Diqing Prefecture Tibetan Medicine Culture Museum in Shangri La
Overview
The Diqing Prefecture Tibetan Medicine Culture Museum (迪庆州藏医药文化博物馆) is located on the second floor of the Diqing Prefecture Museum in the ancient town of Dukezong (独克宗古城), Shangri-La County (香格里拉县), Yunnan Province (云南省). It opened on May 1, 2009, as part of the “Great Shangri-La Cultural Circle” development and cooperation project. The museum represents a cultural collaboration between the Diqing Prefecture Museum and the China Tibetan Medicine Culture Institute, aimed at promoting academic exchanges on Tibetan culture among the five major Tibetan regions in China.
The museum’s theme revolves around the essence of Tibetan culture—Tibetan medicine culture. Tibetan medicine culture embodies the traditional life, human spirit, and health practices of the Tibetan people in the plateau region. Based on the indigenous primitive medicine (Bon medicine), ancient Indian medicine, traditional Western medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine, Tibetan medicine has evolved into a comprehensive ethnic medical system that integrates medical theories and treatment methods through the interplay and integration of various Tibetan medical schools. It is not only an organic part of Tibetan culture but also its most scientifically valuable and widely recognized aspect.
The museum utilizes artifacts and images, along with professional explanations, to illustrate the relationship between the development of Tibetan medicine culture and Tibetan Buddhism. Visitors can gain a comprehensive understanding of the essence of Tibetan medicine culture.
Exhibitions
The museum houses a complete set of 80 medical mandalas from the “Four Medical Classics” (四部医典). Some of these medical mandalas are displayed and introduced in the exhibition hall.
Mandalas: “Man” means “medicine” or “drug,” while “Tangka” (唐卡) is a unique art form in Tibetan culture. Mandalas serve as teaching charts for medicine, vividly expressing the entire content of the foundational medical work “Four Medical Classics” through 80 colorful Tangka and over 4,900 images.
The museum is divided into six exhibition areas:
- Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan Medicine Development: Explores the deep connections between Tibetan Buddhism, folk culture, and Tibetan medicine.
- Exhibition Area of the “Four Medical Classics” Medical Mandalas: Displays selected mandalas.
- Ancient Medical Instruments Exhibition: Showcases 32 traditional surgical instruments used in Tibetan medicine.
- Display Area of Tibetan Medicinal Materials Specimens: Highlights various medicinal materials used in Tibetan medicine.
- Contemporary Tibetan Medicine Exhibition: Illustrates the current state and practice of Tibetan medicine.
- Tibetan Medicine Literature and Products Exhibition: Displays relevant literature and products related to Tibetan medicine.
Additionally, there is a Tibetan Medicine Culture Consultation Area for visitors interested in deepening their understanding of Tibetan medicine.
Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan Medicine
The relationship between Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan medicine is profound. Tibetan medicine has survived through history, closely linked to the spread of Buddhism. Before Buddhism arrived in Tibet, the Bon religion (本教), which also practiced healing, was prevalent among the ruling class. Historical texts indicate that early Tibetan history saw the merging of medicine and shamanism, with Bon priests often practicing medicine.
In the early 6th century, Indian Buddhism entered Tibet, significantly influenced by the two devout Buddhist princesses, Wencheng (文成公主) and Chizong (尺等公主), who married Songtsen Gampo (松赞干布). The growth of Buddhism paralleled the expansion of Tibetan medicine, marked by the establishment of monasteries and the increasing number of monks and nuns engaged in medical practices, all rooted in Tibetan medicine.
The Foundation of Tibetan Medicine: Yutuo Ningma Yuandan Gongbu and the “Four Medical Classics”
Yutuo Ningma Yuandan Gongbu (宇妥宁玛·元丹贡布, 708–833 AD) is recognized as the greatest physician in Tibetan medical history and the founder of its theoretical system. His family was renowned for its medical expertise and served as royal physicians. Yuandan Gongbu was deeply dedicated to enhancing his medical practice, traveling extensively throughout Tibet to gather folk remedies and learning from Indian and Han medical traditions.
He authored the Tibetan medical classic “Four Medical Classics” (四部医典), comprising 156 chapters divided into four parts: Root Medical Classic (根本医典), Discussion Medical Classic (论说医典), Secret Medical Classic (秘诀医典), and Subsequent Medical Classic (后续医典). This comprehensive work details the theoretical foundations of Tibetan medicine, including the Five Element Theory (五元学说) and the Three Causes Theory (三因学说), alongside methods for diagnosing and treating diseases.
Ancient Medical Instruments Exhibition
The exhibition area showcases 32 traditional surgical instruments used in Tibetan medicine, providing a systematic and intuitive introduction to its theories and practical techniques. The exhibition reflects the surgical practices that have been part of Tibetan medicine for over 2,000 years, including ancient cranial surgery and the world’s first eye surgery, highlighting the sophistication and wisdom of early Tibetan medical practitioners.
Display of Tibetan Medicinal Materials
Tibetan medicinal materials are categorized into plant, animal, and mineral sources. The unique aspect of Tibetan medicine involves the use of minerals, which undergo qualitative transformations through a technique known as “Zuotai” (佐太), recognized as an intangible cultural heritage. This technique remains confidential and is only mastered by a select few experts or temples.
Tibetan Medicine Today
Historically, Tibetan medicine has been predominantly practiced within Tibetan regions, and the “Four Medical Classics” has yet to be fully translated into languages other than Tibetan. However, with the liberation and social openness of Tibetan areas, Tibetan medicine has gained more attention and recognition. The government has shown significant concern for Tibetan medicine culture, leading to the establishment of Tibetan medicine research centers worldwide.
The museum provides detailed explanations through images and offers a consultation area for visitors interested in learning more about Tibetan medical diagnoses and health care.
How to Get There
The Diqing Prefecture Tibetan Medicine Culture Museum is located in Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城), Shangri-La County (香格里拉县), Yunnan Province (云南省). Visitors can reach Shangri-La by taking a flight to Diqing Shangri-La Airport (迪庆香格里拉机场), followed by a taxi or local transportation to Dukezong Ancient Town.
Travel Tips
- Opening Hours: Check the museum’s opening hours in advance to plan your visit accordingly.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the exhibits.
- Photography: Be mindful of photography restrictions in certain areas of the museum.
- Local Cuisine: Explore local Tibetan cuisine in the area for a complete cultural experience.
