The origins of traditional Tibetan medicine are ancient, but thanks to the uninterrupted transmission of knowledge, its legacy is still available to us today. At the heart of this healing tradition is a deep connection between man and nature. There is much to be learned from observing nature and this approach has influenced Tibetan medicine. Nature metaphors are commonly used to classify, remember and explain various aspects of traditional Tibetan medicine, which are then also graphically represented as trees, trunks and leaves. The various departments of Tibetan medicine are thus represented by ninety-nine trees. One who studies them thus moves among the roots, trunks, branches, leaves, flowers and fruits as if walking through a large garden. The Tibetan physician, like a good gardener, uses his wealth of knowledge to prevent or cure any imbalance.
Dr. Nida Chenagtsang is a physician trained in the ancient field of traditional Tibetan medicine. He is the founder of Sorig Khang International (formerly the International Academy of Traditional Tibetan Medicine - IATTM) and co-founder of the international Ngak-Mang Institute (NMI), which aims to perpetuate the Ngakpa culture of Rebkong in modern Tibetan society. Dr. Chenagtsang has written numerous books and articles on traditional Tibetan medicine. Despite his busy schedule, he travels around the world, seeing patients and passing on his wealth of experience and knowledge to students all over the world with his distinctive humor, and above all, wisdom and compassion.
