“Ayurveda vs. Homeopathy vs. Siddha: What You Need to Know

All 3 sciences employ holistic health care and we will explore each science to look into Do's and Don'ts.

AYURVEDA

Spread of Ayurveda beyond India-

Nepal and Sri Lanka have particularly strong traditions of Ayurvedic practice. Countries like Bangladesh, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates formally recognize Ayurveda as a system of medicine. Ayurveda has grown in popularity in the United States, with some universities offering courses.

Some famous colleges of Ayurveda

Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar:

National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur:

All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi:

California College of Ayurveda (CCA), USA:

Rosenberg European Academy of Ayurveda (REAA), Germany.

Founding fathers and principles of ayurveda

Ayu means life and Veda means science, hence in essence ayurveda means the science of life. Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that has been practiced for over 3,000 years and undoubtedly oldest of the 3 ancient Indian sciences. It is based on the belief that the body, mind, and spirit are interconnected and that illness occurs when there is an imbalance in these three elements.

Founding fathers -

Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata. Together, they are known as the Brhat Trayi (The Great Three) for their foundational medical texts.

Charaka (between 100 CE to 200 CE)

Known as the "father of medicine," he is best recognized for the Charaka Samhita.  He developed panchakarma, an ayurvedic detoxification and purification process widely practiced today.

Sushruta (7^th and 6^th century BCE)

Regarded as the "father of surgery," his foundational text is the Sushruta Samhita. Sushruta's tradition of surgery is said to have descended from the deity Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda.

Vahbhta (600 -650 AD)

Vagbhta (more recent compared to other 2 founders) was a great physician and surgeon and is known for composing the Ashtanga Hridayam. (essence of all 8 branches of ayurveda).

Ayurveda describes the Tridoshas-Vata, Pitta, and Kapha-as the three main pillars governing bodily functions. Similarly, Ahara (diet), Nidra (sleep), and Brahmacharya (controlled lifestyle) are regarded as the three external sub-pillars that support the main pillars.

Elements: These life forces are composed of five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. (these 5 are also utilized in Siddha medicine).

Unique principles of ayurveda

Healing through opposites: The system operates on the principle that "like increases like, and opposites balance". To correct an imbalance, practitioners use treatments with the opposite qualities of the aggravated dosha. For example, a person with excess Pitta (hot) would be advised to consume cooling foods.

Focus on prevention: Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on preventative care. By aligning diet and lifestyle with one's unique constitution (prakriti) and the rhythms of nature, a person can prevent imbalances before they develop into disease.

Importance of digestion (Agni): Strong digestive fire (Agni) is considered central to good health. If Agni is weak, undigested food can accumulate as toxins (Ama), which block the body's channels and can lead to disease.

Personalized treatment: Unlike a "one-size-fits-all" medical approach, Ayurveda customizes treatment plans based on an individual's unique constitutional makeup (prakriti). This means two people with the same Western diagnosis may receive different Ayurvedic treatments because their underlying doshic imbalances are not the same.

Holistic mind-body connection: The Ayurvedic perspective views the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected. A person's emotional and mental state is considered just as important as their physical health, and treatments often incorporate practices like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises to nurture all aspects of a person's well-being.

HOMEOPATHY

Spread of Homeopathy beyond India-

Besides its immense popularity in India, homeopathy is also practiced in neighboring countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Homeopathy is used in many European countries, such as Germany, (country of origin), France, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Homeopathy is available throughout Latin America, like Brazil, Mexico, and Chile. It is also used in the United States though not as much as Ayurveda.

Famous Homeopathic colleges worldwide are:

Nehru Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital (NHMC), New Delhi:

National Institute of homeopathy NIH Kolkata

British Institute of Homeopathy (BIH), UK:

Hahnemann College of Homeopathy, USA:

Founding fathers of Homeopathy

An alternative approach to medicine based on the belief that natural substances, prepared in a special way and used most often in very small amounts, can restore health.

Babu Rajendra Lal Dutt (1818–1889): A wealthy landlord and philanthropist, he is considered the "Father of Indian Homeopathy". He established a hospital and dispensary, supported the spread of the practice, and was a leading practitioner himself. Homeopathy was initially introduced to India by German missionaries around 1810 and originally founded by Dr Samuel Hahnemann.

The founder of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann, believed that disease was a disturbance of an immaterial, dynamic energy called the "vital force". This vitalistic approach sees healing as the restoration of balance to this life energy through a highly diluted, "energized" substance.

Principles of Homeopathy

Law of similars- This core tenet, meaning "like cures like," states that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can be used in a highly diluted form to treat similar symptoms in a sick person. For example, a homeopath might use a remedy derived from red onion (Allium cepa), which causes watery eyes, to treat a person with similar cold or allergy symptoms.

Minimal dose: Homeopaths believe that the lowest possible dose is the most effective. They claim that highly diluted remedies stimulate the body's healing response without causing side effects, which is in direct contrast to the higher doses of conventional medicine.

Potentization: This is the process of serially diluting a substance with alcohol or water and vigorously shaking it (a process called succussion). Homeopaths believe this process increases the "potency" of the remedy. Many homeopathic remedies are so diluted that not a single molecule of the original substance remains.

Individualization: Homeopathy is a holistic system that tailors treatment to the unique characteristics of each person. Rather than treating a specific disease, a homeopath considers the patient's "totality of symptoms"—including their physical, emotional, and mental state—to match them with the single most suitable remedy.

Totality of symptoms: This principle guides the individualization process. Homeopaths take a detailed case history to get a comprehensive picture of all the patient's symptoms, especially the unusual or peculiar ones. This unique symptom profile is used to select a single remedy, rather than focusing on a diagnosis.

