The Tibetan system of medicine called Emchi is essentially based on Ayurvedic principles. It is practised in Ladakh, Lahaul, Spiti, Darjeeling, Sikkim, and also in some of the metropolitan cities of India. Tibetan medicine lays more stress on healthy living. It is inseparable from Buddhism. It is an amalgamation of art, science, and spiritualism,

Ayurveda entered Tibet along with Buddhism. Around a.d. 650, the ruler of Tibet invited many Indian scholars including Ayurvedic physicians to his country. Tibetan scholars also came to India to learn, among other subjects, Ayurveda. Ayurvedic texts were translated from Sanskrit into the Tibetan language between the 12th and 14th centuries. The Tanjur, a voluminous Tibetan religious scripture, is a translation of twenty-two Ayurvedic works. Tibetan secular literature also contains many medical works: the most popular one is known as Rgyud Bzi.

Why Disease Occurs

Like Ayurveda, the Tibetan system of medicine believes that a person suffers from disease when there is any change (beyond the normal limit) in the equilibrium of nes pa (doshas) and lus zun (dhatus). This change is brought about by both physical and mental factors. Germs as causative organisms of certain diseases, are considered to be subsidiary causes of diseases. Karmas — one’s actions in the previous life and in the earlier part of the present life — play a large role in influencing the change. Climatic factors and evil spirits also play a major role. To bring back doshas and dhatus to their normal state, drugs and diet containing the appropriate basic elements, are prescribed in addition to religious rituals.

Spirituality in Diagnosis

The patient is examined by employing three different methods: inspection, palpation, and interrogation. In this connection, pulse examination and urine examination are conducted with meticulous care. The pulse is examined in both hands to ascertain the condition of ruin (vayu), inkhris pa {pitta), and bad kan (kapha). It is also examined to ascertain the condition of the solid viscera such as the liver and spleen and hollow viscera such as the stomach and urinary bladder. An expert physician of Tibetan medicine can, thus, pinpoint the affected organ of the body. To conduct a successful pulse examination, the physician should be spiritually inclined as it is important for the physician and the patient both to approach the diagnosis with purity and concentration of mind. To enable himself to attain this state of mind and spirituality, the physician generally practises certain religious rituals and recites incantations regularly.

In addition to the pulse examination, the physician examines the urine and stool of the patient, as well as his tongue and eyes. He also conducts a general physical examination of the body and various aspects of the disease before arriving at the diagnosis and selecting therapies.

Varying Products in Treatment

Thousands of recipes are described in Tibetan medical texts for the treatment of different diseases. Some of them, no doubt, bear a striking resemblance to Ayurvedic recipes. A number of Indian herbs are included in the Tibetan materia medica. Some of these drugs do not grow in Tibet and are, therefore, imported from India and other neighbouring countries. In lieu of some Indian drugs, Tibetan substitutes have been found. For example, instead of saffron, the pistils of a local plant have been used in certain drugs. Some poisonous drugs like Aconite and Nux Vomica are also used in Tibetan medicine. These are detoxicated before use. They are generally used in extremely small doses and many dos and don’ts are prescribed to avoid any untoward effect.

Numerous animal products such as musk, bear bile, cow bile, and different types of milk are used in Tibetan medicine too. Some of their life-saving drugs contain gems, jewels, and metals, including minerals. These metals are generally purified (detoxicated) and transformed into a bhasma (calcinated form) before being used in recipes. As compared to Ayurveda, Tibetan doctors use fewer metallic preparations in their day-to-day practice.

Recipes, during and after their preparation, are generally sanctified with prayers and recitation of mantras. Such religious rituals are considered to enhance the potency of these preparations.

The recipes are mostly used either in a powder or pill form. But, sometimes, medicated butter, medicated ghee, solid extracts, medicated alcohol, and linctus are also used by Tibetan physicians.

Step-by-Step Approach: The Tibetan system of medicine regards the individual as a complete entity, and the entire body, mind, and spirit, are examined before attempting treatment of any disease. Both the body and the mind are treated simultaneously.

Aspects like prevention of disease and promotion of positive health are given due importance. Remedies prescribed include the use of medicines, prayers, mantras, religious rituals, and other regimen. Religion, therefore, forms an essential part of Tibetan medical practice.

Since it is believed that germs are only a secondary cause of disease, the primary cause being the disequilibrium of nes pas (doshas) and lus zuns (dhatus), if there is a harmony of these factors in the individual’s body, then the germs, howsoever powerful they may be, will not be able to produce any disease. Tibetan physicians, therefore, aim to make the body strong and thus, unsuitable for the attack of germs. If germs invade such an individual, then like seeds in a dry land, they die a natural death and become incapable of producing any disease. Tibetan medicine practitioners hardly make any effort to kill germs even in the treatment of an infective condition. On the other hand, they try to restore the balance of nes pas and lus zuns by which the patient becomes free from the malady.

Apart from medication and the emphasis on prayers and religious rituals, the Tibetan system lays stress on a proper diet, drinks, and a well-regulated regimen. Several categories of diet and drinks are described in Tibetan medicine, with special references to their health-giving and disease-curing properties. Various types of alcoholic drinks are also suggested.

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Emphasising holistic healing, the traditional Tibetan System of Medicine is unique in that it holds one’s karmas or actions, past and present, primarily responsible for upsetting the body’s balance and causing disease. Climate, evil spirits, and germs are other causative factors. It also requires the practitioner and the patient to be deeply religious as prayers and religious rituals are believed to enhance the efficacy of treatment and medicines.

Diagnosis comprises examination of the pulse and urine, and the body, followed by asking the patient questions. Herbs, minerals, and animal products are used in Tibetan medicine and special diets are prescribed. Though effective for common ailments and affordable, unfortunately, there are very few practitioners of this system available.