1. The Central Council of Tibetan Medicine (CCTM) The Central ...

mention the usage of Tibetan medicinal plants in many different forms which
have a great potential to contribute to the well being of mankind. It is also
compatible with other medical systems as a complementary medical treatment
and there are many testimonies of its success in treating chronic diseases. It is
based on profound medical theory that is an integration of Science, Art and
Philosophy.The textual commentaries and the practices of the Tibetan medicine
still exists in their complete and full form in the neighboring countries such as
Bhutan, Sikkim, and India including other Himalayan countries and regions. The
complete Gyud shi text was translated into Russian language in the year 1908.
From the beginning of 20 th century, some parts of Gyud Shi text were translated
into Japanese, German, French and English. Specially, during the end of 20 th
century, due to the grace of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, many scholars,
scientists and people from Eastern and Western parts of the world became
aware of the extraordinary qualities and realized the profundity of the Tibetan
medical system. Consequently, there has been a continuous increase in the
number of people who appreciate and takes keen interest in the study of Tibetan
medical science of healing. These circumstances in turn lead to the flourishing
and expansion of Tibetan medicine all over the world.
The Definition and Concept of Tibetan Medicine
Tibetan Medicine is a unique system where medical science and spirituality are
blended harmoniously together to offer total health to all. Its principle objective is
the prevention of disease for healthy living, treatment of the diseased, to attain
longevity, prosperity and spiritual realization. The entire teaching is being
summarized in the form of body and disease, the healing means, healing method
and the healer.
The fundamental concept of Tibetan Medicine revolves around the theory of Five
Cosmo-physical elements and three principal energies (Nyespa), the balance
and imbalance of which attributes to health and disease respectively. The food
and behavioral regimen, seasonal factors and evil spirits are considered to be
four causative factors responsible for the manifestation of Nyespa into disease.
Based on the Buddhist concept of mind and body relationship, Tibetan Medicine
recognizes Marigpa, the Ignorance as the root cause of all the suffering.
Ignorance literally means not knowing the non-existence of the Self because of
which one suffers from three inborn mental poisons like lust or desire, hatred or
anger, delusion or confusion all of which gives rise to various forms of
imbalances in our body system which can be grouped under Lhung, Tripa and
Badkan. Therefore, unless we study and purify our mind from its black clouds of
negative mental afflictions, we cannot enjoy the clear blue sky of a perfect health.
Tibetan Medicine strongly advocates the dynamic interrelationship between our
body, environment, disease and the treatment. All of them are made up of same
basic element of nature popularly known as five Cosmo-physical elements: earth,
water, fire, air and space, which form our life sustaining energies. And