"For all the suffering beings in this world, may I be the medicine and the doctor and be the nurse to serve them until everyone is healed." Shantideva
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A Brief History of Tibetan Medical System SOWA-RIGPA (Science of Healing), commonly known as the Tibetan System of Medicine is one of the oldest, living and well-documented medical traditions in the world. Sowa-Rigpa is a centuries-old traditional system encompassing spiritual, medical science and social behavior in the paradigm of holistic health. It is popularly believed that Tibetan Medical System is essentially a teaching of Buddha himself as part of the ways to liberate the human beings from the vicious cycle of suffering.
Tibetan System of Medicine has been originated from Tibet and popularly practised in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia and Russia. The majority of theory and practice of Sowa-Rigpa is similar to Ayurveda. The first Ayurvedic influence came to Tibet during 3rd century AD but it became popular only after the 7th century with the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet. Thereafter this trend of exportation of Indian medical literature, along with Buddhism and other Indian art and sciences were continued till the early 19th century. India being the birthplace of Buddha and Buddhism has always been a favourite place for Tibetan researchers and scholars for learning Buddhist art, culture and history.
Disease or imbalance is diagnosed mainly through pulse analysis, urinalysis and healthy interrogation and understanding of one's dietary and life style factors. Herbo-mineral formulations in the form of pills, powders, decoctions etc and several supplementary therapies are used to treat illness. Proper diet and lifestyle changes along with healthy mental attitude will be strongly emphasised. The Tibetan medical system is based upon a synthesis of Ayurveda, Unani, Greek, indigenous Tibetan, and Chinese medical systems. The Tibetan Medical System is practiced in Tibet, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Siberia, China and Mongolia, and more recently in parts of Europe and North America. The Tibetan Medical System embraces the traditional Buddhist belief that all illness ultimately results from the "Three Poisons" of the mind: Ignorance, Attachment and Aversion. Therefore, the mind, body and spirit play very crucial role in understanding and the treatment of diseases as a whole. Buddhist philosophy states that everything in the universe is in a constant state of flux — that all phenomenon are characterised by impermanence, and that the only permanent feature is impermanence itself. As Buddha said, "No matter whether perfect beings arise or not, it remains a fact, and a hard necessity of existence, that all creations are transitory." It is this impermanence that causes each and every being to suffer at one stage or another. Suffering is thus not accidental but springs from a specific cause, whether from this life or a previous life. Only through proper learning and the genuine practice of Dharma, one can liberate from the vicious cycle of suffering.
Tibetan Pulse Diagnosis The Tibetan medicines use purely natural herbal recipe that goes down to treat the root of the problem. These medicines are very safe as they are prepared without adulteration and known to have no side effects. In addition to many common ailments, Tibetan Medicines also offers very effective treatment in controlling and even curing major diseases like Asthma, Diabetes, Hypertension, General Cardio-Vascular problems, Nervous Disorders, Gynecological problems, Gastro-Intestinal Disorders, Chronic Cols and Allergic problems, Psychosomatic problems etc. The medicines also help in controlling primary cancer cases. Besides medicines, accessory therapies such as Golden Needle Therapy, Moxa-bustion and Bronze Cupping are being given to support the healing system. ◼
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Tibetan Medical System? Answer: 'Sowa Rigpa' or the Science of Healing is one of the world's oldest known medical traditions dating back to the 4th Century AD. It has a historical background of more than two thousand years old. It flourished in the land of snow, which is popularly known today as the Roof of the World — Tibet. Tibetan medicine is a centuries-old traditional system encompassing spiritual, medical science and social behaviour in the paradigm of holistic health. It is popularly believed that Tibetan Medical System is essentially a teaching of Buddha himself as part of the ways to liberate human beings from the vicious cycle of suffering. The Tibetan medical system is based upon a synthesis of Ayurveda, Unani, Greek, indigenous Tibetan, and Chinese medical systems. The Tibetan medical system is practised in Tibet, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Siberia, China and Mongolia, and more recently in parts of Europe and North America.
