05/01/2026
A New Milestone in Siddha Medical Education
Wellness Skill Training retreat for First-Year Students
Conceptualized and conducted by
Dr. P. Selva Shunmugam
Health India Foundation, Chennai
With the objective of enabling Siddha medical students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of medicine, to practically adopt the lifestyle practices prescribed by the Siddhars, to learn Siddha dietary practices through experiential training, to comprehend the depth of Siddhar Yoga both theoretically and practically, and to understand the scientific basis of Varmam while learning simple Varmam points that enhance concentration and mental focus, an integrated Siddhar lifestyle training camp was conducted for the first time in the history of Siddha medical education at Velu Mayilu Siddha Medical College, Sriperumbudur.
I am immensely pleased to share the details of this significant initiative with well-wishers. Although I have been conducting Siddha lifestyle–based wellness camps in various parts of the United States and Malaysia over the past ten years, the inability to organize such a program in India, particularly for Siddha medical students, had remained a long-standing aspiration within me.
I express my deepest gratitude to the leadership, management committee members, the respected Principal Dr. Balagurusamy, the Vice Principal Dr. Suresh, and the dedicated faculty of Velu Mayilu Siddha Medical College, Sriperumbudur, whose wholehearted encouragement and steadfast support gave life to a dream nurtured for many years, allowing it to take shape with purpose and pride on our native Tamil soil.
This residential camp, titled “Siddha Skill Immersion retreat Camp,” was designed specifically for first-year Siddha medical students in accordance with the guidelines of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the Ministry of AYUSH. The program was structured around the core principles of Siddha life discipline, wellness, ethics, and preventive healthcare awareness.
The camp served as an introductory Siddha wellness training centered on the integration of mind, body, and life force. Balanced living is defined as the harmonious functioning of key components of life—physical health (diet, sleep, physical activity), mental health (attention, stress regulation, emotional intelligence), relationships, work, and personal growth. Nutritious food, continuous physical movement, stress management, digital awareness, social connectivity, gratitude, and lifelong learning together contribute to a holistic and fulfilling life.
This carefully designed Siddha Skill Immersion Retreat Camp integrated Siddha principles with experiential learning to:
• eliminate fear of disease and cultivate confidence in disease prevention,
• shift from mechanical learning to experience-based learning rooted in conscious living, and
• facilitate a transition from information-based education to experiential wisdom.
Through this approach, qualities such as calmness, clarity, discipline, joy, and compassion are nurtured as foundational personality traits of a Siddha physician.
Inauguration and Camp Activities
The camp commenced on Sunday, 28th December, at 6:00 p.m. at Velu Mayilu Siddha Medical College. The inaugural session was held under the leadership of the College Administrative Officer, Thiru Muthu Perumal, in the presence of the Principal, Vice Principal, and faculty members.
The opening “Navukkarasar Session” served as an introductory session for first-year students. The objectives of the camp, its action plan, and the expected outcomes were explained to the students in a simple and clear manner. Essential wellness materials such as herbal tooth-cleaning powder, medicated bath oil, and bath powder were also distributed.
To assess the effectiveness of the camp, baseline assessment forms were administered to students at the beginning. The same forms were planned to be re-administered at the conclusion of the camp to comparatively analyze the changes.
Forty students were divided into eight groups, each named after Siddhars such as Thirumoolar and Agathiyar. The first day concluded joyfully with group discussions followed by a pleasant dinner.
Training Sessions
On the second day, students assembled at 4:45 a.m. and began the day with a demonstration of the Siddhar method of oral cleansing. This was followed by the intake of herbal ginger water and participation in Thirumoolar Yoga practices. Basic-level yoga postures and breathing exercises were taught through hands-on practice.
At 7:30 a.m., an oil bath training session was conducted. Students followed the oil bath procedure in their rooms and then proceeded for breakfast. Despite the novelty of the food, students enthusiastically tasted and appreciated it.
During the Agathiyar Session, the following topics were discussed interactively:
• Siddha Medicine as an integrated life science,
• the scientific perspective on health and wellness, and
• the role of BSMS students in self-care and preventive health.
In the afternoon session, the practical understanding of the Panchabhootham (five-primordial element) theory was explained, highlighting its manifestations in the human body, food, climate, and daily lifestyle activities. Daily and seasonal Siddha lifestyle practices were elaborated with supporting rationale. Concepts such as Meditation (Marai Mozhi Thavam), the vital energy of breath, and the foundational principles of yoga were also clarified.
