When you see the doctor
The consultation will last around 45 minutes. Dr Dhonden and his assistant will see you in the strictest confidence. The doctor strives to communicate directly with his patients, but prefers to work with an assistant until his English is more confident. Try to stay physically and mentally relaxed when you go to your appointment. When you're with the doctor, tell him your medical history without being shy or frightened. Try to be clear when you answer his questions on your present condition, and when you explain your physical symptoms and whatever uncomfortable or painful things you may experience, without forgetting or holding anything back. On your first visit you will be provided with ...

THE PATIENT BOOKLET
This is for you to record your symptoms, any nutritional advice, and detail your treatment.
THE MEDICINE BOOKLET
This will outline how to take the treatments prescribed.

In case of problems ...
You can contact the Tara Institute of Tibetan Medicine

Preparing for a visit
The following restrictions on diet and behaviour are to ensure a proper examination, necessary for an accurate diagnosis. The aim is to keep your body and mind as undisturbed as possible, so the nature of your illness can be examined without interference from other factors.
The day before your appointment ...
Don't overeat, but don't starve yourself .. eat a reasonable, normal amount of food. Don't eat lamb or mutton, chillis or spicy food, or onions and garlic. Don't drink alcohol. All these are very rich and their effect on the body would interfere with examination. More specifically, foods that have a strong yellow or red colour, such as beetroot, should be avoided as they alter the urine.
If you're taking anti-depressants, strong painkillers or blood pressure tablets, mention this to the doctor as they modify your pulse.
The night before the appointment ...
Don't have sex, make sure you have your normal amount of sleep and don't stay up late or all night.
The day of the appointment ...
Avoid doing a lot of thinking and getting worked up about things. If you have to travel to the clinic, try to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment so that you have time to recover from your journey.
Urine sample
Collect, and bring with you, a sample of your first early morning urine, taken after 5am, in a transparent jar with a lid that closes tightly. It's best to collect mid-stream urine if you can .. if not, don't worry. The doctor recommends using a universal container as used by the health profession, and it's sufficient to half-fill it. If you're having your period, this will alter the urine .. you can either not bring a sample at all, or if you do, tell the doctor you have your period.