Health according to WHO
World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition. Health is the core of our ability to live life's material, relational and subjective dimensions to the full
Health according to Tibetan Medicine
Health is the dynamic equilibrium between the three innate forces (three humors) called Wind, Bile and Phlegm, the seven body constituents constantly produced in our body through the various stages of digestion, and the elimination of waste products. In order to be healthy, the five elemental energies and the psychophysical foundation of the body must remain well balanced and in harmony through appropriate diet and behavior. Good health is fundamental for both spiritual and material well being. In Tibetan medical thangkas which are paintings serving as illustrative teaching material of the basic reference text of Tibetan medicine called 'Gyu zhi’, ideal health is symbolized as the flowers of a wish fulfilling tree.(photo on the right:detail of a medical thangka illustrating the tree of physiology)
Good health, an optimum of life span, social recognition, friendships, honor, wealth and the different goals in life can be achieved if one follows the principles and rules of Tibetan medicine.
Given the fact that there are organs in our body (e.g. the liver) whose blockage and malfunction is not reflected in lab tests and examinations before they have already lost 60% of their capacity to fulfill their role, we should not ignore symptoms like unhappiness, irritability, lack of energy, indigestion etc.
It is my deepest understanding that the most serious disease of the 21 century is neither cancer nor an autoimmune diagnosis, it's the acceptance by the average person to function on a surviving mode rather than a thriving one.
