Tibetan Medicine–Urine Diagnosis Method
The Tibetan Medicine Urine Diagnosis Method (藏医尿诊法) is a traditional diagnostic technique that has been passed down through the Tibetan Medicine Hospital of Shannan (西藏自治区山南地区藏医院). This method is a core component of the Tibetan medical system and is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The primary diagnostic technique focuses on observing the color, steam, foam, and residue of urine to assess a patient’s health condition.
This method is rooted in the Three Causes Theory (龙、赤巴、培根) of Tibetan medicine and involves analyzing morning urine to detect imbalances in the body’s internal systems. It helps in determining the types of diseases, the severity of conditions, and their potential outcomes. The urine analysis is done in three stages: hot urine phase, fog-disappearing phase, and cold urine phase, and is typically conducted using urine collected in the early morning.
The Tibetan Medicine Hospital of Shannan (山南市藏医医院) serves as the preservation unit for this technique.
Historical Origins
Tibetan medicine has a rich history and is based on the accumulated medical knowledge of the Tibetan people, shaped by the harsh conditions of the Tibetan Plateau (青藏高原). The foundational text of Tibetan medicine, The Four Medical Tantras (四部医典), was written in the 8th century during the Tubo Dynasty (吐蕃王朝). The text was authored by the renowned Tibetan medical scholar Yuto Yuan Dan Gongbu (宇妥·元旦贡布).
The system combines medical knowledge with Tibetan astrology and is built upon the Five Element Theory (水、火、土、风、空) and the Three Causes Theory (龙、赤巴、培根). Tibetan medicine utilizes the plants, animals, minerals, and certain Southern herbs of the Tibetan Plateau (青藏高原) and adapts medical practices to high-altitude environments. Tibetan medicine is particularly effective in treating common and endemic diseases in high-altitude regions, such as oxygen deficiency and other environmental ailments.
Cultural Characteristics
The Urine Diagnosis Method (藏医尿诊法) is a distinctive diagnostic technique in Tibetan medicine. By analyzing the color, steam, foam, and residue of urine, this method provides a deep understanding of the patient’s health condition. There are several specific conditions and steps involved in this diagnostic technique:
Key Conditions for Urine Diagnosis:
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Diet and Activity: The patient must refrain from consuming foods or medications that could alter the color of the urine and avoid strenuous physical activity the day before the diagnosis.
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Timing of Collection: Urine should be collected in the early morning, around 5 a.m., when the body is in its natural state.
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Sunlight: The urine should be observed under natural sunlight to clearly distinguish the particles and residue in the urine.
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Container: The urine sample should be placed in a white porcelain bowl, as colored containers may affect the urine’s appearance.
The Three Stages of Urine Diagnosis:
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Hot Urine Phase: During this phase, the color, steam, odor, and foam of the urine are carefully observed.
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Fog-Disappearing Phase: In this phase, the focus is on analyzing the residue and suspended particles in the urine.
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Cold Urine Phase: The final stage involves observing any changes in color and analyzing the nature of the cooled urine.
By analyzing these characteristics, the Urine Diagnosis Method can help identify conditions related to the Three Causes Theory (龙、赤巴、培根), including diseases associated with imbalances in the body’s heat or cold. This method can also help in evaluating the prognosis for patients in critical conditions.
Preservation and Protection
On October 31, 2023, the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Project Protection Unit list was updated, and the Tibetan Medicine Urine Diagnosis Method (藏医尿诊法) was officially evaluated as part of the protection program. The Tibetan Medicine Hospital of Shannan (山南市藏医医院) has been recognized as the official protecting unit for this heritage.
The Tibetan Medicine Hospital of Shannan (山南市藏医医院) plays a significant role in preserving and transmitting this ancient medical knowledge. Through ongoing efforts in training, research, and documentation, this unique diagnostic method continues to be part of the living tradition of Tibetan medicine.
The Urine Diagnosis Method (藏医尿诊法) of Tibetan medicine is a key aspect of Tibetan healthcare and plays an essential role in diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases, especially in high-altitude environments. Its preservation as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage ensures that future generations will continue to benefit from this ancient, natural diagnostic method. The ongoing efforts of the Tibetan Medicine Hospital of Shannan (山南市藏医医院) guarantee that this valuable practice will endure for generations to come.
