The cause for any imbalance or disharmony in the way sentient beings experience things lies with mind/ perceiver. This fundamental ignorance (Tib. ma rig pa) is the source and basis for every kind of suffering, both mental and physical. From this ignorance arises the illusion of the existence of a "self " or "ego" which in turn gives rise to the three major disturbing emotions: attachment, aversion and confusion. These bring about our experience of suffering.

Buddha Sakyamuni recognized this and taught methods for how to overcome and transform suffering. The result is called enlightenment. Enlightenment is achieved by putting Buddhist teachings into practice and using their methods, meditation and behaviour in everyday life.

There is a root text which precisely defines the meaning of health: mind/perceiver and body are in harmony. Illness is defined as a disharmony of mind/perceiver and body. The text goes on to explain what measures are necessary to re-establish harmony and to reach the ultimate goal of enlightenment. This base text known as "The Four Tantras" (Tib. gyü zhi) contains the essence of Tibetan Buddhist Medicine.