Newsletter Oct-Dec-2012

M E N -T S E E - K H A N G (Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai lama)

News Letter

Vol. XXVII

October - December 2012

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES Talk on Unani Medicine Dr. Maha Hashem from Arabia gave a talk on traditional Unani Medicine practiced in Arabia to the students and doctors of Tibetan Medical & Astro. College on 3 October, 2012. She gave an Introduction to the Unani system of medicine and its practices, which originated from Greece. She said that this system was based on the teachings of Hippocrates (father of Unani medicine) and Galen.

Arabs introduced Unani medicine in the 12th Century which was

CONTENTS

A group of tourist waiting in line during the outreach program held at the Main Temple, Dharamsala

then influenced by Persian and Iranian physicians.

It was passed through stages of development in Pg: 1 India. There are

Educational Activities

Courses and Seminars

Free Medical Camp

Pg: 3

Outreach Programme

Pg: 5

Pg: 4

Body, Mind & Life conference Pg: 7 Tibetan medicine course

Pg: 7

different schools of Unani medicine followed in Persia, Arabia and India.

According to the Unani medicine proper function of the body

Editor Ms. Kalsang Dechen editor@men-tsee-khang.org Assistant editor Mr. Tseten Dorjee Mailing co-ordinator Ms. Dolma Tsering This is the official Newsletter of Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute).

Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala—176215, INDIA. It is published and distributed free of cost. However, we request donations to cover expenses.

To make donations, please contact Mailing Co ordinator, Men-Tsee-Khang, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala - 176215.

INDIA.

Tel: 0091-1892-223113/223222 Fax: 0091-1892-224116 E-mail: info@men-tsee-khang.org Website www.men-tsee-khang.org wwww.mentsee.org

is based on seven elements.

Elements are the primary components of the human body.

Unani medicine speaks of four humors and the diagnosis is done through pulse, urine and stool examination. She also said that some diagnosis is done by blood but this was not practiced so much these days. The talk also highlighted the various treatment methods and external therapies practiced in the Unani system of healing. Around 100 students, lecturers and doctors attended the talk. Dr. Maha Hashem said that there were similarities between Unani and Men-Tsee-Khang

This institute does not encourage the use of mail consultation for those who have access to a Tibetan doctor graduated from Men-Tsee-Khang. Therefore we would recommend patients seek help directly from a properly trained medical doctor who uses the traditional Tibetan diagnostic procedures like reading the patient’s pulse, urine analysis and interrogations.

Owing to numerous suggestions and input received over the years from patients who hold strong trust and belief in our medical system and insist that this system remains the last hope of their recovery, we feel the necessity and responsibility to provide a mail consultation facility to fulfill their wishes. It is very necessary to provide us with the following information: Your name (in capital) Gender Age Clear Address Case History and treatments As and when the above information is received, senior doctors will review the personal case. Thereafter, a reply will be sent to the individual patient informing the recommendations of the physician. If pills are prescribed then remedies will be sent after the receipt of the payment through the postal system either by Registered parcel, Courier, Speed Post or what ever kind of post facility are applicable to that particular region or country.

Contact: email: mailconsultant@men-tsee-khang.org Phone: 0091 1892 223222/223113 Ext: 216

Email Address Director director@men-tsee-khang.org Registrar gsec@men-tsee-khang.org Astro. Department astro@men-tsee-khang.org Project Officer developmentmanager@men-tsee-khang.org Men-Tsee-Khang College tmaicollege@men-tsee-khang.org

Mail Consultation

Membership / Scholarship Sponsorhip Secretary Men-Tsee-Khang Gangchen Kyishong Dharamsala, Distt. Kangra H.P Pin - 176 215 Phone:0091-1892-223222/ 223113 Fax:0091-1892-224116 Email: scholarship@men-tsee-khang.org

Tibetan medicine in their concept of humors, actions, lifestyle and the elements.

Talk on Homeopathy Medicine Dr. Carles Amengual from Spain gave a talk on Homeopathy medicine on 26 October, 2012.

