam 300, Bohar 7000, Thiruvalluvar karpam 300, Pulathiar karpam 300 etc.

Mineral Karpam medicines are found mentioned in Agatthiyar chendooram 300, Bohar 7000 & 700 etc.

Animal kayakarpam medicines are found in Pathaartha guna sinthaamani literature.

The non pharmacological regimen is called Karpa yogam also known as ‘Attanga yogam’ that includes practices and methods described in Siddha literatures. There are number of aadhanam (postures) that are found in Tholkappiam, an oldest literature of Tamil language which authorizes the vintage of Siddha System and yogic practices very long ago. Tholkappiam denotes eight types of Yogic practices in its Puram 75-6th verse. Subsequently, Thirumoolar in his works has denoted many yogic procedures. Thirumoolar's writing is the basis for Attanga Yogam (Eight-Limbed Yoga). The eight-limbed concept is derived from his Thirumanthiram text.

(Yoga in siddha http://siddhacouncil.com)

Kayakarpam is divided in to pothu karpam (general) and sirappu karpam (specific karpam).

Pothu karpam: Methods and medicines that are used for long and healthy life, to enhance memory and intelligence, for strength and luster of complexion come under this category. This can be taken by anyone at any time as per the prescribed procedures found in siddha texts.

Sirappu karpam: These are advised to be taken during the period of illness and physical imbalances and during the period of recovery from disease.

Kayakalpa methods and formulations are found to be effective in treating many chronic and degenerative diseases. Intensive and concurrent researches conducted globally also show that the plants used in kayakarpam formulations are rich in natural source of antioxidants (An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, leading to chain reactions that may damage cells).

As documented by saint Bogar, the following siddhars used single plants mentioned against them as kayakalpa drugs effectively in their practice.

Nearly 108 herbs and herbo mineral cominations are recommended for prevention of diseases (pothu karpam) and restoration of health from specific diseases (sirappu karpam).

References:

http://www.ijppsjournal.com

A hand book of common siddha kayakalpa (Rasayana) herbs for healthy life, CCRAS, Dept.of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, New Delhi, 2008.

B C, S RR. An overview on the role of siddha practices in the prevention and management of age related neurogenarative disorders with special reference to senile dementia. IAJPR. 2015; 5(4): 1510-1521.