2. What is the philosophy behind Tibetan Medical System? Answer: The Tibetan medical system embraces the traditional Buddhist belief that all illness ultimately results from the "Three Poisons" of the mind: Ignorance, Attachment and Aversion. Therefore, the mind, body and spirit play a very crucial role in understanding and the treatment of diseases as a whole. Buddhist philosophy states that everything in the universe is in a constant state of flux — that all phenomena are characterised by impermanence, and that the only permanent feature is impermanence itself. As Buddha said, "No matter whether perfect beings arise or not, it remains a fact, and a hard necessity of existence, that all creations are transitory." It is this impermanence that causes each and every being to suffer at one stage or another. Suffering is thus not accidental but springs from a specific cause, whether from this life or a previous life. Only through proper learning and the genuine practise of Dharma, one can liberate from the vicious cycle of suffering.
3. How is the diagnosis done by a Tibetan Doctor? Answer: Diagnosis of a disease or imbalance is done through pulse reading or pulse assessment, one of the ancient and sophisticated methods of diagnosing. Pulse Diagnosis is an ancient science of assessing the status of a patient's body, mind and soul. The disease is also diagnosed through urinalysis and healthy interrogation and understanding of one�s dietary and lifestyle factors. The diagnosis helps to treat various ailments and to prevent their occurrence.
4. What is Tibetan medicine most effective for? Answer: In addition to many common ailments, Tibetan Medicines also offers very effective treatment in controlling and even curing many major diseases like Asthma, Arthritis, Diabetes, Hypertension, Sinusitis, Eczema, Anxiety, General Cardio-Vascular, Liver and Kidney related-problems, Nervous Disorders, Gynecological problems, Gastro-Intestinal Disorders, Chronic Cold and Allergic problems, Psychosomatic problems, Heart-related issues, etc. The medicines also help in controlling primary cancer cases.
5. Are there animal products or preservatives used in making Tibetan Medicines? Answer: No animal products; preservatives or any artificial flavours are used in the manufacturing of Tibetan medicines based on herbal formulas. And Tibetan medicines and incense are consecrated according to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
6. Is there a suggested way to take Tibetan medicine? Answer: Some Tibetan medicinal pills are usually hard and bitter. These pills need to be crushed either with a Pill Crusher or by wrapping in clothe to crush to make powder. The powdered pills are with lukewarm water only to ensure digestion. If any meal is not taken, then the duration between the morning and noon pills should be 4-5 hours between noon and evening 7-8 hours. If it is not possible to take the evening pill half an hour after the meal, then one could do this also directly before going to bed. Please do not get confused between 'Boiled' water and 'Hot' water. If boiled water is not available, take crushed pills with light black tea or mineral water.
7. Are there side effects for Tibetan medicines? Answer: The Tibetan medicines use a purely natural herbal recipe that goes down to treat the root of the problem. These medicines are very safe as they are prepared without adulteration and known to have no side effects.
8. What is the legal status of Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical Centre? Answer: Men-Tsee-Khang is a charitable, cultural and educational institution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act of 1860 (No: 1290/79). It has an exemption under section 80G of the Income Tax Act 1961 (No.CIT/PTA/1 & 93-94/80-G/1813). The institution is registered under section 12A (a) of the Indian Income Tax Act 1961.
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The next four questions are answered by Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar of Men-Tsee-Khang, Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute of HH the Dalai Lama in an interview by Gunjan Mohank for 'Cancer Awakens'.
1. What is the typical Tibetan Medicine treatment for Cancer? Answer: The real nature of Cancer is impure blood with infectious characteristics that create toxins in the body and results in tumours. Our typical treatment is three-pronged:
Reduction of tumour size with heat treatment and Golden Hammer Therapy.
Cleansing and detoxification of the body with Chelation Therapy.
Support with herbal medicine and Precious pills to cleanse toxic air, decrease de-oxygenated blood and increase oxygenated blood.
Tibetan medicine works best when there are no other intervening medicines. Efficacy is definitely reduced when it is combined with other treatments. So we advise patients to start our treatments after they have finished their chemotherapy. For example, a well-designed treatment strategy is more important than the strength or dosage of the medicines. Doctors try to understand individual body constitutions, recommend what food is needed and overcome deficiencies through supplements. Exercise also helps a lot.
I have also noticed that patients who are frustrated and mentally blocked impede the healing process. Patients who understand and accept the disease, have a positive outlook, take medicines in time and employ diet, lifestyle and the right state of mind, effectively aid their own recovery.
