tibetan medicine: ancient wisdom for modern integrative medicine

Sala Horowitz, Ph.D.

T he wisdom of the current Dalai Lama, the spiritual andtemporal leader of the government-in-exile* of the Tibetanpeople, has been recognized worldwide. His Holiness,

who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1989, supports sci-entific study of Traditional Tibetan Medicine (TTM) for its appli-cations in Western medicine. This article introduces thatvenerable tradition, and offers supporting research and resources.

Background

TTM has been practiced in the Himalayan region since circathe seventh century, making it one of the world’s oldest, continu-ously practiced medical systems. TTM is a distinct tradition root-ed in Buddhist philosophy, influenced by Traditional IndianMedicine (Ayurveda), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), andearlier Tibetan indigenous practices.1

According to Buddhist tenets,2,† illness stems from not under-standing the impermanent, interdependent nature of life thatresults from attachment, anger, and fear. Specific types of disor-ders are related to each of these “mind poisons” that conditionmisguided ways of thinking and behaving. Secondary recognized causes of disease include climate, diet,

behavior (entailing the karmic principle of “as you sow shall youreap”), spirits (regarded in literal or psychologic terms), and envi-ronmental toxins and pathogens that result in an imbalance in thebioenergetic humors of wind, fire, air, and water (which are alsothe basis of Ayurveda). These humors are bodily manifestationsof the primordial elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space.The mind is the ultimate source of suffering as well as a pow-

erful tool for healing. The goal of Buddhist practice is to examinenegative states of consciousness in order to cultivate positiveones, thereby leading to good health and enlightenment. Healingentails the approaches of prevention, applying antidotes, andpersonal transformation in a truly holistic way.

As in TCM and Ayurveda medicine, Tibetan medical theoryregards illness as being caused by an imbalance in the patient’snatural state. Such habitual disorder leads to physiologic stressand symptoms. The concept of humoral types, similar to thewidely disseminated Greek classic medical system, underliesTTM as three humors: wind (rLung), bile (mKhris-pa), and phlegm(Bad-kan). Imbalances in these humors are considered to affect the three

vital activities, seven body components, and three excreta. Thebody is viewed as being engaged in three vital activities knownas lon (or loong), qibo, and paigen. Lon, the subtle bioenergy, is likened to air or wind. Qibo, which

controls metabolism, digestion, and thermoregulation, is likenedto fire. Paigen relates to physical constitution and is likened toearth and water. These activity patterns are unique to each indi-vidual, and serve as a basis for classifying different types of per-sons and as a starting point for diagnosis and treatment.In this conceptual map, the body is comprised of 7 compo-

nents: blood; milk; meat; fat; bone; marrow; and “essence.” Thethree excreta are urine, excrement, and perspiration.As in TCM, Tibetan physicians rely primarily on patient histo-

ry, pulse reading, tongue examination, and urinalysis in diagno-sis . From a TTM standpoint , in contrast to the Westernperspective, a person who is frequently angry or unduly attachedto material things is not considered to be healthy despite the lackof any physical symptoms of illness.2

TTM modalities include: herbal medicines; advice on diet andbehavior; movement and meditation practices; healing sounds(mantras) and images (mandalas); ritual prayers; therapeuticmassage; acupressure; hydrotherapy (immersion in hot springsor mineral waters); dream interpretation; and minor surgery. Seamm-Jasani, the “art for the great knowledge through

smooth movements,” predates Indian yoga and Chinese t’ai chi.This mind–body technique entails specific movements and medi-tation to help achieve a balanced and, therefore, healthy life.3 Ele-ments of shamanism and other folk practices may also beincorporated in TTM.Meditation can help restore a healthy balance via proper pos-

ture, breathing, and visualization, focusing attention on a higherstate of consciousness. Mantras and mandalas are auditory andvisual ways, respectively, to produce a state of relaxed attention.Intricate, colorful mandalas, composed of medical instructions in

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DOI: 10.1089/act.2007.13205

Tibetan MedicineAncient Wisdom for Modern Integrative Medicine

*The Dalai Lama and many other Tibetans went into exile in 1959 owingto China’s suppression of a Tibetan revolt against Chinese occupation.†Vajrayana is the school of Buddhism practiced in Tibet.

