The word Siddha comes from the word Siddhi which means an object to be attained perfection or heavenly bliss. Siddha focused to "Ashtamahasiddhi" that is the eight supernatural power. Those who attained or achieved the above said powers are known as Siddhars. There were 18 important siddhars in olden days and they developed this system of medicine. Hence, it is called Siddha Medicine.

The Siddhars wrote their knowledge in palm leaf manuscripts, fragments of which were found in different parts of South India. It is believed that some families may possess more fragments, but keep them solely for their own use. There is a huge collection of Siddha Manuscripts kept by Traditional Siddha Families.

Today there are recognized Siddha Medical Colleges, run under the government universities where Siddha medicine is taught. But they are running the course with average syllabus compare to the knowledge of Traditional Vaidyas. Traditional Siddha Physicians are learning many effective secret methods. But they hide it as traditional secret and transfer only to the beloved desciples.