Significance of Siddha traditional oil bath(ennaimuzhukku)-a review article

Rathinam J ,Arthi G ,Lakshmanakumar V ,Sushil kumar PN

1Government Primary Health Centre,Erayamangalam,Namakkal,Tamil Nadu 637210,India.2Sai Siddha Clinic,Salem,Tamilnadu 636354,India.3ALL India Institute of Medical Sciences,Raipur,Chhattisgarh 492099,India.4Siddha Clinical Research Unit,New Delhi 110029,India.

Introduction

Siddha system medicine is our ancient traditional health care system.Siddha system insists various regimen in human life style.Bathing is one of the daily regimen.Siddha system is very potential in therapeutic and pharmacy.Siddha medicine cures various chronic and acute diseases through not only the medicines but also life style regimens.The daily regimen is mentioned asNaalozhukkamin Siddha literature [1].Oil bath(Ennaimuzhukku) is one of the important daily regimen.Avvaiyar the great 3rd century BC women saint from Tamil Nadu wrote “sanineeradu”in Aathichoodi,which denotes bathe on Saturday.This means that the author is exhorting to us to take an oil bath on the correct day.

Materials and methods

A literature review of Siddha traditional oil bath (Ennaimuzhukku)were collected from various Siddha texts like Patharthagunasindhamani,Theraiyarthailavarkachurukkam,Noillaneri and Siddha maruthuvangachurukkam.

Benefits of oil bath

Benefits of the oil bath are mentioned in Siddha literature Patharthagunasindhamani [1].Taking oil bath twice a week will prevent diseases,all organs will become strong.There will be a clear sensor function,prevention of head diseases,promoting hair growth,strengthening the joints all over body.It’s useful for skin dryness.Oil bath promotes blood circulation,and is a best remedy for laziness and anxiety [3].Oil bath regulates the Mukutram (vali,azhal,iyyam).It offers good skin complexion (Figure 1) [3].

Procedures to take oil bath

As per Siddha traditional method first gently apply the oil from head to toe without emission of heat,and three drops of oil into the each ear and two drops into each nostril [3].After applying the oil,the body may be allowed to be soaked for a short time,then take a bath in lukewarm water with suitable herbal bath powder.The head and hair may be exposed to the fumes of frank incense to dry quickly.As per Siddha literature oil bath (Ennaimuzhukku) for males,Monday and Saturday,for females,Tuesday and Friday,weekly twice a day.In Siddha literature,TherayrThailavarkkaChurukkam insists right time to take oil bath based on the season,which is given in the Table 1.

Figure 1 Significance of Siddha traditional oil bath

Herbal hair and body wash pastes

In Siddha traditional sesame oil is mostly used for oil bath [3].Oil bath (Ennaimuzhukku) is one of the major part in Siddha treatment protocal.Several medicated oils are used for therapeutic purposes like Chukkuthailam,Nochithylam,Ghee and chitramuttithylam.These oils are advised according to their body constituents and disease conditions[4].So many herbal bathing powders and paste mentioned in Siddha text named “Patharthagunasindhamani” for washing purpose after application of oils based on oils and diseases,which is given in Table 2.

Dos and do nots of oil bath

In Siddha literature,TherayrThailavarkkaChurukkaminsists do’s and do nots of the day routines and food regimen for the day when taken oil bath.Sleeping in day time,exposure to heavy sunlight and cold breeze,sexual contact should be avoided on the day of the oil bath.Food regimen is given in Table 3

Table 1 Time to taking oil bath based on the season

Table 2 Herbal wash powders based on oil and disease

Table 3 Food regimen in the day of oil bath

Discussion

Ghee and sesame oil has vitamin E,and Antioxidant which prevent aging and good complexion to the skin [5].As per Siddha concept oil bath regulatesmukkutram(three ailments) and improves the blood circulation [6].The timing for oil bath based on season is suitable for external environment.The herbal bath powders mentioned in Siddha literature is helpful to remove the stickiness in healthy way and act as remedy for skin disease [7].On the day of oil bath,we should take easily digestible foods.It helps to maintain our health and relaxation of internal organs [8].

Conclusion

This review article provides useful documented evidence of Siddha traditional oil bath.It will help us be aware of the Siddha traditional oil bath and its significance to lead a healthy life in the traditional way.