Frequently asked questions about Tibetan Medicine

Please check out the following lines to have your own possible questions about Tibetan medicine answered. Certainly, Rinpoche will be happy to answers any other question on the subject matter.

Can Tibetan Medicine heal any disease?

Yes, every existing disease, even psychiatric ones can be cured taking into account that it sometimes takes a long period of continual treatment.

How long does a treatment with Tibetan Medicine usually take?

The average treatment takes three months, depending on the severity of the disease.

How does a Tibetan medical doctor usually proceed during the treatment?

In the beginning there is always a diagnosis. He observes the patient carefully: how he or she walks, moves and talks, and also observes his or her complexion, etc. Then the Tibetan doctor usually makes a pulse diagnosis and asks questions about the patient’s behaviour, symptoms and pains. The pulse diagnosis reveals the state of one’s organs and overall constitution. Sometimes he also asks for a specimen of the patient’s urine.

Can Western Medicine and Tibetan Medicine be combined?

Both Western Medicine and Tibetan Medicine have the same goal: to heal the person. Combining the two can be beneficial. Tibetan Medicine treats not only the physical system but the mental and spiritual systems of the human being, too. It has no side effects at all, thus combining the two normally presents no problems whatsoever. However, if you want to be treated by Rinpoche, it would be wise to inform him of your medical history, including western medical treatment, so he can more easily evaluate what Tibetan Medicine treatment would be most appropriate.

What are the differences between Chinese Medicine and Tibetan Medicine?

There are similarities between both systems, but Tibetan Medicine uses different herbal ingredients and, in some parts, different channels. There is also a fundamental difference between Chinese and Tibetan moxibustion (short: moxa): Tibetan moxa (called Mentsa in Tibetan) uses a golden burning needle on specific points, which helps the energy to circulate and reduces the pain. It is not at all based on the concept of meridians.

Are there Tibetan medical pills produced in the Pal Demo Monastery?

Yes, the monks of the Pal Demo Tashi Choeling Monastery are specialized to manufacture the precious herbal medicine which is then dispensed by Tibetan medical doctors. The ingredients are gathered from clean, pure mountain slopes at altitudes of around 18,000 ft.

Can a healthy person also see a Tibetan doctor?

Yes, this is highly recommended, as prophylaxis is a core issue in Tibetan Medicine. The best prophylaxis is to balance one’s energies, which can for example mean to avoid certain things or do them in certain ways and according to certain conditions. This applies to behaviour and nutrition. Those who are already sick in some way must additionally take herbal pills or undergo other treatments. Sustainable healing is achieved when the doctor undertakes the measures needed and the patient collaborates by undertaking the prescribed mental training.

Are there such things as ataractics in Tibetan Medicine?

Yes, there are herbal medicines to treat mental disorders. Tibetan lung-medicine is prescribed to treat stress, depression and other mental diseases and is very effective. Up to 35 different ingredients can be contained in this kind of Tibetan remedy. The medicine pacifies and relaxes and the patient sleeps better. It has no side effects.

Is there a difference in the way people from the west and people from the east are treated?

No, Westerners and Easterners are treated the same in both basic and practical ways, and with the same results. The difference lies in the pathological phenomena: Westerners often suffer from diseases which include depression and insomnia due to too much thinking, whereas people from the east barely suffer from these problems. They tend to suffer more from pains in the legs and hands.