There is a long standing tradition of tattooing in Tibet. Tattoos are often applied in a medical context. e.g. small symbols are inked on appropriate acupuncture pressure points and certain medicinal herbs are combined with the tattoo ink to facilitate a cure. Tattoos are also found as an expression of the Buddhist faith, where people tattoo their bodies with sacred mantras, mantra wheels and Buddhist Talismans. Tibetans believe that these tattoos help the wearer to achieve inner and outer balance, Tattoos of Deities are also used to this end. The photograph of a Tibetan monk is another example of this. It shows 'The Right Spiraling Conch Shell' one of the eight auspicious symbols, this symbolises the Buddha's mighty proclamation of the Dharma. What Tashi has coined 'Tibetan ornamental' is a new concept in tattoo design. It incorporates elements of swirls and characters found on the elaborate appliqued nomad tents with the traditional decorative patterns that that grace the interior walls, shrines and pillars of temples. The latter temple element can be called 'Tibetan floral'. The combination of ornamental, floral or cloud motifs, along with Tibetan scripts or Sanskrit characters, can be very pleasing and strong as a design, especially when using ornamental and floral spirals that follow the body's natural lines and muscle definition, enhancing body shape and form.