2. What dietary principles does Tibetan Medicine recommend for Cancer? Answer: In our system, diet is individualised. Five people can have same cancer but the diet for each may be totally different. This is because diet depends on body consultation and personality. In Ayurveda, this is referred to as "Dosha" and we call it "Rungshin". For example, people with high "pita" are recommended a diet that reduces "pita", while others with a non-inflamed 'cold' pulse' are prescribed a different diet. Whatever one's constitution, the aim of choosing the right diet is to build the right 'cosmophysical' energies in the body and achieve a dynamic equilibrium — this is health. In general, fruits, berries, pomegranate, lime and foods rich in beta carotene and active flavonoid are good. Fish, especially river and clear-water fish are good as they have Omega 3 fatty acids.
3. Is your success rate better for some types of cancers than others? Answer: Our treatment is very successful with breast cancer, multiple myeloma (bone cancer), some forms of chronic blood cancers, chronic lymphoblastic leukaemia, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, and some types of brain cancer.
4. How does Tibetan Medicine work at different stages of the Cancer journey? Answer: As with all diseases, the earlier the diagnosis and the earlier the treatment begins, the better. In case of recurrence, our medicines are known to work very well. However, in these situations, the second line of treatment is often required so the medicines are stronger. We can also effectively maintain and manage the disease. This is achieved not only through medicines but also through self-healing and visualisation techniques, pain management therapies, meridian massages with herbs, meditation and initiation into spiritual healing. In the final stage, we believe it is important to prepare the patient for their last journey into the next life. We encourage the dying to leave negative feelings behind and to die in peace. This is very important and Tibetan medicine has some powerful practices for this time. ◼
Honorable Governor of West Bengal and former National Security Advisor HE Shri MK Narayanan presents 'Award for Excellence in Social Service' to 'Friends of Tibet Foundation' for its "outstanding and tireless efforts in addressing and raising awareness about social issues and causes". Shri Eswar Anandan from Friends of Tibet Foundation receives the award on the behalf of the organisation at a function organised on March 15, 2014. Justice Shri Chettur Sankaran Nair and Shri P Sanjumon (Chairman, Daya Charitable Trust) are also seen.
September 4, 2010: HH the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet addressing a gathering of Friends of Tibet Foundation.
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Tibetan Centre for Healing & Learning (Kochi, Kerala) SINCE 1999, Friends of Tibet Foundation is collaborating with Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute of HH the Dalai Lama to conduct medical camps and health awareness events across the country — mainly with the objective of reaching out to needy people seeking medical help and also to create awareness about Tibet's lost heritage. Men-Tsee-Khang is the charitable, cultural and educational institution of HH the Dalai Lama, registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 (No 1290/79), recognised by the Ministry of Ayush, Govt of India.
In order to schedule an appointment with a Tibetan doctor for Pulse Diagnosis and consultation at the Kochi clinic, call Men-Tsee-Khang (Kerala) at +91.7356941910 or email: kerala@men-tsee-khang.org. The clinic address is:
Tibetan Medical & Astrological Institute of HH the Dalai Lama, Kolady, 115 Panorama Nagar, Amalabhavan Road, Kadavanthara, Kochi 682020, Kerala. Timings: 9am-5pm (Monday Holiday) | Google Directions
Visitor Policy & Guidelines
Come to the Men-Tsee-Khang clinic at the time of your appointment only. Come to the clinic on your own, unless you need someone to assist you with translation. A parent or guardian can accompany a child to the appointment. We expect everyone to wear a medical-grade mask when they visit the Men-Tsee-Khang clinic. If you do not have one, get a free facemask from the clinic reception provided free of cost by The Mask Lab + Friends of Tibet Foundation. Please remember that wearing a face mask, social distancing and frequent hand-washing are ancient methods to protect ourselves from viral pathogens causing emerging zoonotic infections. Be well, be healthy!
Friends of Tibet Foundation, PO Box 16674, Mumbai 400050, India. Email: foundation@friendsoftibet.org Web: www.friendsoftibet.org/foundation
Friends of Tibet Foundation, a Charitable Trust (Regn No: 126/IV/2021) is the philanthropic wing of Friends of Tibet, a non-profit organisation founded in 1999. The primary objective of the Foundation is to support the conservation and promotion of Tibet's tangible and intangible heritage including healing traditions. Friends of Tibet Foundation is also engaged in conducting research on the unique heritage, legacy and history of Tibet and publishing varied research papers with the collaboration of scholars, academicians, scientists, holistic health educationists and sociologists.
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Digital Support: Design & People, India + Ibiblio Digital Library & Archive Project, University of North Carolina, USA
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