In the 8th century, another princess, Princess Jincheng, entered Tibet also with many physicians and medicine works, with some of the works having been translated into the Tibetan language.
In the reign (755-796) of Khri-srong lde-btsan, Tibetan iatrology developed greatly and nine well-known physicians emerged.
Principles of Tibetan Iatrology
The human body's physiological functions are summed up in three major elements -- swell (energy and wind-evil, relating to the organs),"Chiba" (fire-evil), and "Peigen" (grume, or semifluid) --in Tibetan iatrology.
The functions of the swell in the human body are to keep life, maintain blood and limbs' function, and decompose food.
The Chiba is bile, to create and regulate body heat, keep a good complexion, and aid in digestion.
The Peigen is grume, to supply nutrition, increase fat, sustain skin, and keep regular sleep patterns.
According to the Tibetan iatrological theory, the three elements, when balanced, will help the body function smoothly, but when unbalanced, will cause various diseases.
Tibetan iatrology also suggests that the human body is made up of seven substances: good diet, blood, flesh, fat, bone, marrow, and energy. A human's internal organs are not separated but rather are connected with one another through nerves and blood vessels, hence making up the organism. People are closely related with nature and so their organ functions are affected by the changes of nature.
Tibetan doctors employ the methods of observation, palpating (heartbeat) manipulation, and interrogation in diagnosis. As for treatments, besides using herbals, animals, and minerals, other therapies such as puncture and bloodletting are also used.
Embryology is an important part of Tibetan iatrology. As early as the 7th century, Tibetan doctors had begun to study embryology (the growth of a baby in its first several weeks), and recorded human embryo growth. Their study in the growth of the human body predated foreign ones in many respects.
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