Udal Thathuvam (Physiology)

About the Department

The Department of Udal Thathuvam (Physiology) at Annai Medical College of Siddha and Research Centre teaches students how the human body actually works — from the level of a single cell to the integrated function of every organ system. “Udal Thathuvam” combines the Siddha understanding of the living body with modern physiological science, giving BSMS students a complete and clinically meaningful picture of human function in health and disease.

The subject builds on the structural knowledge gained in Udal Koorugal (Anatomy) and adds the dynamic dimension: how blood flows, how the heart contracts, how digestion and respiration occur, how the nervous system controls behaviour, and how the three Mukkutram — Vali (Vatham), Azhal (Pitham), and Iyyam (Kabam) — maintain balance in the body. The classical Siddha framework of 96 Thathuvangal, seven Udal Thathukkal, ten types of Vatham, Naadi, six tastes (Aru Suvai), and Pranayama is taught alongside modern cellular, organ, and systemic physiology.

Vision

To produce Siddha physicians with a deep, integrated understanding of human function — fluent in both classical Siddha physiology and modern medical science — and capable of applying this knowledge to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease.

Mission

• To impart authentic and comprehensive knowledge of Siddha and modern physiology in line with NCISM standards.
• To foster scientific reasoning by correlating Mukkutra Siddhantham, Udal Thathukkal, and Naadi with modern body systems.
• To develop strong practical skills through hands-on physiology experiments, haematology, and clinical examination.
• To prepare students for clinical subjects by establishing a clear link between physiology and disease.
• To encourage research that validates classical Siddha physiological concepts using modern tools.

Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain the normal functioning of all major systems of the human body.
• Describe the Siddha concepts of Mukkutram, Udal Thathukkal, Naadi, Vegangal, and Aru Suvai with clinical relevance.
• Perform basic physiology experiments — haematology, clinical examination, spirometry, ECG demonstration, and reflex testing.
• Correlate physiological derangement with the pathogenesis of common diseases.
• Apply Siddha physiology in lifestyle counselling, dietetics, and disease prevention.
• Demonstrate skill in basic Naadi examination and constitutional assessment.

Topics Covered in the Curriculum

The syllabus framed by NCISM and Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University includes:

Siddha Physiology

• 96 Thathuvangal in relation to body function
• Saptha Udal Thathukkal — formation, function, and balance
• Mukkutram — Vali (10 types), Azhal (5 types), Iyyam (5 types) and their physiological roles
• Naadi — origin, types, examination technique, and clinical significance
• 14 Vegangal (natural urges) and consequences of suppression
• Aru Suvai (six tastes) and their relationship with Panchabhootham
• Pranayama, Vasi Yogam, and breath physiology
• Concept of Kaalam (time), Paruvakaalam (seasons), and their effect on physiology
• Yakkai Ilakkanam — the three constitutional types

Modern Physiology

• General and cell physiology
• Blood — composition, haematopoiesis, blood groups, coagulation
• Cardiovascular system — cardiac cycle, ECG, blood pressure regulation
• Respiratory system — mechanics, gas exchange, regulation of respiration
• Gastrointestinal physiology — digestion, absorption, GI hormones
• Renal physiology — urine formation, fluid–electrolyte balance
• Endocrinology — pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads
• Nervous system — sensory, motor, autonomic, higher functions
• Muscle physiology — skeletal, smooth, cardiac muscle
• Reproductive physiology — male and female reproduction, pregnancy, lactation
• Special senses — vision, hearing, taste, smell, touch
• Body temperature regulation, metabolism, and biological rhythms

Teaching–Learning Methodology

• Classroom lectures supported by animations, charts, and multimedia
• Practical sessions in the physiology laboratory — haematology, clinical examination, experimental physiology
• Naadi examination training and constitutional assessment workshops
• Demonstrations of ECG, spirometry, BP recording, and reflex testing
• Group discussions and case-based learning correlating physiology with clinical scenarios
• Tutorials, seminars, and student presentations
• Periodic internal assessments, MCQs, OSPE, and viva voce
• Integration sessions linking Siddha physiology with Anatomy and Pathology

Department Infrastructure & Facilities

• Physiology Laboratory equipped for haematology (microscopes, haemocytometers, sahli’s apparatus), clinical examination, and experimental physiology as per NCISM standards
• Demonstration Room with ECG machine, spirometer, BP apparatus, weighing scales, and stethoscopes
• Smart Lecture Hall with multimedia projection, animation libraries, and digital physiology resources
• Departmental Library with reference textbooks (Guyton, Ganong, A.K. Jain) and classical Siddha physiology texts
• Naadi Practice Area for student training in pulse examination
• Internet-enabled learning resources, e-journals, and physiology simulation software
• Charts, models, and audio-visual aids for every system

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will:

• Possess a clear understanding of human function in both Siddha and modern frameworks.
• Be skilled in fundamental clinical and laboratory physiology techniques.
• Be able to perform basic Naadi examination and constitutional assessment.
• Apply physiological knowledge to diagnose, prevent, and manage disease.
• Be equipped for advanced clinical subjects, research, and postgraduate studies.

Significance and Scope

Physiology is the bridge between structure and disease. A Siddha physician who understands the dynamic working of the body — both through Mukkutram and through modern systemic physiology — can read symptoms accurately, choose the right line of treatment, and counsel patients on lifestyle and diet with authority. Strong grounding in this subject also opens doors to postgraduate Siddha specialisations, AYUSH research, integrative medicine, sports physiology, yoga therapy, and academic careers.