Tibetan Medicine: Theory and Practice

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The traditional medicine of Tibet, still popular among the local inhabitants and those of the border regions of the neighbouring countries, is a conglomeration of science, art, philosophy and religion, one closely depending upon the other. It has its own concepts of composition of the universe and body, physiology, pharmacology and pathology. It has its unique way of diagnosing diseases and treating them. The physician is considered to be an epitome of physical, mental and spiritual virtues. In the present work an effort has been made to give an exposition of important aspects of this health science. The books containts 15 chapter which deals with-Historical background; Rgyud-bzi: The celebrated text of Tibetan medicine; composition of Body; Embryology and Anatomy; physiological concepts; pathological concept' Pharmacological concepts; classification of Drugs and food articles; Preventive medicine and positive health; Diseases and their classification; Diagnostic methods; Principles of Treatment; Important medicinal plants used in Tibetan medicine; Popular recipes used for treatment of common diseases; and physician and medical practice.

Vaidya Bhagwan Dash in the course of over three decades of dedicated research and practice of Ayurveda has written more than forty outstanding books on Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine.

To overcome the galloping incidence of obstinate and often incurable diseases, both physical and mental, to arrest the growing disharmony in the society, and to remedy the frustration among the youth because of disturbed family life, an alternative way of living and an alternative system of health care are being considered seriously all over the world. Tibet, the land of mysteries and mystics which remained closed to outside world for a long time in the past, and which has opened up now, is a vast store house of knowledge in this direction. Unnoticed, and therefore, unacknowledged, this magnificent land of so far unpolluted or less polluted environment, vibrates with energy to rejuvenate the present day ailing humanity.

The traditional medicine of Tibet, still popular among the local inhabitants and those of the border regions of the neighbouring countries, is a conglomeration of science, art, philosophy and religion, on closely depending upon the other. It has its own concepts of composition of the universe and body, physiology, pharmacology and pathology. It has its unique way of diagnosing diseases and treating them. The physician is considered to be an epitome of physical, mental and spiritual virtues.

Several books and xylographs on Tibetan medicine are available in Tibetan. More recently, some useful books are also published in English and other foreign languages. In the present work an effort has been made to give an exposition of important aspects of this health science in brief. The efforts of the author will be well rewarded if it proves to be useful to students, physicians and research workers in this unique field.

Man has eternally endeavoured to keep himself free from three types of miseries, viz., those arising out of one's own physique, those caused by environmental factors including harmful microbes surrounding him, and those caused by supernatural bodies including evil spirits. Health is not merely freedom from physical ailments. To be really healthy, a person should be mentally happy, socially secured and spiritually elevated with his senses functioning perfectly till his death, in addition to freedom from these physical ailments.

Since time immemorial, different ethical and social rules were stipulated to prevent mental aberrations and to maintain social harmony. Different religious doctrines were propagated with philosophical background to help people to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Different diet drinks and drugs were repeatedly experimented upon and used to prevent and cure these ailments, and to preserve and promote positive health. Some of these drugs, diet and drinks were used empirically as found in the folk-medicines of different countries. But in the ancient cradles of civilization, the use of these drugs, etc,; were rationalized with scientific concepts and explanations. Tibetan medicine is one such rational and scientific system for the upkeep of the health of the humanity where science, art, philosophy, ethics and religion are interwoven into one fabric.

Modern medical science, of late has made considerable progress in various fields. The era of specialization and the tendency to see the man as a physico-chemical entity of many separate parts is giving place to a new genre of biological and holistic thinking. The new school of thought is directed towards the concept of the man as a whole person with his physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects inseparably unified in one living individual. The place of man as an organic part of the biological and cosmic universe subject to all the immutable and irrevocable laws of nature is being increasingly recognized.

In spite of these profound changes taking place in medical thought, today's conventional drug approach of modern medicine in unable to solve the catastrophic increase in such diseases as AIDS, cancer, cardio-vascular disorders, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, liver disorders and so forth. Many of these diseases are declared as 'incurable'. People are made to believe that pain-killers, antibiotics and steroids which give temporary relief and whose continued use has serious toxic effects are the only way out. The net result of this criminal negligence has left thousands of crippled and unproductive men, women and children all over the world. The other side of the story is that the traditional medicine of Tibet and such other countries do have successful treatment for these so called "incurable diseases".