GJ 13_2_toc-115:GJ 13_2_toc-000 4/4/07 10:07 AM Page 86

iconic form, are used to focus the mind and increase the vitalityof both healers and patients. Physiologic correlates of this stateinclude decreased tension, and heightened circulation andwarmth. Mantras, prayers, and rituals are used to potentiate thehealing power of medicines.4 (See box entitled Medicine BuddhaMantra.)

Practitioner Training

Since the late seventeenth century, students of TTM studiedprimarily at the Chagpori Medical College and Observatory inLhasa, Tibet, which was destroyed in 1959.5 The major center forTibetan medicine since 1961 has been the Tibetan School forMedicine and Astrology (Men-Tsee-Kang) in Dharamsala, India,with branches throughout India and Nepal. The school and itsclinics operate under the auspices of the Dalai Lama.The foundation of the science of healing curriculum, a mini-

mum of 7 years of study, remains the Gyushi or The Four Tantras(“treatises”). The source of these systematic teachings is believedto be the Buddha in his Medicine Buddha incarnation.5

Visualized as illustrations of trees of treatment, these tantrasare viewed metaphorically as serving as the roots, trunks,branches, leaves, fruits, and flowers of these teachings. The fruitsand flowers correspond to the professional wisdom and spiritualqualities (e.g., compassion for suffering) that a physician isexpected to achieve. The other tree parts represent physiology,medical diagnoses, and treatment recommendations. Memoriza-tion of these tantras is the minimum qualification for Tibetanmedical practitioners. Knowledge of commentaries on The FourTantras and additional oral teachings is required at higher levelsof training. Students initially study this information fromthangkas, iconographic scroll paintings that serve as mnemonicdevices.A veteran practitioner noted: “One of the first things that a

Tibetan student of medicine learns is that everything is potential-ly a medicine.” For example, mercury-based medicines (the term“precious pills” applied to them indicates their highly valued sta-tus) are detoxified in a manner similar to Western homeopathicmedicine.4,6

There are practitioners trained in TTM now practicing in theWest. (See boxes entitled Tell Your Patients: When They Visit aTibetan Doctor and Organizations.)Traditional methods of studying and gathering herbs in the

wild and preparing them by hand are becoming less the norm.4

In a study of ethnomedicinal plant species used by theGurung, people living in central Nepal who are of Tibetan origin,91 ethnomedicinal plant species were documented—including 45species previously unknown for their medicinal use. During thestudy period of 2002–2005, the prices of several rare plants in theregion increased dramatically, raising concerns over the need forsustainable conservation of plants used in this traditional healingsystem.7

There is also some integration between TTM and Westernmedicine. For example, a journalist–naturalist reported on a clin-ic in Bodhnath, Nepal, where a Tibetan doctor and allopathicdoctor worked on alternate days. Between the doctors’ visits,patients were cared for by both Tibetan nuns and Western nurs-es. Medicines from each tradition were organized by type onshelves lining the opposite sides of the room.8

Western Interest and Research

Western contact with TTM is reported to have started in themid-nineteenth century. In recent years, clinical and experimen-tal research has been focused mainly on Padma Lax® and Padma28,® two Western products (both manufactured by PADMA Inc,Schwerzenbach, Switzerland) developed from TTM herbal for-mulas. In European countries such as Switzerland, Tibetan reme-dies have been produced under government regulation for morethan 30 years.9

The First International Congress on Tibetan Medicine The First International Congress on Tibetan Medicine was held

in Washington, D.C., November 7–9, 1998, bringing togetherTibetan lamas and Western doctors and scientists. In a presenta-tion entitled “The Relevance of Tibetan Medicine to the West,”the Dalai Lama called for scientific research on TTM herbal for-mulas to validate their value even apart from their cultural con-text. He stated: “I believe that Tibetan medicine must beappreciated in scientific terms, in terms of their constitutive ele-ments. . . .Rituals and mantras can be complementary, but thefact remains that Tibetan medicine should be useful, is useful, tothose without any intent or inclination to the spiritual side.”8

Congress participants noted that modern multifactorial dis-eases call for therapies with multiple components. Isaac Gins-

ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES—APRIL 2007 87

Glossary of Tibetan TermsLama—Spiritual master, who may also be a healer Lon (or Loong)—Air element and wind humor; subtle bioenergyMandala—Complex image representing wholeness used as a medita-tion focus

Mantra—Healing sounds in the form of a phrase or sentence used asa meditation focus

Tantra—Treatise. The Four Tantras are the foundational teachings ofTTM.

