Understanding the role of KABAM in siddha medicine: A scientific analysis of dietary and lifestyle factors

TL;DR

This paper explores the role of KABAM, one of the three humors in Siddha medicine, and its connection to diet and lifestyle.

Contribution

The paper provides a scientific analysis of KABAM and its dietary and lifestyle implications in Siddha medicine.

Findings

KABAM is a combination of earth and water elements in the Siddha system.

Classical Siddha texts emphasize the importance of tri-humoral personality analysis for health.

Dietary and lifestyle guidelines are linked to KABAM constitution types.

Abstract

KABAM is one of the three humors (connected to humorism, the humoral theory, or humoralism) in the Siddha system of medicine which is
a combination of the earth and water. Several classical siddha literatures stated the importance of the tri-humoral personalities of
individuals. Hence, analysis of body constituent (in Tamil language "THEGA ELAKKANAM") has been in practice in alternative systems of
medicine. Related guidelines are available for identifying specific body constitution types, dietary recommendations and disease
susceptibility. Therefore, it is of interest to discuss the "THEGA ELAKKANAM" characters and related diet linked with KABAM.

Full text

Background:

The Siddha system is one of the oldest systems of medicine in India. Eighteen SIDDHAR's were said to have contributed to the development of this medical system [1]. The diagnosis in the Siddha system of medicine involves identifying its cause. Identification of causative factors is through the unique diagnostic tool, namely ENVAGAI THERVU (eight types of test), which includes the examination of pulse, tongue and the complexion of the body, nature of voice, eyes, stool and urine, perception by palpation and the status of the digestive system [2]. It emphasizes that disease management is oriented not merely to disease but also to consider the patient's body texture, environment, meteorological consideration, age, sex, race, habits, mental status, habitat, diet, appetite, physical condition and psychological constitution, etc. Thus the treatment has to be individualistic, which ensures better diagnosis and treatment [3]. Siddha system is evolved based on ninety-six tools called 96 THATHUVAM (theory), which include physical, physiological, psychological and intellectual aspects of every human being. Three vital life factors are responsible for good health among the ninety-six tools. They are formed by the appropriate combination of elements from intra-uterine life. VATHAM/VALI is made by the mixture of the elements air and space; the element fire creates PITHAM/AZHAL and KABAM/IYAM is formed by the combination of the element earth and water [4]. The cornerstone of Siddha medicine for healthy living is food and lifestyle. "Food itself is medicine and medicine itself is food" is one of the basic principles of the Siddha system of medicine [5]. Food selection according to the landscape, place and lifestyle leads to a healthy life. Therefore, it is of interest to discuss the "THEGA ELAKKANAM' characters and diet for KABAM.

Bio-energy water (IYAM/ KABAM):

One of the three humours of the functional constitution of the body represents the elements water and earth. KABAM is the principle of stabilizing energy and governs growth in the body and mind and is concerned with structure, stability, lubrication and fluid balance. It dominates the head and neck region and exhibits itself in five forms, i.e., AVALAMBAGAM, KILAETHAM, POTHAGAM, THARPAGAM and SANTHIGAM and is eliminated from the body through urine [3, 5].

Serum (AVALAMBAGAM - ALI IYAM):

It lies in the lungs and helps in respiration. It causes firmness of the limbs. It is vital among all types of KABAM. It controls the other KABAM types and maintains equilibrium [6, 7].

Saliva (KILAETHAGAM - NEERPIIYAM):

It lies in the stomach; it mixes the consumed food and water and promotes the digestive process [5, 8].

Lymph (POTHAGAM - SUVAIKAANIYAM):

It lies in the tongue and helps to realize the taste of consuming foods [5, 8].

Cerebrospinal fluid (THARPAGAM - NIRAIVUIYAM):

Sustaining in the head gives a refrigerant effect to cool the eyes and other sense organs [5, 8].

Synovial fluid (SANTHIGAM - ONRIIYAM):

Sustaining the joints makes them move freely and easily [7, 8].

Anatomical and physiological sites of KABAM:

The primary locations where KABAM resides include SAMANA VAYU (type of VALI), SUZHUMUNAI, semen, head, AKKINAI (One of the 6 energy station - resides in between eyebrows), tongue, uvula, fat, bone marrow, blood, nose, chest, nerves, bones, brain, large intestine, eyes and joints. These sites are where KABAM predominantly functions [5].

Natural characteristics of KABAM:

The natural characteristics include stability in its natural state, lubrication, the structural integrity of joints and tolerance. This tolerance extends to hunger, thirst, sorrow, anxiety and heat [5].

