Here are 6 healthy practices to borrow from Tibetans

Tibetan medicine is a unique healing system that has developed over centuries in the high Himalayan plateau. It is based on the principle of balance between the three energies of body, mind and soul. Tibetan doctors use a combination of herbal medicine, diet, massage and meditation to restore health and well-being. Here we will explore some of the key principles and practices of Tibetan medicine. To maintain this balance, Tibetan medicine practitioners focus on six key areas:

1. Nutrition :

Tibetan medicine is a form of traditional medicine that has been practiced in Tibet for centuries. In recent years, Tibetan medicine has seen a resurgence in interest, with many people turning to its holistic approach to health and well-being. One of the essential aspects of Tibetan medicine is nutrition.

According to Tibetan medical theory, the human body is composed of three main energies: wind, bile and phlegm. These energies are in turn associated with the five elements: fire, earth, water, metal and wood. Balancing these energies and elements is essential to good health, which can be achieved through diet. For example, foods rich in wind energy are usually light and dry, such as fruits and vegetables. In contrast, foods high in bile energy are usually heavy and oily, such as meat and dairy products. By eating a balanced diet that includes foods from all five elements, it is possible to stay healthy and prevent disease.

Tibetan medicine also places great importance on the use of herbal remedies. Plants are used to treat a wide range of ailments, from headaches to heart disease. Tibetan doctors often prescribe a combination of different herbs to be taken internally or applied externally to the affected area. The use of herbs is an important part of Tibetan medical practice, and it is one of the areas where Tibetan medicine can offer a unique perspective on health and well-being.

2. The environment :

Tibetan medicine is a holistic system that views the environment as an important factor in maintaining good health. The tradition holds that all beings are connected and that imbalances in the natural world can lead to disease. Therefore, Tibetan medicine practitioners strive to protect the environment and promote harmony between man and nature. This includes practices such as sustainable forestry, which ensures that trees are not felled faster than they can grow back.

Also, Tibetan doctors often use herbs and other natural substances that are sustainably sourced from nature. By respecting the environment, practitioners of Tibetan medicine hope to promote the good health of individuals and the planet as a whole.

3. Well-being:

To restore balance and achieve well-being, Tibetan doctors use a variety of methods, including diet therapy, acupuncture and massage. Although each patient is treated individually, certain general principles are used to promote balance and well-being. For example, it is believed that eating certain foods can help expel wind from the body, while other foods can help relieve phlegm buildup. Similarly, acupuncture is believed to help regulate the flow of wind through the body, while massage is believed to help remove phlegm deposits. By following these principles, Tibetan medicine can offer a path to well-being of body and mind.

4. The behaviour :

One of the key elements of this system is the practice of good behavior. These include avoiding harmful actions such as lying, stealing, and harming others. It is also about practicing positive actions such as showing compassion, helping others and living in harmony with nature. By following these principles, Tibetan medicine practitioners believe they can create a state of balance and health in the individual.

Besides physical well-being, good behavior is also believed to have a positive impact on the mind and soul. By acting in accordance with these principles, individuals can create a sense of inner peace and calm. Therefore, behavior plays a vital role in Tibetan medicine and is one of the key practices to follow.

5. Self-awareness :

It is about paying attention to one’s own physical and mental health in order to prevent illness before it strikes. For example, self-aware people are more likely to notice early signs of stress or fatigue and take steps to address them before they lead to more serious problems. Additionally, self-awareness can help people identify unhealthy behavior patterns and make positive changes that promote well-being. By integrating self-awareness into their daily lives, people can benefit from the wisdom of Tibetan medicine and improve their health and well-being.

6. Compassion:

In a world that often seems divided and full of hate, it’s important to remember the importance of compassion. And there is no culture that understands the importance of compassion better than the Tibetan people. For centuries, Tibet has been a thriving center of Buddhist learning, and the principles of compassion and empathy are central to the Tibetan way of life. The Dalai Lama, one of the most famous Tibetans, even declared that “compassion is the radicalism of our time”. In a culture that so often values ​​material possessions and self-promotion, the Tibetan people remind us that life is more important than what can be seen on the surface. By borrowing some of the practices from Tibetan culture, we can help create a more compassionate world for all.