How to Find a Tibetan Medical Doctor
In Tibetan medicine, illness is believed to be caused by ignorance. Ignorance causes us to misperceive the world, as well as our bodily and spiritual needs. With the popularization of Tibetan culture, one sees more Tibetan medical practitioners in the United States. Tibetan medicine is believed to strengthen the immune system, so people visit Tibetan doctors for a variety of viral illnesses.
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Instructions
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Find a Tibetan Medical Doctor
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Make a list of the medical problems that you want to work on through non-Western methods. The Tibetan medical doctor may prescribe yoga, acupuncture and/or diet modification to help you overcome them.
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Do some research before you seek out a Tibetan medical doctor. When you know the types of specialties available, you can more easily discuss your condition with a doctor. Read up on behavioral modification, diet modification, herbal medicine, physical therapy and spiritual therapy. For more information, consult the Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H. H. Dalai Lama (see Resources below).
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Ask for recommendations. It's always good get a recommendation from someone who has visited a Tibetan Medical doctor. If no one in your family or circle of friends has visited a Tibetan medicine specialist, check with patrons or staff of a health food store, yoga studio or Pilates studio.
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Check your local online yellow pages. Look under headings such as 'Alternative Medicine,' 'Healing,' 'Physical Therapy,' 'Holistic Medicine,' or 'Complementary Medicine.'
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Check out the international directory of Tibetan Medical Professionals (see Resources below).
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Visit holistic medical forums to chat with people who have used a particular Tibetan medical practitioner. Start with the About.com forums (see Resources below).
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Make a list of potential Tibetan medicine doctors based on the research you completed in the above steps.
Contact a Tibetan Medical Doctor
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Interview the doctors on your list. Ask to speak with former and current patients to judge the level of effectiveness of the doctor's treatments. Ask each doctor how they would treat your health problems.
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Ask about price. Visiting Tibetan doctors is generally rather inexpensive, but be sure to get an estimate of how much you'd pay to complete a treatment regimen.
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Schedule a consultation to assess whether you are comfortable with the doctor. If not, schedule another consultation with a different doctor on your list.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not be overwhelmed by the variety of Tibetan schools of medical theory. Most specialize in certain aspects of Tibetan medicine. Take your time and seek out the style that suits you best.
Do not look for miracle cures. Most of Tibetan healing takes time.
Make sure the doctor you choose is licensed to practice his or her specialty in your state. For example, acupuncturists require a state health license to practice acupuncture.
If you are experiencing severe chest pain, numbness of the limbs or other serious symptoms, immediately visit a medical doctor or emergency room.
Do not volunteer for treatment that you are uncomfortable with. For example, people who are afraid of needles should not go to the acupuncturist until they are mentally prepared.
Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners are licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider and keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.