SIDDHA

Spread of Siddha beyond India

Siddha medicine, being strongly rooted in the Tamil culture of South India, has a more limited international presence compared to Ayurveda and Homeopathy.

Sri Lanka and Malaysia do practice siddha.  Siddha is not yet widely practiced or officially recognized in most Western countries including USA.

Popular Siddha Colleges are:

National Institute of Siddha (NIS), Chennai:

Government Siddha Medical College (GSMC), Chennai:

Faculty of Siddha Medicine, Eastern University of Sri Lanka:

Faculty of Siddha Medicine, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka:

Founding fathers and principles of Siddha

The word siddha comes from siddhis who practiced and taught this system of medicine. These siddhis are extraordinary spiritual teachers, healers and scientist from south India predominantly (from current Tamil Nadu state), known for their unparalleled understanding of human body mind and soul. The term siddha translates to one who has attained perfection.

Through rigorous spiritual practices, the siddhas are believed to have achieved Siddhis (superhuman powers) and hence mastery over laws of nature. It’s believed that Sage Agastya along with 17 other siddhars developed this profound system, many of which survive even to this day. They are believed to be direct disciples of Lord Murugan (who is son of Adiyogi or Siva).

Key principles of siddha medicine-

Anima-ability to reduce ones body to atomic size.

Mahima- expanding one’s body infinitely.

Laghima-becoming lighter than air

Garima-attaining immense density or weight.

Prapti-manifesting desires

Prakamya-accessing any place in the world.

Ishitva-commanding natural elements

Vashitva-inflencing others

The most widely practiced method of siddha today is called Kaya Kalpa, a technique so profound that it claimed to reverse aging by decades.

These ancient siddhars were part poets, part scientist, part healers and part visionaries. Together they had mastered the field of consciousness who moved through time like hidden jedi, and their knowledge was passed down in secret through the ages.

Treatment options in Siddha-

Oil massages & heat treatment-these treatments are believed to enhance circulation, balance the doshas and rejuvenate the body’s tissues. The oils used here are applied with rhythmic movements to penetrate much deeper tissues.

Leech therapy (Hirudotherapy)- applied locally to the affected areas, the leeches facilitate removal of stagnant blood , reduce inflammation and also improve circulation. This is particularly useful in certain skin conditions like Psoriasis, snake poisons etc.

Herbal formulations-herbs in the form of powders or oils or pastes or churnas are often used to eat/drink or apply to affected areas in order to strengthen immunity and cleanse the system.

Rasamani – heavy metals like gold, mercury, copper hold a special place in siddha medicine due to their transformative potential and perceived divine energy. These metallic preparations are called Bhasma undergo meticulous process of purification and incineration to remove toxicity while retaining medicinal potency.

Kaya Kalpa- usually conducted under the guidance of siddha master, this practice requires precision, discipline and deep understanding of individuals constitutions (prakriti) and imbalances (vikruti). Siddha texts are filled with accounts of extraordinary longevity and vitality achieved through this procedure kaya kalpa.

How to choose alternative medicine

As a physician trained in modern medicine and a student of Ayurveda, I believe there are a few important considerations when choosing alternative medicine:

1-Acceptance and credibility: Ayurveda has gained wider global recognition compared to Homeopathy and Siddha. Homeopathy is often criticized as working no better than placebo and viewed as profit-driven, while Siddha is questioned for its limited scientific validation. That said, the WHO has begun issuing guidelines to integrate Siddha into national health systems, and I personally see it as a valuable asset with great potential once supported by rigorous research.

2-Herbs and supplements: Many Ayurvedic herbs and formulations are available in the U.S. as dietary supplements and are even recommended by some functional medicine practitioners.

3-Safety precautions: Just as in modern medicine, not all Ayurvedic treatments are suitable for everyone. Special caution is needed for children, pregnant women, and those who are breastfeeding.

4-Long-term use and monitoring: If you plan to follow Ayurvedic treatments over the long term, it’s best to consult your primary care or integrative medicine physician. Some formulations may contain heavy metals that require monitoring.

5-Panchakarma therapy: In the U.S., Panchakarma is not officially recognized as a medical treatment, so I recommend approaching it with extreme caution. However, when performed by experienced Ayurvedic physicians in India, its efficacy can be profound—leaving people feeling deeply renewed and rejuvenated.

6- Ayurveda treatments are best suited for following

anxiety.

asthma.

arthritis.

gastritis

eczema.

high blood pressure.

high cholesterol levels.

rheumatoid arthritis

fatty liver

7-Commonly used ayurvedic pills in USA -

Ashwagandha (for stress and vitality)

Triphala (a digestive and detoxification formula)

Brahmi (for cognitive function)

Turmeric (for inflammation)

Conclusion

How are Ayurveda, Homeopathy & Siddha different from Modern Medicine-

1. Unlike modern medicine, which divides care into specialties such as respiratory or nervous systems, these 3 ancient medicines consider the whole person, their nature, character, and personality—before prescribing treatment. This holistic approach avoids the exhausting cycle of consulting multiple specialists, which can be especially challenging in old age.

2. Ayurveda and Siddha primarily emphasize prevention and detoxification through yogic practices and the balance of the five great elements, rather than focusing primarily on diagnosis and treatment. This preventive approach is gaining renewed importance today and is likely to become even more valued by future generations.

3. All three ancient systems viewed disease as a psychosomatic imbalance in energy, highlighting the need to heal mind, body, and spirit together. In contrast, modern medicine, in which I was trained, rarely integrates these three aspects, leaving an essential dimension of healing unaddressed.

4. These systems rely on herbs and naturally available substances—including carefully processed minerals and metals—to create their treatments, unlike modern medicine where most pills are mass-produced in pharmaceutical labs from synthetic chemicals far from anything natural.