Tibet’s treatment tradition

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The concept of a holistic approach to health and healing is relatively new in the western world, yet in the Indian sub-continent it is a system that can be traced back 3,000 years.

One of the best known is ayurvedic medicine, and I can testify that it’s very much part of life here in India.  The name informs its approach: ayur = life; veda = science/knowledge and its approach to wellness includes the use of herbs, a special diet, massage , yoga and meditation.  In India ayurvedic retreats are big business across the country.

Perhaps lesser known is the Tibetan traditional medicine, Sowa-rigpa. There are many theories as to its origins, with some claims being that it was a system taught by Buddha himself. Also known as Amchi,  its principles are generally thought to lie in ayurveda, with Chinese medicine influences. Astronomy and astrology also play a part in the healing programme.

I will be hoping for some further enlightenment from Tashi Tsering Phuri, Director of Men-Tsee-Khang, the centre for Tibetan Traditional Medicine, who is on the panel for the Global Spa and Wellness Summit session entitled  Ancient healing traditions across the Indian sub-continent. The centre was re-established by the 14th Dalai Lama in Dharamsala in 1961 following the Tibetan exodus to India. Alongside the medical commitment to Sowa-rigpa, the centre’s mission has a principled approach:  to provide accessible health care to people regardless of caste, colour or creed; to provide free or subsidised health care to the poor and needy, monks and nuns, all new arrivals from Tibet, and those over the age of 70; to produce Tibetan medicines in an environmentally sensitive manner.

The session will also provide the Dalai Lama with an opportunity to be reunited with an old friend: Tashi Tsering Phuri is the past managing trustee of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Charitable Trust.

TOMORROW:  The wonderful world of Louie Schwartzberg

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