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 Tibetan
Medicine
According
to Buddhist preaching nothing is constant in the
universe and everything keeps moving in the cosmic
universe. Tibetan medicine is a fine blend of science,
art and philosophy. It provides a holistic approach to health care.
As a science its principles are systematic and
logical. This is based on an understanding of the body
and its relationship to the environment. As an art it
uses creativity, insight, subtlety and compassion of the
medical practitioner. As a philosophy it embraces the
key Buddhist principles of humanity, destiny and
beliefs.
Tibetan
medicine is also known as pulse analysis. The main style
of treatment in Tibetan medicine is to observe the
patient, inquire about the symptoms and pulse taking.
Through pulse reading the practitioner will be able to
diagnose the disease of the patient. This has been in
practice in India and Tibet for the last 2500 years. The
Tibetan medical theory feels that everything in this
world is made up of the five elements present in our
surroundings. They are earth, water, air, fire and
space. All the cells present in the universe are made up
of one of the five elements and are combined together to
form a shape.
The
treatment in Tibetan medicine is through inquiring,
touch healing and pulse taking. The medications are
either small tablets or herbs, or decoctions and pills.
This shows that the Tibetan medicine treatments are
gentle and unharmful to the humans.
Pulse reading forms the most important part of
Tibetan medicine. This involves placing the three middle
fingers at patient's radial arteries. Diagnosis is based
on thorough interrogation and pulse taking. Even today
pregnancy can be confirmed by checking the pulse of a
woman.
The
treatment in Tibetan medicine is very simple. Dietary
control and proper lifestyle can solve many problems
like headache, stomach ailments, digestion, acidity,
common cold and cough, alcoholism, hypertension and
heart disease. It also cures arthritis, rheumatism and
liver and sinus problems. The Tibetan doctor advises
people to drink boiled water, to cook foods properly,
and pay attention to the sources of water.
The
golden needle therapy in Tibetan medicine helps in
stimulating the energy channels of the body. Gentle
massage with various herbal oils is a relief for joint
aches and pains and head aches. Medicinal bath and
natural spring baths are used to treat an assortment of
skin disorders as well as chronic arthritis, gout and
cold types of rheumatism, and rigid and stiffness of the
extremities. Tibetan medicine treats as per Buddhist
preaching. Spiritual
Masters of medicine, are of the opinion that diseases
are caused by the three poisons; Attachment, Aversion
and Delusion.
Though
the Chinese have destroyed most of Tibet the Tibetan
medicine is still in practice because of its popularity
in curing diseases. It is rich in cultural heritage and
though traditional in nature, Tibetan medicine is a
panacea for all ills. The Tibetan medical and
Astrological Institute is situated in Dharmshala in
Northern India.
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