|
Written by Christine McPherson
|
MENTION the Circle of Life to anyone, and they'd be forgiven for thinking of the theme tune to Disney's popular film `The Lion King'.
But to the people of Thailand, the phrase covers one of the most important insights in their traditional medicine.
They believe that three essences - body, citta (mind-heart) and energy - must be present, balanced and healthy in order for life to continue at its best.
Pierce Salguero is a teacher of traditional Thai massage and herbal medicine.
He explains: ``As the three (essences) are interconnected, injury, disease or imbalance in one area naturally leads to problems in others.''
In traditional Thai medicine hospitals, the Circle of Life is addressed within the same facility, under the same roof.
Pierce goes on: ``Westerners obviously have responded enthusiastically to Thai bodywork, but many are unaware of the systematic philosophy of Thai medicine, the uniquely Thai adaptations of Ayurveda, or the practices of Theravada Buddhism and indigenous spiritual traditions - or how these historically and culturally tie into the more familiar Thai healing modalities such as Thai massage.
``There is also a tendency to confuse Thai medicine with Chinese medicine or Indian Ayurveda, without taking the tradition on its own terms.''
EDUCATION
Four years ago Salguero, who has degrees in Anthropology and East Asian studies, founded the Tao Mountain Association.
A not-for-profit organisation, it is dedicated to the study, preservation, and education of Traditional Thai massage, herbal medicine, healing culture and Theravada Buddhism.
Salguero adds: ``Our organisation is focused on supporting teachers and practitioners of Thai healing by providing access to the highest quality of education materials available in these fields, as well as on charitable activities to give back to the Thai people in gratitude for the wisdom they have shared with us.''
Indeed 10% of the author's proceeds of his latest book `Spiritual Healing of Traditional Thailand' are being donated to the Tao Mountain's Shivago Fund for use in charitable activities in Thailand, with particular focus on traditional medicine and children's healthcare.
The new book, just released by Findhorn Press, looks at how Buddhism and shamanism continue today to play a role in the healing practices found throughout traditional Thai culture.
This focus on spiritual practice builds on the success of Salguero's earlier books on the first two branches of Thai medicine, herbal remedies and Thai massage.
In Buddhism, the Ten Virtues, which should be cultivated at every opportunity:
1.Generosity
2.Morality
3.Non-attachment
4.Wisdom
5.Energy
6.Patience, tolerance, and forbearance
7.Honesty
8.Determination
9.Loving kindness
10. Equanimity
Further information:
A number of websites are also worth visiting, including:
www.taomountain.org
Author's previous books:
(also available from Findhorn Press)
`Encyclopaedia of Thai Massage'
A complete guide to traditional Thai massage therapy and acupressure.
`A Thai Herbal':
Traditional recipes for health and harmony for experienced and beginning herbalists.
Editor's note:
A copy of `The Spiritual Healing of Traditional Thailand', further information on Pierce Salguero - and the opportunity to interview him - are available by contacting Findhorn Press, 305a The Park, Findhorn, Forres IV36 3TE, Scotland or visit the website: www.findhornpress.com |