Body constituents (THEGA ELAKKANAM):

IYAM/ KABAM THEGI:

Persons with KABAM constitution will have a heavy, sweaty body, a strong will, a reddish complexion, infatuation, a thundering voice, humility, untruthful speech, a voracious appetite, a preference for sweet food items, a cough and lethargy [10]. The characteristics of KABAM constituent are described below;

[1] Body frame: They have broad, heavy bones and a heavy bodily structure, which is certainly indicative of their ability to store energy. They have noticeably short and squarish feet and toes [6, 7].

[2] Weight: They have a natural tendency to gain a lot of weight due to the inherent character of energy conservation and aversion to energy spending. As a result, they may acquire weight easily but find it difficult to lose it [7].

[3] Walk: They walk slowly and steadily, relaxed manner, with no accompanying movements [8].

[4] Teeth: They have huge, dazzling teeth that rarely have to be maintained [9].

[5] Digestive power: They have weak digestive systems and are more prone to digestive disorders [10].

[6] Ability to bear hunger: They have an excellent tolerance for hunger and can last for long durations without eating [5].

[7] Thirst: They rarely experience thirst [5, 6].

[8] Quantity of food: They have a normal appetite and eat an appropriate quantity of food [7, 8].

[9] Groups of desired tastes: They prefer astringent and bitter-tasting foods [8].

[10] Foods desired: They like warm and dry food [7, 8].

[11] Bowel movements: They have regular stools that are excreted slowly [10, 11].

[12] Perspiration: They perspire normally in any climate [6, 15].

[13] Sleep: They have intense and excessive sleep patterns because they naturally prioritize energy conservation [6].

[14] Dreams: They frequently dream about water, clouds and romance [8].

[15] Personality traits: They value peacefulness and pleasure in their homes and families. They are serious, stable and quiet people with a lot of patience, courage and humility, which can lead to laziness, attachment, possessiveness and avarice in excess [7, 10]. They are naturally compassionate and their solid maternal instincts arise from the earth element's domination in them [13].

[16] Speech and voice qualities: They speak slowly without any enthusiasm. Their voices are sweet, clear and resonant and their pitch is substantially lower than that of VATHAM OR PITHAM people. They will only engage in conversation if they have something significant to say and it is a pleasure to listen to them [11].

[17] Energy spending: They exhibit a steady flow of energy [14].

[18] Performances of activities: They work very slowly and consistently. Their pace is calm and gradual, undisturbed by anything [7, 12].

[19] Excitability: They respond slowly to the excitement, showing no signs of understanding the impact of anything immediately. They take their time, which results in a relatively calm response showing their unwillingness to spend energy quickly [7].

[20] Grasping power: They are slower at learning or absorbing new concepts [12].

[21] Memory: They have an extraordinarily long memory and don't forget anything easily, yet they need to be told anything multiple times before it fully registers. Their innate capacity for storage helps the mind retain every detail for an extended period [8].

[22] Nature of moods: They are significantly more relaxed and reliable but exhibit unusual behavior symptoms [7, 15].

[23] Attitude to problems or difficulties, their characteristics emotions: They are peaceful, slow and steady when confronted with difficulties and challenges since they naturally avoid conflicts. While dealing, they have a constant resolution, but this can occasionally manifest as passivity or inactivity [8-12].

IYAAZAL/ KABA PITHA THEGI:

KABAPITHA people have a rosy/ox gall/greenish-black complexion that is tinged somewhat green and often have reddish body hair. These people have oily, sensitive skin and are capable of arousing and igniting sexual desire. They also have outstanding verbal skills and a clear tone of voice or an explosive voice. These individuals are primarily driven toward the path of wisdom, committed to the way of truth and crave sour, sweet and spicy foods. Under the influence of the KABA nature's solidification, their PITHA nature's sharp intelligence is strongly channeled [3, 10].

IYAVALI/KABA VATHA THEGI:

KABAVATHAM persons have a strong body, a dark/blackish-red or rosy complexion and a strong sexual urge. They intend to acquire power, obtain access to supernatural forces and develop a passionate interest in research. They exhibit a particular love of learning, adoration for the elderly, infatuation, boldness and scriptural scholarship. They naturally possess the capacity to take the initiative and move things ahead. They primarily crave sour and pungent foods. In this type of constitution, the cooling tendency of both KABAM and VATHAM leads to circulatory problems. In terms of the positive, the grounding quality of the KABA force combined with the creative traits of VATHAM makes leading personalities, rulers of a nation or corporate sectors and/or in areas of new gadgets and mechanisms invention [3, 7].

