Traditional Tibetan medicine gains acceptance in Himachal Pradesh

Traditional Tibetan system of medicine has gained acceptance among visitors and locals here for its herbal and holistic approach in treating illnesses.

By Hemant Chauhan

Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh), June 16 : Traditional Tibetan system of medicine has gained acceptance among visitors and locals here for its herbal and holistic approach in treating illnesses.

Derek Mayer, a visitor from the Untied States said that they have been practicing this for a very long time. I would rather go see a Tibetan doctor than any other kind of doctor

Natural herbs, minerals and metals combined and prepared according to the patients' taste and potency is the benchmark of Tibetan system of medicine.

It is based on the theory of five elements Sa (Earth), Chu (Water), Me (Fire), Rlung (Wind) and Nam-mkha (Space) and is very much connected and dependant on nature.

"They are very effective because they are all natural and so they don't have any side effects," said Anjela Julie, another tourist.

It is a combination of science, art and philosophy that provides a holistic approach to health care.

"People are attracted to Tibetan medicine because it is a holistic system. It means Tibetan medicine sees mind and body as one integral element," said Sonam Dolma, a practitioner. Tibetan System treats almost all the common and major disease. It is found particularly effective in treating asthma, diabetes, cardio-vascular problems and hypertension, gastro-intestinal problems, nervous diseases, skin, thyroid and psycholomatic.

Damdul, a researcher in the clinical research centre says that efforts are being made to promote the system.

"Over the last five to ten years, we've been really trying to see if we can do some extended systematic clinical studies to authenticate and evaluate the effectiveness of the Tibetan medical system. We are trying to tell the people that you get benefited from this unique medical system," he said.The Tibetan system of medicine is believed to have started in 567 B.C. whenibet was under the religious and cultural influence of the indigenous Bon traditions of the pre-Buddhist era.

The Tibetan Medical System and Astrological Institute, founded by the 13th Dalai Lama in Tibet in 1916, was re-established in 1961 by the 14th Dalai Lama with it headquarter at Dharamsala.

Today, the Institute has over 50 branches all over India, Nepal, Europe and the United States.

ANI