Thangka—A painting used for devotional or instructional purposes

Tell Your PatientsWhen They Visit a Tibetan Doctor

• For 3 days prior to the consultation, do not engage in extremesof activity, diet, or emotion.

• Avoid nutrients that may discolor urine (e.g., beets, carrots, vita-min supplements).

• On the day of the appointment, avoid taking a hot shower (whichmay affect pulse readings), and collect a midstream urine samplein a sterile way upon arising.

• Describe all symptoms and medicines being taken, and take noteson recommendations.

• As with any health practitioner, expect help but not miracles.

From ref. 8.


burg, Ph.D., a professor emeritus of microbiology at the HebrewUniversity in Jerusalem, Israel, remarked:

Today we are aware of around 100 conditions resulting from oxi-dation. Tibetan herbal preparations are particularly important forthe future because we are at the end of the era of antibiotics. Inflam-mation and oxidative processes are usually caused by a broad spec-trum of harmful substances, this is why they have to be treated bymulti-compound preparations. There is not one omnipotent sub-stance that could do this.10

Also on the congress agenda was the need for medicinal plantconservation programs in the Himalayan region.10

The Second International Congress on Tibetan MedicineThe Second International Congress on Tibetan Medicine, held

in November 5–8, 2003 in Washington, D.C., focused on recentresearch findings and themes that affect the application ofTibetan medicine in the West.11,‡

The TTM Approach to Breast CancerIn 1999, the University of California, San Francisco, conducted

the first-ever Western scientific study of Tibetan botanicals totreat breast cancer.12 Debu Tripathy, M.D., a leading cancerresearcher with the school at the time, collaborated with Dr.Yeshi Dhonden, a longtime personal physician to the Dalai Lama,who had treated women from all over the world who hadmetastatic breast cancer.In this preliminary, open study, Dr. Dhonden treated women

with stage 4 cancer who had not responded well to Western

treatments. He gave the women one of 7 traditional formulas.12

Data were evaluated for 9 of the 11 patients enrolled for diseaseprogression, tumor response, and quality of life. One (1) patientcompleted the study without disease progression; 3 were stablefor 6–12 months; 4 were stable for less than 6 months; and 1 had apartial response to the herbal regimen.13

Padma LaxInterest in the extensive Tibetan pharmacopoeia has focused

primarily on Western formulations of TTM herbal formulationsof Padma,§ long used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Severalstudies support the safety and efficacy of Padma Lax for treatingconstipation-dominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers at The Natural Medicine Research Unit, Hadas-

sah University Hospital, in Jerusalem, Israel, conducted a dou-ble-blinded, randomized pilot study of Padma Lax by 61patients. At the end of 3 months, significant improvement wasshown in the group (N = 34) getting this formula versuspatients in the placebo group (N = 27), in terms of patient- andgastroenterologist-evaluated daily stool habits, related symp-toms, and effect on daily activities. Patients rated the treatmentas superior to previous therapies tried. The only side-effect,loose stools experienced by 7 patients, was successfully man-aged by reducing the dosage.14

In a systematic review of 75 randomized trials using herbalmedicines to treat a total of nearly 8000 patients with IBS, PadmaLax was among the preparations studied for which significantimprovement in global symptoms was shown for patients incomparison with conventional therapies.15

Case reports also indicate that Padma Lax is a viable option fortreating patients who have severe constipation secondary tospinal-cord injuries.16

