Living There
Tibetan medicine goes back thousands of years, it makes use of plants, minerals, mysticism and lifestyle changes to achieve better health and even cures. The Tibetan medical tradition draws on the wisdom of Indian Buddhist texts from 150 years ago, Persian traditions, Chinese medicine and the local Tibetan Bon medicine. A blend of principles from these ancient medical traditions creates what we know today as Tibetan medicine.
Tibetans believe that health is obtained by maintaining a balance of the three humors – wind, bile and phlegm. Each of the humors is associated with bodily functions and organs. In order to keep the humors balanced we use the five basic elements which make up the universe – Earth, water, fire, wind and space. In turn each of these influences our physical well being and bodily functions. The five elements determine our physiological energies. In order to prevent illness and even cure ailments we need to be aware of these elements and learn to balance them in our lives. Another important part of Tibetan medicine is reaching an understanding of the relationship between the mind, spirit, body and environment. This means we need to include a balanced diet and positive behavior in our pursuit of good health.
How is Tibetan Medicine Used
Diagnosis is made in a similar way to the Chinese medical tradition of using analysis of the pulse. In addition Tibetan medicine uses personal interviews with the patient and the analysis of the patient’s urine. Once the practitioner has analyzed the patient he determines the changes needed in the patient’s diet, lifestyle and any additional nutrients required by eating or drinking herbs and natural preparations. For specific imbalances there are specific lifestyle and diet changes that are prescribed. For example if you are having trouble with your eye sight, which is related to bile then you would need to avoid spicy food, fatty meat and alcohol in order to attain balance. Tibetan treatments also combine the use of ancient healing methods like acupuncture(stimulation of points on the body by applying thin short needles), chiropractics(manual manipulation of the back), venesection (method of reducing the red blood cell count by drawing blood), yoga and osteopathy (non-invasive method of strengthening the musculoskeletal framework through manual manipulation). Tibetan healers also prepare medical pills by combining minerals and herbs. You can buy these tablets at outlets in many countries as well as in Lhasa.
Although Tibetan medicine does not claim to be able to cure all illnesses they can ease the pain and aid in the recovery and treatment of diseases. By using Tibetan medicine you can bring balance to your life both physically and spiritually. This can prolong your life and ease side effects of conventional medicine. Because Tibetan medicine is natural it can be used together with conventional western medicine. If you want to try some Tibetan medicine then ask at your local health store, organic store or pharmacy which deals with natural treatments. If you take a tour to Tibet then you can buy Tibetan medicines on Barhor Street in Lhasa.
