Doctor Losang Dhonden will be in the UK for a year at the invitation of Tara Rokpa Medical College. He will be dividing his time between Kagyu Samye Ling, Dumfriesshire, Tara Rokpa, Edinburgh and Kagyu Samye Dzong, London.
 

A Tibetan doctor has three main ways of examining a patient in order to diagnose illness: through visual inspection, palpation, and questioning.

• Visual inspection, the doctor examines the tongue, the urine, the face for any unusual, changes: the appearance of the eyes, the complexion, colour of skin etc.
  
  
• Palpation enables the doctor to: Take the pulse which will inform him of the condition of the organs and systems of the body. To know the temperature of the body. To detect possible growths, fractures, skin problems etc., and to feel the shape of the articulations. To find whatever other physical signs are related to the disease.
  
  
• Questioning is intended to establish the initial causes which triggered the condition, the symptoms presented by the patient, his/her habits (diet, lifestyle).

a) Some restrictions on diet and behaviour
These are to ensure a proper examination, necessary for an accurate diagnosis. The aim is to keep your body and mind as undisturbed as possible, so the nature of your illness can be examined without too much interference from other factors.

• The day before the appointment, do not overeat but do not starve yourself : eat a reasonable, normal amount of food. Do not eat lamb/mutton, chilli pepper or spicy foods, garlic/onion. Do not drink alcohol. All these are very rich and their effect on the body would interfere with the examination. More specifically, also, foods that have a strong yellow or red colour (such as beetroot) should be avoided, as they alter the urine. If you are taking antidepressants, strong painkillers or blood pressure tablets mention this to the doctor as these modify, your pulse.
  
  
• The night before the appointment, do not have sex; make sure you have your normal amount of sleep, do not stay up very late or all night.
  
  
• On the day of the appointment, avoid doing a lot of thinking and getting worked up about things. If you have to travel to the clinic try to arrive 10 - 15 minutes before your appointment so that you have time to recover from the journey.

b) Collect and bring with you a urine sample
Collect a sample of your first early morning urine (any urine passed before 5 a.m. can be discarded) in a transparent jar with a lid that closes tightly. It is best to collect midstream urine, if you can. (If not, do not worry )You only need a very small sample: a universal container used by the health profession is perfect. The Doctor recommends using one if you can. (it is sufficient to half fill it) If you are having your period, this will alter the urine : you can either bring no sample or, if you do so, mention to the doctor that you have your period.

Try to stay physically and mentally relaxed when you go to your appointment. When you are with the doctor, tell him your medical history without being shy or frightened. Try to be clear when you answer his questions on your present condition and when you explain your physical symptoms and whatever uncomfortable or painful feelings you may experience, without forgetting or holding anything back.

If you have any questions about this information, please contact the clinic.