Tibet developed a unique and highly skilled medical tradition that has been successfully practiced for more than 4000 years. The Tibetan medical system is a unique aspect of Tibetan culture that has been developed by Tibetan kings, saints, scholars and physicians. It is through their efforts that the Tibetan people are still able to preserve, promote and continue this tradition. Like many traditional systems of medicine this knowledge has been passed on from generation to generation resulting in a scientific approach to a philosophical system. The Tibetan medical system has stood the test of time through 1000’s of years of clinical experience. Beginning with the time of the healers of the Bon religion, who explained the source of disease as the influence of evil spirits and struggled with them with the help of prayers and various remedies, Tibetan healers, through experimentation and careful observation and analysis of the action of medical herbs, developed and passed on the knowledge of the art of healing.

Tibetan medicine today still utilizes the time-tested wisdom of this ancient healing art. It is a science, art and philosophy that consists of a holistic approach to health. It is a science because its principles are laid down in a systematic and logical framework based on the body and its relationship to the environment. It is an art because it uses a range of diagnostic techniques to identify various problems and diverse therapeutic measures to maintain proper and optimal health. It is a philosophy because it embraces the key Buddhist principles of altruism, karma and ethics.

Content last modified on Aug 28, 2003