In the evening, Thirumoolar Yoga practice, breathing exercises, and meditative Marai Mozhi were conducted.
During the afternoon, a fire - free cooking group competition was held, in which students prepared innovative and tasty dishes within seven minutes, impressing all participants.
At night, a quiz competition was conducted among the eight groups. Students answered even complex questions with clarity, demonstrating their depth of comprehension. Their enthusiastic and continuous participation from 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. was noteworthy.
Third-Day Training Sessions
On the third day as well, students assembled at 4:45 a.m. and began the day with the Siddhar oral cleansing demonstration. This was followed by practical training in the traditional Siddha practice of Vazhalai Kazharthal – a classical Siddha pulmonary cleansing practice supporting higher yogic practices.
The subsequent yoga practice, breathing exercises, and an extended meditative Marai Mozhi thavam session provided students with a complete experiential understanding of beginner-level yoga. These sessions were designed to enable students to perceive the integration of body, mind, and life force.
Introduction to Varmam
In the morning session, an introductory Varmam training was provided, covering:
• basic concepts of Varmam science,
• simple Varmam points suitable for beginner students, and
• enhancement of immunity, memory, and concentration.
This training was delivered strictly within educational and ethical boundaries, exclusively for self-application and preventive purposes. This was followed by Mudra practice as a comprehensive hands-on session.
Siddha Culinary Medicine
The next session focused in detail on Siddha food science, covering:
• food from the Siddha medical perspective,
• ancient dietary disciplines and food habits, and
• the concept of food as medicine.
Following this knowledge-sharing session, a fire free cooking group competition was conducted on the third day as well. Students worked collaboratively to prepare dishes that practically reflected Siddha culinary principles.
Feedback and Future Action Plan
In the subsequent afternoon session, students’ feedback was systematically collected and documented. Students once again completed the assessment forms, enabling comparison with the baseline data collected at the beginning of the camp. These forms will be subjected to statistical analysis in the subsequent phase.
Additionally, clear guidance was provided regarding:
• daily practices to be followed by students, and
• next-step actions for personal and academic development.
Plans have been made to conduct follow-up sessions at regular intervals, with continuous monitoring and structured guidance to support students’ progress.
Special Highlight: Traditional Foods
One of the most significant highlights of this camp was the traditional food prepared and served meticulously by eight Siddha medical faculty members. The dedication of faculty members Anita, Jeevitha, Meghana, Areesh Kumar, Gnana Sekaran, Chidambaram, and Prabhu Siva of Velu Mayilu Siddha Medical College was evident in the taste, nutritional value, and Siddha medical perspective of the meals.
Their tireless effort over three days, continuously engaged in food preparation, deserves high appreciation. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all of them.
A wide variety of traditional foods—including multi-grain idli, guava chutney, mixed greens chutney, green gram sambar, foxtail millet sweet pongal, Mapillai Samba rice, fenugreek greens curry, tulsi rasam, sautéed okra, Kalyama Murungai leaf murukku, aloe vera payasam, red rice aval Vegetable rice, green gram dosa, amaranth halwa, barnyard millet biryani-style rice, drumstick kootu, little millet–ash gourd curd rice, sesame podi, Avarai herbal water, and pumpkin appam—captivated all participants.
Beyond tasting, these meals offered students a unique experiential understanding of Siddha culinary science.
Core Skill Components
The core skill components integrated into this three-day training included:
• Siddhar lifestyle practices,
• practical yoga sessions (theory and practice),
• Marai Mozhi meditation (hands-on),
• Mudra training (hands-on),
• introductory Varmam training (basic level),
• fire free cooking training (nutritional skill development),
• oil bath and head application practices,
• Siddha preventive medicine and detoxification practices, and
• quizzes, group activities, and reflective learning.
Conclusion
This Siddha Skill and Lifestyle Training Retreat served as a structured, systematic, and gentle introduction to Siddha medical education for first-year undergraduate students. Designed with a strong focus on wellness, discipline, and foundational awareness, the camp aligns fully with the objectives of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the Ministry of AYUSH.
At the same time, it is noteworthy that the camp was conducted with a high level of responsibility, strictly within appropriate educational, professional, and ethical boundaries suitable for newly admitted students.
