Concept of health and disease in Tibetan medicine

According to Tibetan medical system, the dynamic equilibrium of three principle energies (Loong, Tri-pa and Bad-kan), seven bodily constitutents (nutritional essence, blood, muscles, fats, bones, marrow, regenerative fluids) and three excretions (feces, urine and perspiration), is called health. When they are balanced and when we keep them in balance daily by means of proper dietary and lifestyle regimen, they ensure proper growth of health and vitality.

On the other hand, if the three principle energies, seven bodily constitutes and three excrements are thrown out of balance in the result of unwholesome diet, lifestyle, unfavorable climatic conditions and/or unhealthy mind states, the disease will follow.Tibetan medicine considers mental health to be one of the key health-affecting factors, in addition to physical health.

Thus, mind and body are inseparable and they are always remain interdependent: our physical body will remain balanced as long as the mind stays healthy and balanced. Therefore, it is vital for us to overpower destructive emotions like attachment, hatred and delusion through cultivating love and compassion. This will not only free us from mental diseases such as anxiety, fear, depression etc. but also greatly contribute to our physical health.