Tibetan Ayurveda was possibly among one of the first integrated systems of the ancient healing sciences based on the source Text of Gyud-Zhi, "The Ambrosial Heart Tantra" and other tantras. We compare and contrast Traditional Indian Ayurveda with Tibetan Ayurveda to inspire healing.

According to Tibetan spiritual history, the origin of these tantras was the Buddha Vaidurya or the Medicine Buddha as he is commonly known. To present these teachings in the customary form of a dialogue, Buddha Vaidurya emanated Himself as two beings: the sage Yile Kye who raised pertinent questions and the sage Rigpe Yeshe who provided the answers. As for the secular history of the Gyud-Zhi, its teachings are believed to have originated in India. Then, in the eighth century, King Sronstan Gampo invited physicians from all over Asia to share their healing practices at what was probably the world's first international medical conference, which established Tibet as the holistic medical capitol of ancient Asia.

This eight-fold healing tradition, which includes diagnosis, lifestyle changes, nutrition, and both physical and meditative exercises. He points out that lifestyle changes are the least invasive of the therapies and therefore the most important. Upon diagnosis, a Tibetan physician will first look to diet and exercise to affect a change in a patient's condition. The diagnosis is based on a patient's physical characteristics much like Indian Ayurveda. The three physiological types are then subdivided by personality profiles thus formulating six constitutional types. Therapy includes self-evaluation tests then outlines the basic nutritional practices associated with each of the six types. Next, he examines exercise, which centers on Tibetan tai chi and chi kung, rejuvenation exercises, Yantra yoga and Kum Nye, the integration of mind and body, all considered integral to a well-rounded healing program. After instigating the various lifestyle changes, the Tibetan physician may then precipitate healing through Len Nga, a powerful detoxification and rejuvenation therapy similar to Indian Pancha Karma.

www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_s...705-0464726

Two books come to mind for starters:

1. Tibetan Ayurveda, by Robert Sachs
2. In Search of the Medicine Buddha: A Himalayan Journey by David Crow

http://tribes.tribe.net/tibetanayurveda