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There is a common belief that Ayurveda and Siddha medications come with a lot of food restrictions (Pathiyam) which are tedious and not practical to follow in day-to-day life. Some even refrain from consulting a Siddha doctor because of the fear of Pathiyam. So why is Pathiyam prescribed while on Siddha medicines and how important is it in the prognosis of the disease.

According to Siddhars, the food we eat has six tastes (Suvai) which after digestion has specific quality (gunam) , potency (Veriyam) , post digestive taste (pirivu). So, the food we eat after digestion will either nourish or deplete the three Thodams (Vatham, Pitham & Kabham ) via the seven body constituents (Thaatus- plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, bone marrow and reproductive fluid). Hence it is important that the food we eat is able to balance the three Thodams according to our body condition and the seasonal variations. When the Thodams are in imbalance it manifests as disease and it becomes important to balance the vitiated Thodam/s. The food consumed must be adjusted to balance the vitiated Thodam/s, hence Pathiyam is prescribed.

Pathiyam is a science in itself, it helps the body to self-heal without even the need for medications. It is not only about restrictions of certain food but also includes lifestyle restrictions. Pathiyam is not confined to any system of Medicine rather it is a healthy eating & lifestyle practice in accordance to our health condition. It is nothing different from a Dietician recommending a diet & exercise regime according to our ailments. For eg: low salt diet for Hypertension, no sugar, less carbs, exercises for Diabetes, etc.,

In most cases, Pathiyam is to balance the Thodam/s ie., according to the disease, however at times Pathiyam is also prescribed to increase the efficacy or aid in better absorption of the medications prescribed.

Siddha medicines, similar to food also act in the body through suvai, gunam, veeriyam, pirivu, action (seigai). The choice of medicines for different ailments would be based on these characteristics. The food and medicines taken must act synergistically to yield the best results. Hence at times certain food need to be strictly avoided.

So, there are two types of Pathiyam one prescribed according to disease (according to vitiated Thodam) another prescribed according to the medicines given.

At Nalam Siddha Care, our Siddha doctors in Singapore prescribe Siddha Medicines according to individual health issues each patient faces. Hence Siddha Medicine in Singapore is customised and prescribed according to the Vatha, Pitta and Kapha imbalance diagonised by Pulse reading and other siddha diagnostic methods.

Pathiyam for Vatha Diseases

Vatham manifests as dry & cold.

Vatha imbalance leads to skin diseases, arthritis, anxiety, bloating, digestion problems, constipation etc.,

Tastes that increase Vatham-  Bitter, Astringent, Spicy

Tastes that balance Vatham-  Sweet, Salty, Sour

Pathiyam for Pitta Diseases

Pittam manifests as heat in the body.

Pittam imbalance leads to hot temper, impatience, skin rashes, allergies, eye problems, ulcers, diarrhea.

Tastes that increase Pittam- Salt, Sour, Spicy

Tastes that balance Pittam- Sweet, Bitter, Astringent

Pathiyam for Kabham Diseases

Kabham manifests as cold, heavy and dampness in the body.

Kabham imbalance leads to water retention, sinus problems, bronchitis and respiratory system related issues.

Tastes that increase Kabham – Sweet, Salt, Astringent

Tastes that balance Kabham – Spicy, Bitter, Astringent

For more details contact our Siddha Doctors in Singapore at Nalam Siddha Care.