The Fourth Part called the Subsequent Tantra from the Secret Quintessential Instructions on the Eight Branches of the Ambrosia Essence Tantra

Book excerpt: The Traditional Tibetan medical system is composed of a vast indigenous healing knowledge and practices offering a holistic treatment aimed at regulating and maintaining the balance of the functional principles of the mind and body. These principles are related to the characteristics of the cosmic elemental energies and as such any disturbances in the environment directly or indirectly affect the health of a person. The long history it enjoys, the sound foundations on which it is established and the increasing popularity it has earned are clear indications that Tibetan Medicine is relevant and important in the modern world. These valuable medical treasures are found in the highly esteemed “Gyueshhi”(Four Tantras), a complete and profound multi-faceted fundamental text of Tibetan Medicine, encompassing the unabridged theories and practices of Tibetan Medicine. It is the creation of ancient eminent scholars of Tibet by means of practice, invention and development through their intellectual wisdom. Based on the practical experience of the ancient medical knowledge of Tibetans that relates to their unique culture, its custom and environment, the legendary Yuthok Yonten Gonpo, father of Tibetan Medicine, composed Gyueshhi by incorporating the essence of the then known Asian medical systems including Ayurveda, Chinese and Greek medicine; making it one of the oldest, most comprehensive and reliable medical systems in the world. Tibetan Medicine is one of the oldest surviving medical systems with an enormous herbal pharmacopoeia, complex and systematic manufacturing processes and a complete system of diagnosis and treatment. The most essential principles of Tibetan Medicine are harmony and balance, establishing it with an inspiring relevance to the health problems of the modern world and in the prevention of various psycho-physical disorders. The teaching and practice of Tibetan Medicine is mainly concentrated in Tibet, however, the entire belt of the Himalayan region, India, Mongolia, Kalmykia, Buryatia and a few countries in the West also shared the practices of Tibetan Medicine.