On September 13, 2023, the China News Service reported from Ganzi that “Traditional Tibetan Medicine Offers Health Solutions on the Plateau.”
Wuden, a resident of New Digarchu in Ganzi, shared his experience, saying, “After two years, soaking still works best for me.” He is currently undergoing his second round of Tibetan medicinal baths aimed at alleviating his arthritis and gout, which have significantly impacted his daily life. While hospitalized at Ganzi Tibetan Hospital, he mentioned that an eight-day treatment costs about 1,000 yuan, which he considers “quite affordable.”
Tibetan medicine, with its roots in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and a history of over 3,800 years, has evolved into a comprehensive medical system that is scientifically validated. Jiang Jicun, the party secretary at Ganzi Tibetan Hospital and a representative of the National People’s Congress, noted that as of 2023, 48% of the local population has opted for Tibetan medicinal services, indicating a strong trust in this form of medicine.
Recently, a research team investigating the theme “Building a Community of Shared Future for Mankind” visited Ganzi Tibetan Hospital to explore the health benefits of Tibetan medicine.
The Tibetan medicinal bath includes foot, half-body, and full-body treatments that allow medicinal substances to penetrate the skin and target specific ailments. This unique therapy was recognized as a part of the Human Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2018. Ren Zhenjiang, head of the hospital’s medicinal bath department, explained that the herbal formulas used are derived from plateau plants and are meticulously prepared through steaming, fermentation, and drying processes. These treatments have proven effective for conditions like rheumatism, post-stroke symptoms, lumbar disorders, skin diseases, and certain gynecological issues.
Ganzi Tibetan Hospital operates as a comprehensive public institution that combines Tibetan medical treatment, education, research, and the production of Tibetan medicine, while also preserving intangible cultural heritage. The medicinal bath department stands out as one of three provincial-level specialties. “We have over 20 medicinal bath treatment rooms, and during peak times, we can accommodate up to 80 patients,” Ren shared. Despite the patient load, the doctors tailor remedies based on individual health conditions and physiques, exemplifying the personalized approach of Tibetan medicinal baths.
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in therapeutic baths from out-of-town patients. Jiang Jicun mentioned that Ganzi Tibetan Hospital has teamed up with several medical and elderly care institutions in Henan and Zhejiang provinces, routinely sending doctors to provide services and promote their self-developed Tibetan medicine and specialized bathing therapies outside their base.
The hospital not only focuses on three provincial specialties—geriatrics, medicinal baths, and preventive care—but also offers four nationally recognized specialties that address rheumatism, gastrointestinal disorders, lumbar issues, and cardiovascular diseases. Ganzi Tibetan Hospital has successfully incorporated 56 Tibetan external treatment techniques into the Sichuan provincial healthcare insurance program. To enhance their overall service capabilities, the hospital has invested over 20 million yuan in advanced equipment, including CT and ultrasound machines, and has established a PCR laboratory. This effort merges Tibetan and Western medical practices, aiming to elevate the modern applicability and treatment standards of Tibetan medicine while fostering greater understanding and acceptance among diverse ethnic groups.
Jiang noted a noticeable increase in patients from provinces like Beijing, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. In 2023, external patients made up 30% of the hospital’s total outpatient volume. The hospital has also launched a nationwide online consultation service, which connects patients directly with specialists through a WeChat mini-program.
With thousands of years of history, Tibetan medicine is receiving increasing attention and recognition, thanks largely to its proven efficacy. Ganzi Tibetan Hospital is actively developing experiential facilities for Tibetan medicinal baths and launching distinctive wellness products, striving to create an integrated service model that combines diagnosis, external therapies, product sales, and cultural promotion. Jiang believes that the Tibetan medicinal bath, as an emblem of intangible heritage, will play a crucial role in promoting the development and continuation of Tibetan medical culture, fostering interaction and integration among various ethnic communities.
“I believe that Tibetan medicine, grounded in natural laws and rich cultural heritage, has the potential to reach a global audience,” Jiang concluded.
