Traditional Buddhist medicine

In Theravada Countries

Publisher's preview

Faced with the numerous sufferings that afflict human beings, the rationalist medical approach only provides partial responses whose immediate effectiveness is often tempered by disturbances both near and far.

Without disregarding the benefits of specific techniques, which often prove indispensable although of limited benefit, traditional medicine—otherwise known as ethnomedicine—seeks to help the human being from every possible angle.

Buddhism takes this approach to its extremes, by attesting that medicine must be 'philosophical' to be truly and thoroughly effective. The Theravada Doctrine is based on the texts of original Buddhism. And while the purpose of enlightenment is to allow one to be free of fundamental suffering, since its origins, the practice and teachings of monks has always included helping the sick. This is the foundation of South East Asia's medical tradition, whose doctrine and practice are explained in this book.

Enriched with the contributions of Indian and Chinese medicine, Theravada Buddhist medicine provides answers whose effectiveness has never been in doubt..