He gave a brief introduction on the history and the development of the system which was influenced from West and Greek medicine through the works of Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna who wrote canon of medicine an important book of western medicine etc.

Men-Tsee-Khang Exports PT 62/5 Kalkaji New Delhi - 110 019 India Phone:0091-11-26214897/ 26436823 Fax: 0091 11 26211738 Email: mtkexports@vsnl.net Web: www.tibetan-medicine.org

Hahnemann from Germany was not satisfied with western medicine and so he began studying the classical works of medicine, decided to see patients and cure them. The term homeopathy was coined while translating the works of William Cullen’s Materia Medica, the chapter of cinchona officinalis (medicine) into German in 1796. Hahnemann found that the substance that causes the symptoms of a disease in healthy people will cure that disease in sick people.

Dr. Carles Amengual said that 2

Oct-Dec 2012

“the physician’s only mission is to restore the sick or cure patients.

Second, the highest ideal of cure is rapid, gentle and permanent restoration of the health”. So the physician should have the knowledge of disease, knowledge of medical power of drugs, the choice of remedy i.e medicine and the proper dose. When the physician knows these, he will have the understanding of how to treat judiciously and rationally.

COURSES & SEMINARS Intensive Course on Tibetan Medicine, Dharamsala A ten day intensive course on Tibetan medicine was organized

Around 10 participants joined the course from England, Mexico, Spain, Hungary and Germany.

The resource people included 12 doctors, one philosophy lecturer and an astologer.

Menrampa Chungwa Degree Course Tibetan Medical & Astro. College conducted the Promotional Menrampa Chungwa Degree Course for a period of one month from 3 October, 2012. The 11th batch of Medical doctors (Kachupa Degree holders) who graduated in 2001 joined the promotional course. Amongst the 23 doctors in the 11th batch, 14 doctors appeared for the examination which was held from 1-5 Nov, 2012.

S e c o n d International Conference on Tibetan Medicine The second International Conference on Tibetan Medicine

by the Tibetan Medical & Astro.

College from 16-25 October, 2012. Most of the attendees participated previously in the basic and advanced courses given in Ladakh in 2011. In order to further develop their understanding, the participants requested the College give an intensive course on Tibetan medicine which Dr. Carles Amengual coordinated for the group.

Men-Tsee-Khang

was held from 2729 October, 2012 at Dharamsala.

The conference was jointly organized by Central Council of Tibetan Medicine (CCTM); MenTsee-Khang (TMAI) Dharamsala; Dept. of Sowa Rigpa, Central University of Tibetan Studies (CUTS) Sarnath, Varanasi and Chagpori

Tibetan Medical Institute (CTMI) Darjeeling. The first International Conference was held at Samye in the year 728 A.D., during the 37th King of Tibet, Trisong Deutsen.

Around 300 Tibetan medical professionals and health experts representing different medical systems from around the world including India, US, Israel, China, Taiwan, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, Japan, Swiss, Nederland, Russia, Hungary, Spain, Latvia, Austria, Germany, England, Italy and France took part in the conference.

On the last day of the conference Men-Tsee-Khang held a press conference regarding the research done on Tsothel.

The key speakers were Dr. Sarah Sallon director, The Louis L. Borick Natural Medicine Research Center Hadassah, Israel and Dr. Thirunarayan, secretary of Centre for Traditional Medicines & Research, Chennai.

Dr. Sarah Sallon said “We have

done a couple of studies now and I think that from these studies and information we got so far, 3

Oct-Dec 2012

the people we have looked at have been taking it for years, and have remarkably little absent side effects which is quite in a way unexpected when you think of how much mercury they are taking and how long they have taken it for”. She said that we have to publish the research work done because if it is not published then it never happened.

Dr. Thirunarayan on the occasion said “Traditional medicines should be allowed to continue the mercurial preparation of proper detoxification and is essential for the well being of the human community”.

Completion of Tibetan Medical & Astrology Courses The 16th Batch Medical & 8th Batch Astrology students completed their final examination from 9 Oct- 1 Dec, 2012.