Padma 28Padma 28 has been used in Europe since the 1960s for treating

symptoms of circulatory disorders including peripheral arterialocclusive disease (PAOD). A meta-analysis of 19 clinical trials—6of them controlled studies—involving more than 2000 patientswho were given Padma 28 to treat intermittent claudicationfound the formula to have a favorable safety profile. Moreover, 5trials showed a combined increase of pain-free walking distanceby > 100 meters in 18 percent of the patients versus 2 percent ofpatients who received a placebo.17

An experimental study demonstrated the anti-inflammatoryeffects of Padma 28 on human aortic endothelial cells, supportingits use as an anti-atherosclerotic agent in PAOD.18

Using PADMA 28 in the United StatesBoth Padma 28 and Padma Basic® (EcoNugenics-Santa Rosa,

California), a similar product to Padma 28, were developed froman ancient Tibetan preparation called Gabur, the camphor formu-la. Information was gathered from lama physicians andmonastery documents; similar locally available plants were sub-stituted when necessary.19

Padma 28 is not currently available in the United States.# Butaccording to Isaac Eliaz, M.D., M.S., L.Ac.,¶ the founder of

88 ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES—APRIL 2007

‡Audiotapes of the Congress sessions are available online. Visit www.conferencerecording.com for information.§Padma means lotus in Sanskrit; the lotus symbolizes spiritual develop-ment. Visit www.padma.ch/en/company/index.shtml for more infor-mation.#Padma 28 was sold in the United States from 1982 to 1988 but was sub-sequently banned when the distributor at that time was determined to bemaking health claims in violation of U.S. Food and Drug Administrationregulations. Neither EcoNugenics nor Padma Inc. were involved in thatsituation.¶See Mason R. The Tibetan Wisdom of Isaac Eliaz, M.D., M.S., L.Ac.Altern Complement Ther 2005;11:197–2002.

Medicine Buddha Mantra Following is the short version of the mantra recited by Tibetan

doctors and patients to potentiate a medicine’s efficacy:tadyatha om beshajye beshajye maha beshajye rajaya samungate svaha. . . .(English translation: “May all beings be auspicious! I take myprostration to you who destroyed the enemy of negative lifecycle changes, who has thus gone to the state of enlighten-ment like other Buddhas, the supreme physician who is fullyliberated and awakened, the enlightened one, Medicine Bud-dha, Bedurya, King of the physicians. . . .)

From ref. 19.


EcoNugenics, Padma Basic, his company’s product, and Padma28 are essentially the same except that the former has eliminatedone ingredient, aconite. In European countries, the Padma 28 thatis sold often does not contain aconite either. Aquilegia vulgaris(columbine) and Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil) are among the prod-uct’s herbal ingredients. Its active compounds are tannins,included for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,flavonoids from plant parts, included for boosting overallimmune function, and essential oils, included for immune anddigestive-system support.Dr. Eliaz advises taking Padma Basic tablets with water on an

empty stomach, one half-hour before meals. Patients can takethe tablets with meals if they experience discomfort. Forpatients on prescription medications, it is advisable to wait 1and 1/2 hour to 2 hours after taking Padma Basic before takingthem. To date, there have been no reports of severe allergies orother serious side-effects. However, there are no data on PadmaBasic’s safety in pregnant women and children under 6, so thesepatients should be cautioned to take the product only on a doc-tor’s advice. Padma products may diminish the effectiveness ofclassical homeopathic remedies owing to their camphor compo-nent.20

Goji Berry Goji berry is also known as Tibetan goji berry, wolfberry, Chi-

nese wolfberry, Lyceum fruit, Sir Argell’s Tea Tree, westernsnowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis), and matrimony vine. Pri-mary plant sources for the berry are Lycium barbarum L. and L.chinenseMiller (Family Solanaceae).21

Well-represented on commercial websites selling dietarysupplements, wolfberries (in raw, juice, wine, tea, or tinctureform) are renowned for their high nutrient content and havebeen touted in TCM as an antiaging panacea. While also associ-ated with TTM, it is unlikely that Tibet is a commercial sourceas the name “Tibetan goji berry” implies. The berries are rich inmacronutrients, carotenoids, amino acids, vitamins, essentialminerals, and trace minerals. Traditional applications of theberries and Lycium bark are to enhance immune function,improve eyesight, protect the liver, boost sperm production,and improve circulation.22

