Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Medical Syncretism in the Formation of Tibetan Medicine Through Perspectives of The Silk Road

Zitong ZhouCulver Academies* Zexuan LinWorcester Academy

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

This research paper argues that the Silk Road contributed to advancements in ethnic Tibetan medicine by inspecting syncretisms with Indian and Chinese medical practice. It examines the significance of ancient Chinese medical histories, the Chinese Taoist thought system, and the Indian Buddhist thought system to Tibetan medicine through researching texts from eleventh-century Tibet and relevant contemporary research. The analysis establishes the connection between the Silk Road and Tibetan drugs. It affirms the role of cross-cultural interactions with South and Eastern Asia in developing Tibetan healing. This paper wishes to shed light on the importance of ethnic medicines and promote intercultural exchange using Tibetan medicine as an example.

Keywords: Tibetan medicine; Silk Road; Syncretism; Ayurveda medical influence; Chinese medical influence
Published: April 19, 2024
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/28/20230285
Volume: CHR Vol.28
pp. 166-176
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