The duration of the course is five years plus one year internship in both the streams and the courses started from March 2008. There were 29 medical and 9 astrology students who have enrolled in the beginning but only 25 medical and 5 astrology students could Men-Tsee-Khang

appear for the final exams.

OBITUARY Men-Tsee-Khang staff and students express profound grief on the sad demise of its 9th Director, Mrs. Rinchen Dolma Rechung la. She served as the Director of the Institute from June 1993 to 1 July, 1994 and has contributed all her efforts in the development of the organization during her short tenure.

Men-Tsee-Khang staff gathered in MTK prayer hall at 3.30 p.m. on 27 October and offered prayer for a good rebirth.

the community, Men-Tsee-Khang held free Medical Camps in Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir and Mundgod in Karnataka, South India.

Ladakh Jammu & Kashmir From July 29-31 and August 4-7, 2012 Men-Tsee-Khang Culture Center Ladakh provided health care services to the people who attended the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Padum, Zanskar and Leh. Dr. Tenzin Thaye (visiting physician to H.H. the Dalai Lama & CMO of the branch), Dr. Sonam Dickey including five staff provided health services to a total of 1,195 people there during the seven days teaching. Free medicine amounting to Rs. 126,738.05 was given to the people during the teachings.

Mundgod Karnataka, South India The two branch clinics in Mundgod provided free health care services to the people who attended the Lamrin teachings by His Holiness the Dalai Lama from 30 Nov - 13 Dec, 2012.

We pay our sincere condolences to her family members.

FREE MEDICAL CAMP Many people from all over the world come to receive teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama in various parts of India. To serve

During the 15 days teaching the team of four doctors from the respective clinics including Dr. Tenzin Thaye (visiting physician to His Holiness the Dalia Lama) and Dr. Dorjee Rapten Neshar (CMO of Bengaluru branch clinic) along with seven staff attended to thousands of patients.

Free medical service amounting to Rs. 245,626.38 was given to a 4

Oct-Dec 2012

an outreach programme at the Main Temple in Mcleod Ganj from 1-2 and 2223 Nov, 2012 in Dharamsala.

total of 3,097 patients.

A FIELD TRIP SURVEY Pachmarhi (Madhya Pradesh) A field trip survey with the aim of studying the medicinal plants grown in the natural habitat of Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh was carried out from 12-22 Dec, 2012.

The team consisted of seven doctors, five from Materia Medica Department (Dr. Tsering Norbu head of the department; Dr. Tsultrim Kalsang, Dr. Tsetan Mingyur, Dr. Thinley Chomphel & Dr. Tenzin Zompa); one each from Men-Tsee-Khang College (Dr. Nyima Gyaltsen) and pharmaceutical Department (Dr. Penpa).

Under the guidance of local Botanist Mr. Sahee Khan and Mr. Gyatso la, the group was able to visit many places. The covered area lies between the altitudes of 400m - 1100m above sea level.

MEN-TSEE-KHANG OUTREACH PROGRAMME Dharamsala Men-Tsee-Khang Men-Tsee-Khang

started

The aim of this programme is to promote traditional Tibetan medicine and astrology to the locals and the tourists. Health and astrology consultations and therapies were provided to the people who visited the temple.

During the four days outreach programme held at the Main Temple, the team of doctors, astrologers and staff provided health care services to a total of 743 people.

Health care was given to 700 patients among which, charity was provided to 290 patients, external therapy to 68 patients and 43 people had astrological readings. Charity amounting to Rs. 17,885.43 was provided to the people during the camp.

New Delhi Outreach programme in Delhi started during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teaching to the Russian group. 578 patients received health care services during the six days programme from 22-27 Dec, 2012.

This outreach programme has created first-hand understanding and awareness of the traditional Tibetan system of healing

benifiting people who need health services but are unaware of this practice.

USA Tour 2012 The US tour 2012 was led by Dr. Tsewang Tamdin, visiting physician to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Chairman of High Level Tibetan Medical and Astrology Council including two members Mr. Jhampa Kalsang, astrologer who is currently based in USA and Mr. Tenzin Jigme Men-TseeKhang coordinator in USA from November 2-23 December, 2012.

