Ancient healing in modern times
Could poor health simply stem from an imbalance between the mind and the body?
Tibetan medical practitioners, or amchis, say that optimum health comes from the proper balance between the body, mind and spirit. They also practice medicine based on the herbs and natural products of Tibet and Himalaya.
And you can actually meet -- and get treated -- by one, courtesy of the Durham-based Himalayan Society, which is bringing Tibetan doctor Tenzin Bista to Raleigh, Durham and Mebane next week.
It's the first time such a noted amchi will give consultations through the Himalayan Society.
Bista's visit is two-fold: to educate others about Tibetan medicine and to raise money for his medical school in Mustang, Nepal.
Sherab Lama, the society's founder, says Westerners with chronic health problems often seek Tibetan medicine.
"The Tibetan method of treatment is a very good alternative for people who tried modern medications ... but to no avail," Lama says.
He recommends Tibetan medicine for people with chronic pain or digestive problems or recovering cancer patients. Lama also says though Bista can't advise people suffering from mental illness, he can help those suffering from depression because of stress or anxiety.
Anyone seeing Bista also will receive a prescription, which will cost extra. The amchi will discuss with each patient follow-up care procedures.
Contact Tina Firesheets at 373-3498 or tina.firesheets@news-record. com.
WANT TO GO?
What: Tenzin Bista, a Tibetan Buddhist doctor and monk, will give limited consultations and a short talk about Tibetan medicine and healing practices.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (consultations) and 6 p.m. (dinner and discussion) March 17
Where: The Stone House, 6602 Nicks Road, Mebane
Cost: $50-$75 for consultations. Dinner is free.
Information: To make an appointment or RSVP for dinner, e-mail Debbie@stonecircles.org
THE ELEMENTS
The Tibetan medical philosophy teaches that everything in the universe -- plants, animals and humans -- is comprised of four elements.
Earth: As the name implies, this gives firmness and stability. In the body, it provides the basis of physical existence and development.
Fire: It creates transformation and activity. In the body, it expresses itself through metabolic functions.
Water: This element gives rise to all bodily fluids.
Air (or wind): This creates movement. In the body, it affects circulation. Treatment requires balancing the elements through diet, according to an individual's constitution.
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