Characteristics of deranged KABAM:

KABAM imbalance in Siddha medicine is characterized by various physiological and pathological changes that reflect a disturbance in its natural qualities. The qualities of balanced and imbalanced KABAM are described in Table 1. However, an imbalance in KABAM leads to various physical and mental disturbances. Physically, it manifests as sluggishness, fatigue and heaviness, often slowing down metabolism and digestion. Excess KABAM increases mucous production, leading to respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis, along with symptoms such as hyper salivation, chills, or pale skin. Psychologically, an imbalanced KABAM can cause emotional detachment, possessiveness, or stubbornness, makes individuals less adaptable and more rigid in their thoughts or actions. Overdependence and excessive attachment are also common [3, 5]. Factors like diet, lifestyle, seasonal changes and stress influence the balance of KABAM. The characteristics of deranged KABAM, as detailed in various Siddha texts are outlined in Table 2.

Diet for IYAM/ KABAM diseases:

The dietary recommendations for managing KABAM (IYAM) diseases, as outlined in the Siddha literature PATARTTAKUNACINTAMANI, focus on food items like Greater galangal (Alpinia galangal), Radish (Raphanus sativus), Brinjal (Solanum trilobatum), Bishop's weed (Carum copticum), Seeds of holy basil (ocimum sanctum), Wood apple (Feronia Elaphantum), Cow's milk, Honey, Burnt ash of Peacock's feather that help to balance excess heat and phlegm in the body. The general dietary advices for IYAM or KABAM constituent are outlined in Table 3.

Discussion:

KABAM (IYAM) is a fundamental humor in Siddha medicine, playing a crucial role in maintaining body structure, fluid balance and immunity. It governs essential physiological functions, including respiration, digestion and the regulation of cerebrospinal fluid. When in balance, KABAM ensures strength, endurance and emotional stability. However, an imbalance can lead to various disorders, including respiratory, metabolic and psychological conditions [1]. Physiologically, KABAM maintains tissue integrity, regulates fluid balance, supports the lymphatic system, detoxifies the body and enhances immunity. A balanced state of KABAM helps prevent congestion, inflammation and digestive disturbances. Conversely, excess KABAM leads to weight gain, sluggish digestion and respiratory issues such as sinusitis, asthma and arthritis [3]. Individuals with a KABAM-dominant constitution typically have sturdy bodies and slow metabolisms. They are often calm, patient and grounded but may experience lethargy, mental stagnation and emotional attachment when imbalanced [5]. Diet plays a significant role in managing KABAM imbalances. The Siddha tradition emphasizes the concept that "food itself is medicine and medicine itself is food," highlighting the significance of diet in health maintenance and disease prevention. Foods that are heavy, cool and greasy aggravate KABAM, whereas warm, dry and light foods help neutralize excess moisture. Spicy and bitter foods such as dry ginger, mustard and pepper aid digestion, while avoiding dairy, fried foods and sugary items helps prevent dampness. Regular exercise, including walking or yoga, promotes balance by mobilizing excess water and preventing weight gain. Siddha medicine suggests therapeutic interventions for KABAM imbalances, including detoxification therapies like purgation and sweating, as well as internal medicines. When KABAM is disturbed, it can also affect mental health, leading to sluggishness and depression that should be restored by mindfulness, meditation and physical activity. Maintaining balance in KABAM is essential for overall health. Proper diet, regular exercise and appropriate therapeutic interventions play a vital role in preventing diseases and promoting physical and mental well-being. Siddha medicine emphasizes the importance of harmonizing KABAM to achieve holistic health.

Conclusion:

The concept of KABAM (water and earth features) in siddha medicine is panoramic because it indicates the need for balance to physical, mental and emotional well-being. Hence, tailored dietary and lifestyle habits help reverse imbalances and promote health on all levels using awareness of different physio-psychological characteristics of KABAM. Thus, siddha medicine is holistic in nature with a purpose and helps reach a state of balance with vitality using awareness of KABAM features.

Ethical approval:

The authors declare that due to a literature review this study does not need any ethical approval.

Consent to participate:

Not applicable

Author contributions:

All authors have equally contributed in the manuscript preparation like concept, designing and collection of the data, as well as the writing and revision of the article.

Funding:

The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

Competing interests:

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Availability of data and materials:

All the data's are available with authors upon reasonable request

Source of funding:

No funds, grants, or other support was received for this work.