holistic science

Peace Times 10

As the world is waking up to the enormous possibilities of natural medicines, we asked Tibetan doctor Norbu Gyaltsen his thoughts about the future role of Tibetan medicine in the West.

Will a deep interest develop in Tibetan medicine?

The world is always looking for new methods and information. Tibetan medicine is a holistic medical system which is very specialized in certain areas of the medical field. It can be of great service to people and therefore has a great potential in the West.

Will the Tibetan medical system be able to keep its traditional identity in the West?

Still today Tibetan medicine is practised in its original form, as it was in Tibet; there is however, a real danger that this system may in the future, become too westernised or commercialised and lose its authenticity. It will be difficult for Tibetan medicine to keep its ancient tradition. On the other hand, it is impossible to develop without change and Tibetan medicine needs to develop, but at the same time keep its identity - like when we change our clothes.

How do you see the role of Tibetan medicine in the future?

Tibetan medicine is just beginning in the West; there is no clear direction of where it will go in the future. It will take time to understand this. However, Tibetan Medicine can be useful in Western society. We need time and a deep interest from people looking for a new era of medicine according to natural concepts and therapies.

You have had experience treating Western patients in India and Nepal, how do they view Tibetan medicine?

Patients believe it to be some kind of magic or miracle medicine. They think it can make something like a tumor disappear, in a flash - this is their dream! Through explanation and experience, people begin to understand that it is not magic but that it is a science. Doctors, therapists and patients are now realising the benefits of Tibetan medicine. People want more choice than allopathic medicine and surgery, because they do not always experience such good benefits. Maybe this is because the diagnosis is not so accurate as it does not take into consideration certain aspects of the patient such as the mental state and so on, therefore it is not completely effective.

Many people with chronic diseases turn to Tibetan medicine as a last resort and find that it is very successful in treating these sickness, so maybe it seems like some kind of miracle. s.d.