What is B.S.M.S? How is it different from B.A.M.S?

General
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All of you might have heard about BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery). There is
similar course named BSMS which stands for Bachelor of Sidha Medicine and Surgery. Though Ayurveda and Sidha are 5.5 year course, there are some differences in these courses.

  • In Ayurveda, the base language is Sanskrit, but in Sidha it is tamil.
  • Ayurveda equally emphasis on both internal and external therapy, Sidha emphasis on internal medication (especially mineral based).
  • Ayurveda is practiced more throughout India, Sidha on the other hand is famous in Tamilnadu only.
  • The basic principle in Ayurveda is based on Tridoshas, agni and dhatus and that of Sidha is five elements and three humors.

Though both have many similarities, many people outside Tamilnadu are unaware of this course, and most people in Tamilnadu are unaware of Ayurveda, because they think Ayurveda and Sidha are the same.
Have you heard of this course before?

MBH/PS

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No I had never heard of this course. Thank you for this information.

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Thankyou for information

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Yes I have heard about this course. I think not many people know about this course.. and very few try and pursue it these days. But lately I feel it’s gonna dial down even more because, not many students find this field to be a career building one.

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Informative post.

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Yes..I know about this course..

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Yes, I have heard about it. It comes under AYUSH ( Ayurveda, Yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy)

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Thanks for the information. Never heard of it

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Never heard of this course . Got to learn something new.

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10

This is the first time of me getting a clear difference between Ayurveda and siddha

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11

Very informative post

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As someone from Tamil Nadu, I hardly knew the difference between Ayurveda and Sidha. Thanks for sharing this.:+1:

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Yes, I’ve heard of BSMS in different systems of medicine. Both BSMS and BAMS are ancient healing systems with distinct roots, philosophies, and treatment approaches. It’s interesting how each has preserved traditional knowledge while continuing in modern education.

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Yea , only got aware about Siddha after AYUSH acronym. Till then thought Sidha and ayurveda are same, but different names.

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Yes AYUSH Ministry is all about Ayurveda , Homeopathy , Unani and Siddha

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Informative post!
Yes, I have heard about this course.

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Never heard of this course. Thanks for sharing this information.

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Never heard about this course!

19

Yes, I heard about this; sage Agastya was the father of Sidha.

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20

Thank you for bringing BSMS into the conversation! :herb: As a Siddha physician, I’d love to add a few nuances…

While Siddha and Ayurveda share certain concepts, Siddha has its own unique and extensive framework through the 96 Thathuvams (principles), under which concepts such as the Panchabhutas (Five Elements), Mukkuttram (Three Humours),Udal Thathukkal (Seven Body Constituents), Agni, Naadi, Avathai (5 stages of consciousness), Pancha Koshas, Indriyas, Gunas, Aatharam (Chakras) Naadi, Thathukkal, Agni, and many other physiological and philosophical aspects are interwoven. Especially Pulse diagnosis.

Another common misconception is that Siddha focuses mainly on internal medicines or mineral preparations. Classical Siddha describes 32 types of internal medicines and 32 types of external therapies, utilizing herbs, minerals, metals, and animal products. All Siddha formulations, especially Mineral formulations undergo elaborate purification procedures, and many are now being explored through toxicity studies and nanomedicine perspectives, opening doors to exciting possibilities yet to be fully understood.

Though Siddha is deeply rooted in Tamil culture and classical Tamil literature, its branches are slowly reaching beyond Tamil Nadu. Institutions such as Santhigiri Siddha Medical College in Kerala and Manipal Academy of Higher Education are contributing to this growing awareness, and traditional practices like Varma therapy are gaining increasing attention among learners and researchers.

Perhaps these ancient systems are less like rivals and more like different dialects spoken by nature itself, each shaped by its own landscape, yet all seeking the same language of healing. It is a little bittersweet that Siddha remains unfamiliar to many outside Tamil Nadu, but the tides are changing. Every ancient tradition waits patiently to be rediscovered, and I believe Siddha is gradually finding its voice beyond its homeland…

And if anyone is curious to learn more about Siddha medicine, I’d be more than happy to connect and share whatever I know. After all, knowledge grows beautifully when it is exchanged. :herb::sparkles: