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5: Systems of Care: Tibetan Medicine

DOI:

10.1891/9780826194992.0005

  • Cameron, Miriam E. | 
  • Namdul, Tenzin

Abstract

As people become more health-conscious, they are looking outside of conventional healthcare for answers to well-being. This chapter explores Tibetan medicine as an example of a care system that fits well with integrative nursing approaches. Nursing and Tibetan medicine aim to address an individual’s unique, interrelated mental, physical, and spiritual needs. Both disciplines share these principles: (a) Treat the whole individual, (b) support the person’s innate healing capacity, (c) behave in harmony with nature, (d) practice relationship-based care, (e) start with mild treatments, rather than strong ones, and (f) engage in self-care. Nurses will benefit by using Tibetan medicine for integrative care and for their own and clients’ self-care. Including Tibetan medicine in integrative nursing expands healing options and promotes individualized quality care.