About Tibetan Medicine

Traditional Tibetan Medicine is the ancient art of healing that treats body, mind and spirit in an integrated holistic way. Also known as Sowa Rigpa, this natural and complete medical system is based primarily on the Indian Buddhist scriptures, Vajrayana Tantras, and Ayurvedic healing system. It includes remedies formulated from natural ingredients such as medicinal plants, herbs, minerals and spices.

One of its fundamental principles is that our bodies are composed of the five elements of Earth, Fire, Water, Wind (Air), and Space. When these elements are in balance, we will have wellness of body, speech and mind. However, if any one of these elements goes out of balance — whether in excess, deficient or unstable, it affects the other elements and results in physical, mental and emotional ailments. Thus, the relationship and balance between the elements of our body is crucial for overall wellness and health.

Most importantly, Sowa Rigpa embraces the Buddhist belief that all ailments fundamentally arise from the Three Poisons — ignorance, attachment and aversion. Thus, many Tibetan medical treatments go beyond providing symptomatic relief, and may include lifestyle and behavioural adjustments based on Buddha’s Four Noble Truths. By reducing or eliminating the root causes of illness in this manner, we will not only enjoy good physical health but also a happier state of mind and uplifting of the spirit.

The healing power of Tibetan medicine arises from a combination of effective diagnosis, potent herbal treatments, and the power of prayer. Apart from herbal remedies consumed in powder or pill form, Tibetan medical treatments may include Rinchen Rilbu (precious pills), therapeutic incense, natural supplements, herbal teas and infusions, and lifestyle changes.

Tibetan herbal remedies are traditionally empowered with the blessings of healing deities such as Medicine Buddha. Additional mantras can be recited before partaking of the medicine or treatment to further increase its potency.

Further Reading

• Dr Lobsang Dolma: Mother of Tibetan Medicine by Tsem Rinpoche
• Introduction to the Buddhist Healing Arts (audio)
• Medicine Buddha Teaching at Turkey Swamp (video)
• Medicine Buddha Healing Fountain at Kechara Forest Retreat

Ingredients

Aquilaria agollocha, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica, Emblica officinalis, Myristica fragrans, Bambusa textilis, Adhatoda vasica, Mesua ferrea, Saussurea lappa, Commiphora mukul, Picrorhiza kurroa, Punica granatum, Swertia chirata, Meconopsis horridula, Melia composita, Shorea robusta, Solms-Laubachia sp., Cinnamomum cecidodaphne, Carthamus tinctorius, Rubus idaeopsis, Tinospora cordifolia, Amomum subulatum, Elettaria cardamomum, Eugenia caryophyllata, Santalum album, Inula racemosa, Hedychium spicatum, Chrysanthemum tatsienense, Pterocarpus santalinus, Pulicaria insignis, outer bark of Aquilaria agollocha, Strychnos nux vomica, Bos grunniens mutus, musk, Aconitum spicatum.