The outreach program of the Institute is to promote, preserve and provide a traditional Tibetan sytem of health care and awareness to the people in the West. It aslo aims to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western medical systems, bringing about a global health alternative.

The team visited San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Francisco in California; Conway in Massachussetts, Atlanta in Georgia; New York and Virginia.

They were invited to visit hospitals and health care centers at Coastal Communities Cancer Center, Ventura County Medical Center and San Diego Hospice in San Diego; Breast Cancer Resource Center, Sacred Space Organization, Goleta Community Center in Santa Barbara; Dakota Health Center, Tibetan Wellness and Healing Center in Bay Area, California and Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center in Massachusetts. Universities and Institutes visited by the team 5

Oct-Dec 2012

were South Baylo University, Los Angeles; Stanford Univeristy and San Francisco University in California; Halle Institute, Emory University in Atlanta, Gerogia; Amherst College, Conway and Shang Shung Institute of Tibetan Studies in Massachusetts.

The team held lectures and workshops on Tibetan Medicine and Astrology, displayed exhibits, and provided health consultations.

Halle Luncheon Event The Halle Luncheon event on “Tibetan Medicine and Modern Science” at Halle Institute, Emory University, Atlanta was co-sponsored by the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative and Drepung Loseling Monastery.

Dr. Tsewang Tamdin addressed the gathering on the topic “Subjecting Tibetan Medicine to Modern Medicine Scrutiny” at the public luncheon on 3 December, 2012 which was jam packed with attendees from Emory College & Medical School faculty and staff and members of the Emory community.

The doctor gave a brief introduction of Tibetan medical tradition before presenting the main topic.

He said that the healing system of Tibet is one of the most ancient medical systems in the world which originated more than three thousand years ago. It is considered one of the five major fields of Men-Tsee-Khang

knowledge in Tibetan Culture.

He mentioned that “A unique feature of this healing system is the holistic approach to health and its integration of Buddhism in its theory and practice”.

been realized by more and more people and hence the Tibetan medical system has an essential role to play in the health of the global community in the years to come.

The talk on the whole emphasized on the firm belief that Tibetan medicine should be subjected to modern scientific examination

The Halle Luncheon speakers are mostly heads of state, policy makers & influential public intellectuals and the purpose of inviting Dr. Tsewang Tamdin, visiting physician to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is to bring dialogue with Emory and other communities.

and will withstand any testing because it has a great potential to benefit human beings. The need for a holistic approach has

Doctor Tsewang Tamdin presented 36 Lectures and workshops on Tibetan medicine and Astrologer Mr. Jhampa Kalsang gave 29 lectures and workshops on Tibetan Astrology during the tour. There were around 836 participants who attended the lectures and workshop series.

A total number of 564 people came to receive health consultations according to the traditional Tibetan system of health care.

Media Coverage Media coverage of the tour was remarkable.

Interviews and public talk was published and aired on different news medium.

6

Kim Gregory a local news reporter in San Diego interviewed Dr. Tsewang Tamdin on Tibetan Medicine and Astrology which was posted on 14 November, 2012 published as “Dalai Lama physician visits Ventura Hospital”.

CNN, the popular American news channel published an article in CNN Health “Medical advice from the Dalai Lama’s Doctor”, the Halle Luncheon public talk by Dr. Tsewang Tamdin. Radio Free Asia broadcasted the doctor’s interview on its radio channel in Tibetan. Silvia Casabianca interviewed the doctor through telephone on Tibetan medicine.

She posted the interview on 18 Dec, 2012 in VOXXI Silvia Casabianca Health “Tibetan Medicine: Dalai Lama’s doctor says Ignorance causes illness”.

Men-Tsee-Khang would like to thank all the organizers who have worked tirelessly in making this two month outreach tour a success. Most of the tour organizers were former Men-Tsee-Khang staff to whom Men-Tsee-Khang remains grateful.

