Tibetan Medicine

INTRODUCTION
With the recent explosion of fascination with Tibet and Tibetan culture, Tibetan medicine is receiving greater attention from the public, scholars and the media. As Tibetan medicine becomes more accessiblethroughout the world, it is very important to realize that there is a significant difference between Tibetan medicine and the other rich information and knowledge which the Tibetan people have already communicated to the West. Whereas religion, culture, and politics can be freely disseminated here under our First Amendment, the conditions under which medicine can be practiced in this country are limited by our culture, science, economics and law.
HUMORS
Tibetan medicine defines three main systems which control all the body's processes.
These three systems are created at various stages of development in the womb by an interaction of our mind's developmental process and the 5 physical elements. Embryologically, the mind acts as the basis for the creation of each individual's 3 principle physical systems: translated in English as Wind, Bile, and Phlegm. These three systems create and sustain all the body's functions.
A disturbance in one or a combination of these three principle systems results in illness. The disturbance can come from diet, behavior or environmental factors whose qualities, based on their constituent elements, act to disturb the qualities of any of the three energies. The manner in which these factors can result in illness will be more or less complex depending on the acute or chronic nature of the problem.
DIAGNOSIS
To put theory into practice we have specific diagnostic tools.First speak to the patient and find out their medical history as well as pertinent aspects of their personal history.
Urine
Then look at a urine sample. In the urinalysis we observe such things as the color of the specimen and its odor and then after vigorous stirring the size, color, amount, and persistence of bubbles, and any deposits. From this we can begin to confirm the nature of the illness, the presence of infection and the localization of the illness among other things.
Pulse
Next feel the twelve pulses. There are six distinct pulses at the radial artery of each wrist. We feel for such things as the width, depth, strength, speed and quality of the pulse. Each of those factors when understood properly allow us to clearly define the illness, its location, hidden complications and its etiology.
TREATMENT
Treatment is specific to each of the four diagnostic categories. The first consideration in treatment is the principle that all illness ultimately originates in the mind. This does not mean that all illness is psychological or psychosomatic.
Diet:
In recommending an appropriate diet, Tibetan physicians consider which types of food are harmful and which might be beneficial, the amount of food to be eaten, the number of meals per day and the proper meal times. Food is analyzed based on its qualities and nature as defined by a five element theory. This principle enables practitioners to think intelligently about diet and health relative to each individual patient's lifestyle, environment and health condition.
Herbal Medicines
Typically, two to four formulas are prescribed, to be taken each day at specific times. Morning remedies commonly include those for Bädkën disorders or digestive disorders. Afternoon remedies are typically used to treat Tripa disorders. Remedies given in the late afternoon or evening are usually given to treat Lüng disorders. Ultimately, the organization of the prescription is based on both the doctor's judgment and the patient's lifestyle.
Physical Therapies
If the above treatments are not sufficient to cure the illness, physicians employ therapies such as acupuncture, moxabustion, cupping, massage, and inhalation therapy.