Tibetan Medicine Health Article

Definition

Tibetan medicine differs from allopathic medicine in that it has no concept of illness as such, but rather the concept is of disharmony of the organism. Accordingly, this system of medicine, like many alternative therapies, seeks to achieve a harmony of the self.

Medicine is one of five branches of Tibetan science, and is known to the Tibetans as gSoba Rig-pa—the science of healing. The Tibetan pharmacopoeia utilizes many different elements in the treatment of disease, such as trees, rocks, resins, soil, precious metals, sap, and so on, but like Chinese medicine, to which it is related, it mainly relies on herbs for treatment.

Origins

Tibetan medicine, like its relative Chinese medicine, is an ancient art that has become associated with many legends and is surrounded by a cloud of mysticism. Although Tibetan culture is more recent, Tibetan medical practices can be traced back over 2,500 years. It is now practiced in secret or by those in exile since Communist rule has suppressed it in its country of origin.

The treatise of Tibetan medicine, which can be described as a manual compiled over thousands of years, is called the Chzud-shi. In addition to the medical theory, this manual also incorporates the Tibetan pharmacopoeia.

Benefits

Tibetan medicine has been particularly successful at treating chronic conditions such as rheumatism, arthritis, ulcers, digestive problems, asthma, hepatitis, eczema, liver disorders, sinus problems, emotional disorders and nervous system problems. Like many alternative therapies, it is a holistic therapy that treats the whole person and encourages a healthy way of life that will promote well-being at all levels.

Description

Harmony and the balance of all aspects of the human organism are the concepts that form the basis for Tibetan medicine. The three elements that must be kept in harmony are known collectively as the Nyipa sum, and they are rLung, mKhris-pa, and Bad-kan. It is said that the Tibetan words describing their medicine are very difficult to translate, rather an explanation of the meaning is attempted. Desire, hatred, and delusion are considered to be very harmful influences affecting this harmony, and illustrate the close connection between the Tibetan medical art and Buddhist teachings.

rLung is considered to be a "subtle flow of energy" that is most closely connected with the "air" element. However, since all five elements; earth, water, fire, air and space, in addition to the concepts of heat and cold play a complex role in the health of the individual, this is no simple matter. All elements and aspects are held to be interdependent.

Types of rLung:

• Srog-'dzin (life-grasping rLung). Located in the brain, this energy governs swallowing of food, breathing, spitting, sneezing, and the clearing and steadying of the mind.
• Gyen-rgyu (rLung moving upwards). Located in the chest, it governs speech, physical vigor, general health, and appearance of skin.
• Khyab-byed (all pervading rLung). Located in the stomach, it governs digestion, metabolism, and the seven physical sustainers referred to as lus-zung dhun.
• Thur-sel (downward cleansing rLung). Located in the rectum, it governs the elimination of waste products and reproductive fluids in addition to the birth process (for women).

Types of mKhris-pa:

• mKhris-pa is the heat of human nature, related to fire, described as oily, sharp, hot, light, pungent and moist. Its major function is to balance body temperatures. It governs hunger and thirst, and regulates skin condition. There are five types of mKhris-pa:
• Ju-byed. This is located between the stomach and the intestine. Governs digestion and assimilation, providing heat and energy.
• SGrub-byed. Located in the heart. Responsible for anger, aggression, and hatred, and is considered to lead to desire, achievement, and ambition.
• mDangs-sgur. Located in the liver, it is responsible for maintaining and promoting color and essential components of blood.
• mThong-byed. Located in the eye, it governs vision.
• mDog-sel. Located in the skin, it governs skin appearance and texture.

Types of Bad-kan:

• rTen-byed (supporting Bad-kan). Located in the chest, plays a supporting role to the other four types of Badkan.
• Myag-byed (mixing Bad-kan). Located in the upper half of the body. Mixes nutrients (liquids and solids).
• Myong-byed (experiencing Bad-kan). Located in the tongue, governs experience of taste.
• Tsim-byed (satisfaction Bad-kan). Located in the head. Governs the five senses and responsible for heightening their power.
• Byor-byed (joining Bad-kan). Located in the joints, it is considered responsible for their flexibility.

When these components of Nyipa sum are balanced, the seven bodily sustainers will also be in harmony. They are essential nutrients, blood, muscle tissue, fat, bone, marrow, and reproductive fluids.