Treatments

The Tibetan art of healing particularly puts the emphasis on the soft method in treatments. Since cosmic, psychological and physical elements are in a delicate condition as a dynamic balance, every minor trouble due to trouble in diet, an inharmonious lifestyle or unfavourable climatic conditions, will disrupt the homeostatic system.

Consequently, in Tibetan medicine, monitoring a healthy diet and observing a harmonious lifestyle are the front line in treatment.

However, if these two approaches didn’t provide positive results, then medicines coming from traditional pharmacopoeia would be used. There are many of them : decoctions, powders, pills, syrups, etc. Tibetan physicists generally begin with a relatively gentle medication and increase progressively quantities if necessary. The other therapeutic techniques coming after medication include therapies based on soft or drastic elimination, with, in the last resort, surgery.

A good diet is vital

The need of a good diet is particularly emphasized all the way through the rGyud-bzhi, since three entire chapters are devoted to this subject. They classify all sorts of food and of drinks, their use ; the precautions to be taken in using them and the quantities of food to be taken in principle.

Diet and Behaviour

The rGyud-bzhi classify diet behaviours in three categories : daily behaviour, seasonal behaviour and exceptional behaviour. The daily behaviour refers to using correctly your body, your words and your spirit. Emotionally disturbing or hazardous occupations or environments are not recommended.

Sticking to such behaviour contributes not only to obtaining a good health and a comfortable life but also to obtaining longevity and happiness. The emphasis on living spiritually allows minimizing one’s own suffering in life and reaching ultimate [Buddhéité].

In order to observe the behaviour related to seasons, it is vital to keep on paying attention to the transformation of the body energy, respecting the evolution in the environment. Making efforts to be in harmony with all these changes is necessary. For example, at the beginning of the winter (lasting two months in Tibet), the outside cold clogs up body pores and thus the Fire energy. Air stimulates heath : so it is important to eat enough food containing sweet, salt and sour flavours, otherwise the group of body constituents would get weaker.

The beginning of winter is also a period when nights last longer and when hunger is felt. Having little food during this long winter period contributes to weaken the seven body constituents (Lus-zungs).

To remedy this lack of balance, it is vital to massage one’s body with sesame oil and to have nutritious food and drinks. Paying attention to follow a diet adapted to the next seasons according to the characteristics related to the seasonal changes is important.  

The exceptional diet behaviour is manifested in pressing needs like an insatiable hunger or thirst or others urgent needs. The latter mustn’t be eliminated but it is important to let nature take its course.

contact@medecinetibet.org