Due to hearing problem I avoid to participate any discussions, meetings, or functions but on that day it was not possible because it was a sad family function as a first death anniversary of a close relative. After making my presence visible to all concerned I slipped and went to a nearest park. I was feeling high Blood Pressure so I sat down and closed the eyes.
Moments with the departed person were moving before me like a movie. Suddenly mobile phone vibrated in my pocket. Number was unknown but I switched it on. It was my younger cousin Kanwal Sethi who makes the films on sensitive global issues. He told me from Shatabadi Express that he came from Germany early morning and now on the way to Amaritsar. He insisted me to join him on a special visit to Dharamshala in HP.
By the late evening I was also at Amaritsar. During dinner he briefed me about the visit. Next day early morning we were going to Dharamshala. After Pathankot hilly area started. In the way we noted the excesses of Himachal traffic police. After reaching the destination we saw a small Tibet in the Dharamshala. Peoples of all ages and classes were healthy, smiling and cooperative. We went to museum and then to see the Tibetan Medicine Center and The Men-Tsee-Khang.
Before the presentation of few facts about the Tibetan Medicines and its healing system I want to explain that like Tibetans I also strongly believe in the law of relativity, cause and action. I came to this land suddenly without any plan...but if came....then I should must do some thing for this land and for the peoples of this land.
Due to these Karmic relations I feel if I was born in a Sikh family so I should must go to the World and cover its pain and report to the rest of the World to fulfill the Sikh Spirit Sarbatt Da Bhala (welfare of all). I also want to mention that many followers of Sri Guru Nanak Dev are known as Lama Sikhs. So it is my humble effort to convey the Tibetan Medical Skill which is still improving even in the time of crises..,time of political shelter..... The information given below is based on meetings, journals, news-letters and many other different sources.
--Rector Kathuria
The Tibetan medical system is one of the world's oldest known medical traditions. It is an integral part of Tibetan culture and has been developed through many centuries. This medical science also based on astronomy and astrology. To promote and practice Tibetan system of medicine, astronomy and astrology a charitable, cultural and educational institute of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. Re-established in 1961 in India, with Dr Yeshi Dhonden and Ven Lodoe Gyatso as heads of Medical and Astrological sections, respectively. Headquarters in Himachal Pradesh oversees 42 branch clinics' operations in India, Nepal and three residential doctors abroad. Operates from Delhi. Exports products to over 50 countries worldwide.
Tibetan Astrology:
Tibetan Elemental Astrology, 'Byung-rTsis, is based on the five elements, the twelve-year cycle, eight par-kha or trigrams, and nine sme-wa or magic square numbers. Tibetan astrologers use these to calculate horoscopes along with four major themes: one's life span, physical condition, economic and political power, and overall luck in business and work.
The Tibetan system of Astronomy, sKar-rTsis, draws from the Shri Kalachakra Tantra and the Arising Vowel System, dByangs-'Char, which assigns a different vowel in each day of the month, and calculates its effect on individuals and nations. There are parallels between Tibetan and Vedic astrology in their calculation of calendars and planetary movement.
Tibetan medical theory states that everything in the universe is made up of the five proto-elements:
1. sa ( Earth )
2. chu ( Water )
3. me ( Fire )
4. rLung ( Wind )
5. Nam-mkha ( Space )
Although all five proto-elements are responsible for the formation of each tissue cell, each element has a specific influence:1. sa exerts a greater influence over the formation of muscle cells, bones, the nose and the sense of smell
2. chu is responsible for the formation of blood, body fluids, tongue and the sense of taste
3. me is responsible for body temperature, complexion, the eyes and the sense of sight
4. rLung is responsible for breathing, skin and the sense of touch and
5. nam-mkha is responsible for body cavities, the ears and the sense of hearing
In fact this is the base of Tibetan medical science. According to the experts of this science the Tibetan medicine is not only a science it is an art and philosophy also that provides a holistic approach to health care and society. experts explain that it is a science because its principles are enumerated in a systematic and logical framework based on an understanding of the body and its relationship to the environment. They further say that it is an art because it uses diagnostic techniques based on the creativity, insight, subtlety and compassion of the medical practitioner. Talking about the philosophy factor they say that it is a philosophy also because it embraces the key Buddhist principles of altruism, karma and ethics.
The diagnostic techniques include visual observation, touch and interrogation along with pulse reading.
Visual Observation
This involves checking a patient's skin complexion, the colour and texture of his/her blood, nails, sputum, faeces, and other general conditions. Special attention is paid to the condition of the patient's tongue and urine.
i. Disorders of Tongue:
In wind disorder, the tongue will red, dry and rough. In bile disorder, the tongue will be covered by a thick, pale yellow coating of phlegm. In phlegm disorder, the tongue will have a pale, thick coating of phlegm and dull, smCTAh and moist texture.
ii. Urine Disorder:
The doctor advises the patient, how and when to collect the urine sample. It is essential that patient avoid taking too much of tea, buttermilk or wine etc. which otherwise would cause discoloration of the urine sample. They are also suggested to have a sound and sufficient sleep, refrain from mental and emotional stress and desist irregular activities. It is best to satisfy these conditions a night before the examination. The urine in Wind disorder looks like water and has large bubbles when stirred. In Bile, the urine is reddish yellow and malodorous with much steam. In Phlegm, the urine is whitish with little odour or steam.
Touch
Pulse reading forms the most important touching method employed in Tibetan medicine. Only after ensuring an important set of preconditions, the physician proceeds with a pulse diagnosis.
This involves placing the index finger, middle finger and ring finger of a doctor at patient's radial arteries. The fingers must be held in a line close to one another yet not touching each other. The index finger must not put too much pressure on the skin; more pressure should be applied by the middle and ring fingers.
Left hand of patient examined by the right hand of the doctor:
A. The tip of the index finger on the right side detects heart diseases and on the left intestinal diseases
B. The tip of the middle finger on the right side detects diseases affecting the spleen, and on the left stomach diseases
C. The tip of the ring finger on the right side detects kidney diseases and on the left diseases affecting the seminal vessel
Right hand of patient examined by the left hand of the doctor :
D. The right tip of the index finger detects lung diseases, the left tip diseases affecting the guts
E. The right tip of the middle finger detects liver diseases, the left tip diseases due to unbalanced bile
F. The right tip of the ring finger detects kidney diseases, and the left tip diseases affecting the urinary bladder.
The right hand pulse should be examined first in the case of female patients, and the left hand one in the case of males. The reason for this is that the tip of the female heart is tilted towards the right and vice versa with males.
Interrogation
Interrogation forms the most important clinical aspect of the diagnosis. There are three main elements to a medical interrogation:
G. Determining the causative factors
H. Determining the site of the illness
I. Studying the signs and symptoms - this involves the doctor asking the patient about the sort of food and drink s/he has been consuming, and what kind of physical and mental behaviour s/he has been experiencing
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After my pulse reading of both sides for few minutes Dr. Dawa who is the Director of The Men Tsee Khang told me about my body problems, my blood pressure and my back pain etc....then he prescribed me. Medicine taking process may be tough but it looks reliable.
Tibetan Medicines
Tibetan medicines take various forms, from decoctions, powders, general pills, precious pills, and syrups are prescribed in small doses -- another fact that reflects the emphasis Tibetan medicine places on gentle treatment.
This science has magic power to heal for ever. The persons who want to know more about this system may contact the institution directly to attend The 2nd national conference cum workshop on Tibetan medicine
