Chennai – Do planetary positions effect the human body? Or, do astrological calculations have a bearing upon the treatment of ailments?
The answer to both is apparently ‘yes’, if one goes by the Tibetan system of medicine.
‘‘The human body is an influx of energy systems. Just as the full moon and the new moon have an impact on sea winds, any disturbance in the constellation affects people’s health,’ says Dr. Dorjee Rapten Neshar, chief medical officer, the Tibetan Medical Centre, Bangalore.
‘‘During these days, the consciousness circulating in our body resides in the crown chakra (the fontanelle) and any invasive surgery results in violent reaction,’’ says Dr. Neshar.
Termed as astro medicine, Tibetan medicine springs from the Buddhist philosophy that views the body as a composite unit – of mind, body and spirit. Tibetan medicine do not treat diseases symptomatically, but aims to correct any imbalance residing in opposing energies – lunar and solar – along with the five energies – air, water, fire, earth and space.
The medicine is largely based on herbs sourced from Dharmashala in Himachal Pradesh and Ladhakh.
However, though ailments like arthritis, diabetes, asthma, cardio-vascular and other functional problems have seen high success rates, infectious diseases are yet to experience any.
Medical practitioners have to undergo a six-year study to qualify at the Tibetan Medical and Astrology Centre, Dharmashala. What began as a ‘school’ run by seven persons, has now grown into a campus with 250 teaching staff.
Each year, over 25 students enrol in it to master this ancient art. The curricula includes Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan medicine, modern medicine, human anatomy and meditation.
Though the practitioners are yet to gain noteworthy recognition in the West, countries like the US, UK and European countries such as the Netherlands have evinced interest in the treatment.
In spite of not having a centre at Chennai, the a high-profile clientele exists in the city, including Illayaraja and some members of the AVM family.
The Tibetan doctors visit the city on a monthly basis. Consultation charges are Rs 50 for the first visit, Rs 30 for the second and Rs 10 for the third.
Dr. Neshar and his team of doctors will be holding a three-day free Tibetan astro medicine camp at YWCA on Poonamallee High Road (EVR Salai), as part of the 70th birthday celebrations of the Dalai Lama.
Scheduled for inauguration by Pondicherry Lt Governor MM Lakhera on Wednesday, the camp will be held between 9.30 am to 6 pm.
