Tibetan medicine theory

Tibetan medical theory states that everything in the universe is made up of the five proto-elements sa (Earth), chu (Water), me (Fire), rLung (Wind), and Nam-mkha (Space). Although all five proto-elements are responsible for the formation of each tissue cell, each element has a specific influence: sa exerts a greater influence over the formation of muscle cells, bones, the nose and the sense of smell; chu is responsible for the formation of blood, body fluids, tongue and the sense of taste; me is responsible for body temperature, complexion, the eyes and the sense of sight; rLung is responsible for breathing, skin and the sense of touch; and nam mkha is responsible for body cavities, the ears and the sense of hearing.

The Three Principle Energies.

rLung is one of the three principle energies of the body which manifests the the nature of Air element. It is characterized by rough, light, cold, subtle, hard and mobile. It is responsible for the physical and mental activities, respiration, expulsion of urine, faeces, fetus, menstruation, spitting, burping, speech, gives clarity to sense organs, sustains life by means of acting as a medium between mind and body.

mKhris-pa basically has the nature of fire. It is characterized by oily, sharp, hot, light, fetid, purgative and fluidity. mKhris-pa is responsible for hunger, thirst, digestion and assimilation, promotes bodily heat, gives luster to body complexion and provides courage and determination.

Bad-kan is cold in nature and is characterized by oily, cool, heavy, blunt, smooth, firm and sticky. Bad-kan is responsible for firmness of the body, stability of mind, induces sleep, connects bodily joints, generates tolerance and lubricates the body.

Ku Nye - the Tibetan Massage.

In Tibetan Medicine, there are four main therapeutical approaches: diet, behaviour, medicines and external therapies. Massage is considered to be one of the most important external therapies, because not only does it contribute to the well being of the patient, but, if well applied with the right substances, it can also be a valid therapeutically support and definitely cure disorders of minor entity. Massage (or Ku Nye in Tibetan) is a very ancient therapy already mentioned in the Bum Shi, the very first text of Tibetan medicine dating back to approximately 4.000 years ago. It includes two main different phases: KU, that is applying oil, moving joints, applying heat on the body and NYE, that is kneading, rubbing, tapping in order to work on muscles and tendons. Ku and Nye are both important for the general well being of patients and are ideal to balance energies and remove tension, fatigue and nervousness. Then, in case of specific problems, the therapist will work on the points: there are approximately 250 different points on the body which can be treated to cure different kinds of disorders: points can be pressed, rotated, tapped with fingers or with a particular stick.