DIRECTOR’S TOUR October 12-24, 2012

From October 12 to 24, our Director made a tour to 10 branches to greet and meet the staff and to offer words of encouragement. In a few places, he met and thanked Men-Tsee-Khang well wishers and Sponsors. The branches covered were: Sorig Production Center near Panipat in Haryana; Majnuka Tilla Tibetan Settlement, Nizamuddin branch and Men-Tsee-Khang Exports in New Delhi; Ahmedabad; Malad, Navi Mumbai and Bhandara and Mainpat.

In Delhi, the Director accompanied by Dr. Tenzin Deche Kartsang, Chief Medical Officer and Mr. Tashi Wangdue, Office Secretary of Nizamuddin Branch had a fruitful meeting with Dr. Deepika Gunawant, Max Venture’s Medical Director for Integrated Medicine and Christina Watson, Wellness Director, Vana Retreats & Hotels.

In Ahmedabad, the Director accompanied by Dr. Tenzin Nyima, Chief Medical Officer and Dr. Tenzin Lhanzey of Ahmedabad Branch had a fruitful breakfast meeting with the sponsors Mr. Manoj and Kiran Vadodaria. He expressed his happiness ... Pg 8

BODY, MIND & LIFE CONFERENCE Wed, 26th to Fri, 28th of June, 2013

Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astro. Institute of H. H. the Dalai Lama) Dharamsala, (H.P.), India

During this conference, discussion from four different perspectives: Buddhist Philosophy, Tibetan Medicine, Tibetan Astrology & Astronomy and Modern Science will be presented on the following topics: 1) General Concept of Body, Mind and Life 2) Seeds of Body, Mind and Life 3) Relationship between Body, Mind and Life 4) Factors Responsible for the Disturbance of the Body, Mind and Life 5) Maintaining and Restoring Healthy Body, Mind and Life For details on registration please visit our website at:

www.men-tsee-khang.org Email: bodymindlife@men-tsee-khang.org

Tibetan Medicine course in English Sept 16 - 1 Oct, 2013 In order to impart the traditional Tibetan Medical Knowledge, Men-Tsee-Khang is conducting a 5- Day Basic Course in English on Tibetan Medicine (16–20 September,2013) which consists of 20 sessions and a 10-Day Advanced Course in English on Tibetan Medicine (Sept 21 - 1 October, 2013) consisting of 40 sessions.

VENUE: Men-Tsee-Khang, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh (INDIA).

For more information, please visit our website: www.men-tsee-khang.org Email tmaicollege@men-tsee-khang.org tmaicollege@yahoo.com

Donations received from Oct - Dec, 2012

Stipend of Retired Staff: Anne and Craig Gardner Mr.Dima Deutsche Tibethilfe E.V. Scholarship: Tove Langemyr Larsen Initiative Oberland Dr.Roland and Mag. Elisabeth Rainer Tibet Freunde Brigitte

Australia Russia Germany

25,502.00 3,900.00 29,376.00

Norway Germany

47,759.00 9,652.00

Austria Switzerland

24,500.00 51,008.00

Poor and Needy Patients Fund: Mrs.Ragnhild Hornemann Norway Dr.Tsering Wangyal and Tenzin Noryang Russia Research Project: Dr. Sarah Sallon

Israel

Staff Children Scholarship:

Gabriele Strehlgu and Frank Ebert Germany

44,840.00 101,000.00

40,000.00

19,142.00

(Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute) Gangchen Kyishong Dharamsala - 176 215 Distt. Kangra, H.P. India

USA

22,220.00

Initiative Oberland Phyllis Florman Medical France Tibet Association Inter Educare e.v.

Deutsche Tibethilfe E.V.

Germany USA

15,544.00 12,360.00

France Germany Germany

239,945.00 212,160.00 49,912.00

Germany

56,608.00

Nursing Home : Agnes Conrad Pittasch

DIRECTOR’S TOUR ..... continued Pg 7 and thanked them for many years of support to the Ahmedabad branch and also for their readiness to help expand the clinic.

In Mumbai, the Director thanked Mrs. Jaya Maheshwari who travelled from Pune to meet the new Director. She expressed her satisfaction with the progress of our clinics in Mumbai to the Director.

She is dedicated and committed to use her energy and connections to continue helping Men-TseeKhang.

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