Traditional Tibetan Medicine

Traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) is a traditional system of medicine which has been practiced for over 2500 years.  It is a natural and holistic medical science, which addresses the individual’s needs of body, mind and spirit, in an integrated way. It is one of the five major sciences, and it is called gSoba Rig-pa, the science of healing. It uses different kinds of ingredients such as herbs, trees, rocks, resins, soils, precious metals, saps etc. However, 95% of Tibetan medicine is based on herbs, and precious metals are used for the seven kinds of precious pill known as Rinchesen rilpo. If the physician is able to make the right diagnosis and administer the right medicine, then Tibetan medicine is good for all kinds of illness. However, it has been particularly successful in its treatment of chronic diseases such as rheumatism, arthritis, ulcers, chronic digestive problems, asthma, hepatitis, eczema, liver problems, sinus problems, anxiety and problems connected with the nervous system.

TTM is still practiced today although Tibetans are now in exile. The headquarters of the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute are now based in Dharamsala, North India. It is here that all the Tibetan doctors now receive all their training, and it is also where the medicines are manufactured. 

The period of training before one qualifies as a Tibetan doctor is for a minimum of seven years. The first four years of training are taken up with studying the four main medical tantras, the classic of ancient Tibeten medical theory, where they have to memorize approximately forty specific chapters. One month each year is also spent collecting herbs in the Himalayas. In addition to studying the medical texts they also have to study Tibetan linguistics, grammar, poetry and have a complete understanding of basic Tibetan Buddhist teaching. In the fifth year they have to take both oral and written exams on the four medical tantras and at the end of the fifth year they take the Medicine Buddha initiation. The sixth and seventh years are spent at a branch clinic of the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute where practical training is given in pulse reading, urinalysis and dealing with patients. followed by practice under supervision.

When I was in  Mundgod, India, a kind friend brought me to consult an experienced traditional Tibetan doctor. Traditional Tibetan medicine is rarely heard of in Malaysia but as one who has much interest in alternative medicine, I decided to give it a try. Tibetan doctors employ a complex approach to diagnosis, incorporating techniques such as pulse analysis and urinalysis, and utilize behavior and dietary modification, medicines and physical therapies including Tibetan acupuncture and heat to treat illness.

 

On that day, the doctor palpated my pulse on both hands at the same time.  Unlike traditional Chinese medicine that is based on yin and yang, Tibetan medicine considers the balance of three principles - heat, cold and circulation - as the foundation of health. After the pulse reading, he went on to confirm his diagnosis of my health condition by interrogation. I found his diagnosis quite accurate. I was prescribed round black and brown pills to be consumed thrice a day and a powder for my cough. The way to take them is to grind the pills into a powder and mix with warm water, taken after meals.