Karma Choeling Buddhist Monastery

Starting in 2002 the New Zealand Karma Kagyu Trust has brought a traditional Tibetan doctor to visit New Zealand for education, and consultation in Tibetan Ayurvedic medicine. Depending on demand, the doctor will travel and consult in major centres throughout NZ. We also supply Tibetan herbal medicines (with doctor’s prescription), in addition to a variety of medicinal teas, face creams, and ointments. The next doctor visit is anticipated in 2012.

Traditional Tibetan Medicine, an integral part of Tibetan culture, is one of the oldest medical systems in the world, dating to around 300 BC. Based on the traditional text of the Four Tantras, (teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha) as well as some elements from pre-Buddhist Bon culture, Ayurveda from India, with essential aspects of Chinese, Persian, and Greek medical wisdom, Tibetan Medicine has a good reputation throughout Asia and more recently in Europe, Britain and the United States. Diagnosis involves asessment of the pateient's symptoms, pulses and tongue, along with analysis of urine and consideration of the physical appearance and daily habits of the patient and the influence of the seasons. Tibetan medical treatment provides advice on behaviour, diet, exercise, as well as acupuncture,and moxibustion; deriving remedies from a large number of natural sources. Although teas and powders are used, pills made from a wide range of herbal ingredients, are the most common type of Tibetan medicine and there is a strong focus on digestive system functions, which are considered the key to health. The table below shows the three humours of Ayurveda and their meanings. An imbalance of these humours is responsible for the development of illness.

Tibetan medicine travelled to the west via Mongolia, Russia and Europe in the early 20th century as well as through Nepal and India via Tibetan refugees during the Cultural Revolution and has been reputed to heal conditions that modern medicine cannot. Traditional texts are being translated into English, Chinese and other languages, as Tibetan Medicine experiences a revival, but at present there is a shortage of trained doctors and a limited supply of herbs and other ingredients for making the increasingly popular medicines.
Contact Sowa Rigpa to contact the coordinator for information on the next doctor visit.