Mongolian traditional medicine boasts a rich history spanning over 2500 years and is deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy and psychology. Mongolia’s continental climate, characterized by harsh winters and hot summers, exposes its people to a wide range of diseases common in both cold and hot regions. In response to these challenges, Traditional Mongolian Medicine (TMM) has developed a diverse array of treatment methods and therapies, including Mongolian moxibustion, bloodletting, bone setting, healing massage, and rejuvenation therapies, which are considered unique. Additionally, TMM has formulated special herbal medicines using approximately 800 natural herbs indigenous to Mongolia, known for their highly active biological substances effective in treating a variety of illnesses.
“Traditional Medicine has a long history, it is the sum total of the knowledge, skill and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical or mental illness.”
(World Health Organization, 2003)
History
The origins of traditional medicine in Mongolia can be traced back around 2977 years ago when the theories and teachings related to medicinal herbs were introduced to the Mongolian people alongside Buddhism. The practice flourished during the Khunnu empire, facilitated by the Great Silk Road. Over the centuries, TMM has been studied and developed by various countries and regions, including India, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and certain areas of Asia.
In 728 AD, Mongolian doctor Nalashandir presented medical treatments at a conference in Tibet, introducing the concepts of “Geriatrics treatment branches of Ambrosia,” “Bloodletting procedure for healing disorders,” and “Treatment of poison”. From the 16th century onwards, numerous Manba Datsans (Medical centers) was established in Mongolia, focusing on a holistic approach that combined religious activities, traditional medical training, healthcare services, and medicament production.
In 1999, Mongolia implemented a national policy to promote the safe and effective use of Traditional Medicine, with strategic documents updated every 5-10 years to enhance support for TMM in various aspects. The core concepts of Traditional Mongolian Medicine revolve around the theories of hot and cold, wisdom and method, the five elements, wind, bile, and phlegm energies, as well as astronomy and astrology.
General Concepts
Traditional Mongolian Medicine views the human being as a holistic entity encompassing both the physical body and mind. The focus of TMM is on preventing physical and mental disorders holistically through herbal medicaments, internal and external therapies, meditation, and astrological influences, ultimately aiming to ensure a long and fulfilling life.
The core of TMM is the three humours, derived from the five elements—earth, water, fire, wind, and space—which form the foundation of health and balance in the body. Wind governs essential functions such as swallowing, breathing, speech and movement control, physical and mental strength generation, complexion clarity, digestion assistance, and waste product removal. Bile regulates perspiration and blood circulation, generates body heat, and counteracts the phlegm humor, while phlegm governs the glands and lymphatic system, inducing sleep, patience, joint connection, and body lubrication. Imbalance among these three humours leads to sickness, highlighting the significance of maintaining harmony for overall well-being.
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