Tibetan medicine བོད་ཀྱི་གསོ་བ་རིག་པ། focuses on the understanding of the body/mind and its relationship to the environment, and uses diagnostic techniques based on the insight, skills and compassion of the medical practitioner.
 
Tibetan medicine is especially effective in the treatment of chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, arthritis, rheumatism, gastro-intestinal and liver complaints, allergies, cardiovascular problems, neurological abnormalities, and reduced mobility. In such cases Tibetan medicine generally offers an improvement in the quality of life.
 
Tibetan medicine encompasses a holistic view of a person which is seen to consist of three basic energies. These three basic energies are responsible for the entire function of mind, body, and spirit.
 
rLung (Wind) energy manifests in nature as the air element. It is responsible for all physical and mental movements including circulation of blood, breathing, elimination, secretion, impulses of the nervous system, and clarity of the sense organs. It also sustains life by maintaining balance between the mind and body.
 
Tri-pa (Bile) energy has the nature of fire element. It is responsible for metabolism, hunger, thirst, digestion, assimilation, temperature, skin complexion, encouragement and intelligence. It also expresses aggression, hatred, anger and determination.
 
Bad-kan (Phlegm) energy manifests in nature as earth and water elements. It is responsible for firmness of the body and stability of the mind. It induces sleep, connects bodily joints, and lubricates the body. It also generates tolerance, expresses ignorance and incomprehension.
 
In Tibetan medicine individual health involves the proper alignment and balance of these three energies. When a person’s psychological conditions, diet and behavior are improper, the balance of these energies is disturbed resulting in a variety of complaints and illnesses.