To date, there is some evidence from studies supporting suchmedicinal applications of this “superfruit” (as it is marketed bythe functional foods industry) to address conditions relating tooxidative stress. For example, an experimental study found thefruit of L. barbarum, which is rich in polysaccharides, protectiveagainst induced infertility in rats.23

L. barbarum has also been found to have protective effects on theskin via its antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties24; protect reti-nal cells in an ocular hypertension model of glaucoma25; induceapoptosis and inhibit proliferation of hepatocellular carcinomacells26; and protect the body against such neurodegenerative dis-eases as Alzheimer’s disease by acting against beta-amyloid neuro-toxicity.27

L. chinense Miller has been demonstrated to have antibacterialand antifungal properties.28 Four phenolic amides isolated fromits root bark were effective against Candida albicans.29

MyrobalanThe Medicine Buddha is typically pictured with a sprig of

the myrobalan plant, a key botanical used in both Tibetan andAyurvedic medicine for all classes of disease, in his righthand. There has been some scientific validation of myrobal-an’s high antioxidant content and efficacy for treating variousdisorders. However, a problematic issue is that the namerefers to several medicinal plant species and preparationsincluding: Phyllanthus emblica, Emblica officinalis, and Termina-lia chebula.


OrganizationsTibet House U.S.22 West 15th StreetNew York, NY 10011Phone: (212) 807-0563Fax: (212) 807-0565Website: www.tibethouse.orgTibet House U.S. is dedicated to preserving the threatened

culture, spiritual philosophy, and mind sciences of Tibet, and hassponsored conferences on integrating Eastern and Westernmedicine.

Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute of H.H. DalaiLamaGangchen KyishongDharamsala, India 176215Phone: 0091-1892-222618; 0091-1892-223113; or 0091-1892-223222 Fax: 0091-1892-224116E-mail: tmai@men-tsee-khangWebsite: www.men-tsee-khang.org/contact/index/htmSince its reestablishment in exile in 1961, the Institute has been

overseeing branches and clinics throughout India and Nepal andTraditional Tibetan Medicine–trained doctors abroad, and servingpatients from all over the world as well as Tibetan refugees.Departments include practitioner training, materia medica, herbalproducts research, and pharmaceutical manufacture.

Tibetan Medicine Centers in the United StatesInstitute of East-West Medicine102 East 30th StreetNew York, NY 10016Phone: (212) 683-1221Fax: (212) 683-1983Contact: Dr. Choyang Phuntsok

University of California at Los Angeles2206 Benecia AvenueWestwood, CA 90064Phone: (310) 282-9918Fax: (310) 282-3424E-mail: [email protected]: Dr. Lobsang Rapgay

Traditional Tibetan Healing, Inc.231 Holland StreetSomerville, MA 02143Phone: (617) 666-8635Fax: (617) 628-6504E-mail: [email protected]: www.tibetanherbalhealing.comContact: Dr. Keyzom Bhutti


Chemical analyses of P. emblica and T. chebula have shown thatthese botanicals are high in antioxidants.30 For example, the for-mer contains gallic and ellagic acids, among 11 compounds thathave been isolated and identified.31 The Ayurvedic preparationof E. officinalis is high in ascorbic acid.32

In Ayurveda, P. emblica is used to treat heart conditions. Anexperimental study validated its antioxidant effects against oxi-dized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a major etiologic factor inatherogenesis.33 The herb also produced a cardioprotective effectagainst the cardiotoxicity induced by the anticancer drug dox-orubicin.34

Both P. emblica35 and E. officinalis36 have been shown to reducethe effects of experimentally induced hepatic injury. P. emblicafruit juice also provided protection against gastric ulcers inexperimental animals.37

Conclusions

Although not as well-known as TCM in the West, TTM haslong utilized herbal medicines, meditation, and other practicesthat are being studied scientifically for their potential integrationinto contemporary Western medicine. TTM’s emphasis on themental and spiritual dimensions of chronic illness is particularlycompatible with integrative medicine. Research findings on tra-ditional botanicals such as wolfberries and P. emblica, and prod-ucts derived from Tibetan formulas such as Padma Lax andPadma 28 warrant further scientific study. The conservation ofbotanicals utilized in this indigenous medical tradition is alsopivotal to their application in both traditional and integrativemedicine. ��

References1. No author listed. Tibetan Medicine. Online document at: http://cc.purdue.edu/~wtv/tibet/medicine/html Accessed October 5, 2006.

