“May the physical energy of boys and girls, who are like budding plants, grow perfectly, and may the leaves of their full force expand in the ten directions. May the flower of the attributes of youth shine and may they all enjoy an abundance of good fruit”
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
Children’s health is considered to be a very important topic in Tibetan Medicine since they represent the future of humanity. Therefore it is extremely important to take good care of them since the very movement of conception, throughout pregnancy , and by supporting them from birth through the whole of childhood.
In the root texts of Tibetan Medicine, there are many chapters dedicated to conception, embryology—or the development of the fetus in the mother’s womb—childbirth, postpartum care, and finally to pediatrics. These include careful recommendations regarding the diet and behavior the mother should follow while carrying the baby in her womb and during the breastfeeding period.
The Shang Shung School of Tibetan Medicine would like to invite you to embark with us on a meaningful journey to explore both mothers’ and children’s health, since we are convinced that by prioritizing both maternal and child health, we not only honor the traditions of Tibetan Medicine but also build a healthier and more harmonious future for all.
Children’s Health in Tibetan Medicine: A Holistic View
Tibetan Medicine views childhood as a sensitive period of life, where the balance of the body’s three primary energies (humors)—Lung (wind), Tripa (bile), and Beken (phlegm)—is particularly delicate. This balance is essential for robust growth, immunity, and mental development. During this stage, children are especially susceptible to both external and internal imbalances, which can manifest as digestive disorders, respiratory illnesses, or psychological disturbances.
Treatment and prevention in Tibetan Medicine focus on diet, lifestyle, herbal remedies, and spiritual practices, all specifically designed to the child’s unique constitution. For example, warm, nourishing foods are often recommended for children, along with massages and specific exercises to strengthen their physical and emotional resilience.
Maternal Health: The Foundation of Children’s Well-being
In Tibetan Medicine, the health of a child is intricately linked to the health of the mother. This understanding begins with the preconception period, where both parents are encouraged to achieve optimal health to ensure the vitality of their offspring.
The mother’s physical and mental state during pregnancy is seen as directly influencing the fetus’s health. Postpartum care is equally significant, as the mother’s recovery and continued well-being directly impact the child’s nourishment and emotional security.
In his wonderful book Birth, Life, and Death, which offers a complete overview of Tibetan Medicine principles, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu advises: “Breast milk, which is the [optimal] nourishment for the child, derives from the nutrients in the foods and drinks consumed by the mother. The process of transformation of foods and nutrients does not depend only on nutrition but also on the behavior of the mother […]. Therefore, the mother […] must pay attention to the foods and drinks she consumes and always adhere to behaviors that balance the humors and organic constitutions. Especially when the child is not well, the mother, clearly distinguishing the correct behavior to adopt and the appropriate foods to consume compared to those to avoid, must re-establish the normal condition of the child, always using the discernment necessary to avoid the recurrence of disorders and to keep the baby healthy.”
The Interplay of Body, Energy and Mind to support growth and general development
A unique aspect of Tibetan Medicine is its integration of the mind and energy level into health practices. Both mothers and children are encouraged to engage in mindfulness practices and a specific type of yoga aimed at enhancing breathing capacity, thereby balancing energy and mind. These activities are believed to foster emotional balance and create a positive energy field conducive to healing and growth.
Tibetan Buddhist principles also highlight the role of compassion and a peaceful environment in promoting health. A mother’s emotional equilibrium, often supported through spiritual practices, is seen as a cornerstone for nurturing a happy and healthy child.
Why It Still Matters Today
In today’s fast-paced world, the wisdom of Tibetan Medicine offers invaluable insights for promoting children’s health and maternal well-being.
At the Shang Shung School of Tibetan Medicine, we are convinced that healthcare systems can draw inspiration from Tibetan Medicine to integrate preventive care, emotional wellness, and family-centered approaches into their practices. By acknowledging the deep interconnection between a mother’s health and her child’s well-being, we can create a more supportive environment for the next generation to thrive.
For us, the journey to nurturing a healthy child begins with nurturing a healthy mother. Therefore, among our courses, those dedicated to the health of women of childbearing age and to children’s health hold special relevance.
If you’d like to explore more about our courses on women’s health, feel free to follow the link below:
In honoring and supporting the health of mothers and children, we are not only preserving a vital aspect of Tibetan medical wisdom but also planting the seeds for a more compassionate and balanced future. May this knowledge continue to inspire deeper care, connection, and responsibility in how we support life, at every stage.
