Published Paper Details:

Psychiatry within the Siddha system of medicine remains an underexplored yet profoundly significant field. Agathiyar Kirisa Nithana Nool - Moolamum Uraiyum, authored by Dr. T. Michael, represents one of the few comprehensive works addressing psychiatric disorders in Siddha medicine. This review critically examines the structure, content, and clinical insights of the text, which documents eighteen distinct psychiatric conditions, their symptomatology, and management through internal and external therapies. The book also presents experiential remedies (Anubhava Marunthugal), novel formulations, and practical therapeutic techniques such as Kalikkam (eye salve) and Pugai (fumigation). Its readability, clear organization, and practical orientation render it a valuable resource for practitioners, students, and researchers. While the book's strengths lie in preserving and systematizing traditional psychiatric knowledge, limitations include its reliance on a single author's perspective and lack of translations for wider accessibility. Overall, this review underscores the text's significance in enriching contemporary psychiatric discourse, bridging ancient Siddha wisdom with modern mental health practices, and highlighting the need for further interdisciplinary and clinical research.