2. Donden Y; Wallace BA, transl & ed. Healing from the Source: The Scienceand Lore of Tibetan Medicine. Ithaca, NY: Snow Lion Publications, 2000.3. Asanaro; Buccarey J, Kelley BB, transl. The Secret Art of Seamm-Jasani: 58Movements for Eternal Youth from Ancient Tibet. New York: Jeremy P.Tarcher/Putnam, 2003.4. Crow D. In Search of the Medicine Buddha: A Himalayan Journey. NewYork: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam, 2000.5. Baker IA. The Tibetan Art of Healing. San Francisco: Chronicle Books,1997.6. Tibetan Medical & Astrological Institute. Tibetan Medicine (FrequentlyAsked Questions). Online document at: www.men-tsee-khang.org AccessedNovember 1, 2006.7. Bhattarai S, Chaudhary RP, Taylor RS. Ethnomedicinal plants used by thepeople of Manang district, central Nepal. J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine2006;2:41.8. Fenton P. Tibetan Healing: The Modern Legacy of Medicine Buddha.Wheaton, IL: Quest Books, 1999.9. Schwabl H, Geistlich S, McHugh E. Tibetan medicine in Europe: Histori-cal, practical and regulatory aspects [in German]. Forsh Komplementarmed2006:13(suppl1):1–6.10. Dharmapala Thangka Centre. First International Congress on TibetanMedicine; Revealing the Art of the Medicine Buddha. Online document at:www2.bremen.de/info/nepal/Medic/Congress.htm Accessed October 19,2006.11. No author listed. Second International Congress on Tibetan Medicine.Washington, DC, November 5–8, 2003. Online document at: www.procultura.org/ictm2.htm Accessed November 6, 2006.12. Randal J. Diagnosis, Tibetan style, underlies small herbal study ofadvanced breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 1999;91:587–588.13. Tripathy D. [Dhonden Y also worked on this] Tibetan Medicine forAdvanced Breast Cancer. Online document at: www.ucop.edu/srphome/bcrp/progressreport/abstracts/innov/2cb0159.html Accessed November 6,2006.14. Sallon S, Ben-Arye E, Davidson R, et al. A novel treatment for constipa-tion-dominant irritable bowel syndrome using Padma Lax, a Tibetan herbalformula. Digestion 2002;65:161–171.15. Liu JP, Yang M, Liu YX, et al. Herbal medicines for treatment of irritablebowel syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006;1:CD004116.16. Feldhaus S. Treatment of a tetraplegic patient with chronic constipationwith the Tibetan remedy Padma Lax—a case report [in German]. ForschKomplementarmed 2006;13(suppl1):31–32.17.Melzer J, Brignoli R, Diehm C, et al. Treating intermittent claudicationwith Tibetan medicine Padma 28: Does it work? Atherosclerosis2006;189;39–46.18. Exner M, Raith M, Holzer G, et al. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of theTibetan herbal preparation Padma 28 in the vessel wall. Forsch Komple-mentarmed 2006;13(suppl1):13–17.19. Dr. Namseling. Padma Products and Research. Online document at:www.tibetmed.org/questions/question_3.htm Accessed October 17, 2006.20. EcoNugenics. Frequently Asked Questions. Online document at:http://d3472.u24.wabaco.com/index.php?optio=content&task=vie&id=100Accessed March 17, 2007.21. No author listed. Health Report: Himalayan Goji: Supplement Benefits.Online document on: Juice www.healthreport.co.uk/goji_berry.htmAccessed October 5, 2006.22. Sahelian R. Wolfberry. Online document at: www.raysahelian.com/wolfberry.html Accessed March 1, 2007.23. Luo O, Li Z, Huang X, et al. Lyceum barbarum polysaccharides: Protectiveeffects against heat-induced damage of rat testes and H2O2-induced DNAdamage in mouse testicular cells and beneficial effect on sexual behaviorand reproductive function of hemicastrated rats. Life Sci 2006;79:613–621.24. Zhao H, Alexeev A, Chang E, et al. Lycium barbarum glycoconjugates:Effect on human skin and cultured dermal fibroblasts. Phytomedicine2005;12:131–137.25. Chan HC, Chuen-Chung Chang R, Koon-Ching IPA, et al. Neuroprotec-tive effects of Lycium barbarum Lynn [sic.] on protecting retinal ganglion cellsin an ocular hypertension model of glaucoma. Exp Neurol 2007;203:269–273.

