Another foundation of Tibetan Medicine is the traditional Buddhist belief, that all illness ultimately results from the three mental poisons: ignorance, attachment and aversion. These co-relate with the three primary body humors of Badkan (skrt.'Kapha'), rLung (skrt.:'Vata') and mKhrispa (skrt.'Pitta'). Dependent on each persons unique mental, emotional and physical constitution and circumstances, illness arises or healing is achieved.

A Tibetan Doctor will use various methods to form a diagnosis, and will then use diet & lifestyle guidelines, herbal & mineral medicines, and external therapies (such as massage and moxibustion) to re-balance body, emotions and mind.

The Tibetan medical heritage, also called 'The science of healing' (gSo Ba Rig pa), is based on the centuries old book 'The Four Tantras' (rGyud-bZhi), which remains the fundamental medical text up until today.

The potency of Tibetan herbal medicine is unsurpassed. Complex formulas (typically containing 3-25 ingredients), include large amounts of unique himalayan high altitude plants. These formulas were often formulated by great buddhist sages and enlightened masters of the past. The medicine is finally blessed and empowered in buddhist medical ritual.

A few of these potent treasures, the ones known to be especially safe, we are happy to share with you here on Himalayan Remedies.

Diagnosis

The doctor, or "amchi," will observe the patient, observe the quality of the urine, read the 12 pulses which act as messenger between doctor and patient, and ask questions to discover as much as possible about the patient's current medical condition

Traditional Tibetan Medical Treatments

Dietary and Lifestyle Factors At an immediate level, a disorder is primarily caused by an improper diet and/or lifestyle. In fact, a majority of health problems, both in developing and developed countries, can be either directly or indirectly traced to poor diet or lifestyle. Examples of this include alcoholism, hypertension and heart disease. The first form of treatment in Tibetan medicine is thus not medicines but changing a patient's diet and/or lifestyle. Only if this fails to remedy an ailment is the use of medicines considered.

Tibetan Medicines

Tibetan medicines take various forms, from decoctions, powders, general pills, precious pills, and syrups, and are prescribed in small doses -- a fact that reflects the emphasis Tibetan medicine places on gentle treatment.