"To keep the body in good health is a duty…otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." Nothing could describe the importance of good health better than these words of the Buddha.

In today's fast-paced time and age, we do a lot to keep ourselves healthy as we understand the value of good health ~ physical, mental and emotional. Though prevention is better than cure, in case we fall ill, various forms of medicine are available, with solutions ~ short and long-term.

One form of medicine which traces its roots back thousands of years, is the Tibetan form of medicine. Dr Tenzin Thaye, Men-TseeKhang (Tibetan Medical and Astro. Institute of His Holiness the Dalai Lama) reveals more: "Building on the knowledge of the ancestors to treat various ailments using different plants, herbs and remedies, as well as the exchange with different forms of medicines across the world like India, China, Greece and many other countries, resulted in the compilation of one book, which serves as the basis of Tibetan medicine ~ the Four Tantras."

The core principle of Tibetan medicine is that the human body, as also the universe, is a combination of five elements ~ Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space, with ‘balance’ being the key. Therefore, the body, disease and remedies are all inter-connected.

Dr Thaye elaborates, “For example, if the fire element is predominant in an individual it may lead to fever, for which the remedy would be based on the enhancement of the Earth and Water elements.

Vice versa, if the digestive system is affected, the need to enhance the fire element stands. While making the medicines, blessings are invoked and energies from the moon or sun are ‘drawn’, based on the kind of medication and its purpose.”

A thorough knowledge of plants, herbs, associated rules and regulations and so many other dimensions are studied. So what is the secret behind a healthy body, mind and spirit? “Prevention is better than cure. Always. The idea is not to just hand out pills; the idea is to support medicine with education ~ be it applicable to lifestyle, diet or the thought process.”

He adds, “Depression, for example, is not only a challenge faced by the mind, but also the body and vice versa, as there is a deep connect between both. Stress is again caused by lifestyle and dietary habits. What is stress? It is actually trapped energy waiting to be released.

Understanding the self and the other are very important and this comes with retrospection and reflection. “Besides, meditation is another important tool. How should one meditate is a common question. However, there is no standard way. Each individual has to discover his or her own method.

This can even be a combination of different paths. Focussing on the breath is one of the common ways of meditation, besides many others. Even diseases like cancer have found cures in Tibetan medicine. “Initially, the patient has carried forward treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but long-term solutions have been found in herbal medicine.

The answer lies in positive thinking, consumption of organic and natural foods and healthy proportions of exercise or physical movement.” Behind every profession there is an inspiration. What was DrThaye's? He smiles, as he recalls, "In my childhood I saw a lot of interaction with medicine, in some form or the other. The little bags of medicine were, especially, very intriguing to me.

“After studying medicine in Tibet, I came to Dharamsala for further studies. It is, here, that I became a monk. I have travelled extensively across India and have been more than satisfied with my choice of profession and my journey." Any 'magic potion' for healthy living? DrThaye smiles and says "Balance."