4,000-year old Tibetan medicine: A combination of science and art

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-17-2008 19:25

Traditional Tibetan medicine has a history of 4,000 years. It's characterized by a uniqueness which combines science and art with Tibetan culture. CCTV reporter Mao Xuzhi has more on the mystery of traditional Tibetan medicine.

40-year-old Tonzhub is a renowned university professor in the field of Traditional Tibetan medicine. Whenever he has spare time, Tonzhub will go to a nearby hospital to treat patients.

40-year-old Tonzhub is a renowned university professor in the field of Traditional Tibetan medicine. Whenever he has spare time, Tonzhub will go to a nearby hospital to treat patients.

Tibetan medicine plays an important role in the Tibetan's daily life. It's regarded as a holistic system, which addresses the needs of the body, mind and spirit.

Tonzhub says although Tibetan medicine is based on a different pathology compared with other medical theories, its unique characteristics makes it an inseparable part in today's medical world.

Traditional Tibetan Medicine has some similarities with both traditional Indian and Chinese medicine.

Tonzhub said, "Traditional Tibetan medicine is purely natural and unpolluted. It has unique curative effect. I believe Tibetan medicine will play a bigger role in China and the world in the 21 century."

Traditional Tibetan Medicine has some similarities with both traditional Indian and Chinese medicine. Meanwhile, it has a genesis, history, and development of its own, which is rooted in the Tibetan landscape, the indigenous culture, and the spirit of the Tibetan people.

These Tangkas record the development of the Tibetan medicine for the past 1000 or so years. Even today, they are still of great research value in our modern economic and social life.

One of the unique features of Traditional Tibetan Medicine is that although it is generally practiced alongside Buddhism, it contains a comprehensive philosophy, cosmology with spiritual practices. In addition, Tibetan medicine encompasses a wealth of knowledge on anatomy and physiology, embryology and pathology. The science of Traditional Tibetan Medicine includes diversified herbal pharmacy, as well as external therapies which are little-known in the western world.

Migmar, researcher of Tibetan Medical College, said, "Tibetan medicine can identify those diseases that cannot be checked-out by other modern medical methods. It specializes in the examination and treatment of diseases of the digest system, liver, tumor and cardio-vascular system."

Tonzhub hopes more people can experience Tibetan medicine, and to better understand Tibetan culture in a modern world.

Editor:Zhang Ning