90 ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES—APRIL 2007

Recommended Reading and ListeningBooks

Medicine and Compassion: A Tibetan Lama’s Guidance for CaregiversBy Chokyi NyimaSomerville, MA: Wisdom Publications, 2006

The Spirit of Buddhism:The Future of Dharma in the WestBy Sogyal RinpocheNew York: HarperCollins, 2003

WebsiteWebsite: http://dharma-haven.org/tibetan/medicine.htmThis site features information on many aspects of Tibetan

Medicine, as well as efforts to study, preserve, and make available itsancient methods.

Compact discDewa Che: Universal Healing Power of Tibetan MantrasBy Dechen Shak-Dagsay Santa Fe: New Earth Records, 1999


26. Chao JC, Chiang SW, Wang CC, et al. Hot water-extracted Lycium bar-barum and Rehmannia glutinosa inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis ofhepatocellular carcinoma cells. World J Gastroenterol 2006;12:4478–4484.27. Yu MS, Leung SK, Lai SW, et al. Neuroprotective effects of anti-agingOriental medicine Lycium barbarum against beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxi-city. Exp Gerontol 2005;40:716–727.28. Lee DG, Jung HJ, Woo ER. Antimicrobial property of (+)-lyoniresinol-3alpha-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside isolated from the root bark of Lycium chi-nenseMiller against human pathogenic microorganisms. Arch Pharm Res2005;28:1031–1036.29. Lee DG, Park Y, Kim MR, et al. Anti-fungal effects of phenolic amidesisolated from the root bark of Lycium chinense. Biotechnol Lett 2004;26:1125–1130. 30. Bajpai M, Pande A, Tewari SK, Prakash D. Phenolic contents and antiox-idant activity of some food and medicinal plants. Int J Food Sci Nutr2005;56:287–291.31. Zhang LZ, Zhao WH, Guo YJ, et al. Studies on chemical constituents infruits of Tibetan medicine Phyllanthus emblica [in Chinese]. ZhongguoZhong Yao Za Zhi 2003;28:940–943. 32. Scartezzini P, Antognoni F, Raggi MA, et al. Vitamin C content andantioxidant activity of the fruit and of the Ayurvedic preparation of EmblicaofficinalisGaertn. J Ethnopharmacol 2006;104:113–118.

33. Duan W, Yu Y, Zhang L. Antiatherogenic effects of Phyllanthus emblicaassociated with corilagin and its analogue. Yakugaku Zasshi 2005;125:587–591.34.Wattanapitayakul SK, Chularojmontri L, Herunsalee A, et al. Screeningof antioxidants from medicinal plants for cardioprotective effect againstdoxorubicin toxicity. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2005;96:80–87.35. Pramyothin P, Samosorn P, Poungshompoo S, Chaichantipyuth C. Theprotective effects of Phyllanthus emblica Linn. extract on ethanol induced rathepatic injury. J Ethnopharmacol 2006;107:361–364.36. Tasdug SA, Mondhe DM, Gupta DK, et al. Reversal of fibrogenic eventsin liver by Emblica officinalis (fruit), an Indian natural drug. Biol Pharm Bull2005;28:1304–1306. 37. Rajeshkumar NV, Ramadasan K. Emblica officinalis fruits afford protec-tion against experimental gastric ulcers in rats. Pharm Biol 2001;39:375–380.

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tibetan medicine: ancient wisdom for modern integrative medicine

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