Preservation of a ancient heritage:
In 1961, the Dalai Lama inaugurated the Tibetan Medical Institute, the Men-Tsee-Khang, with the aim to preserve, practice and promote ancient traditional Tibetan medicine. About 25 students are enrolled in the 6-year programme of its Tibetan Medicine & Astrological College every year to become either medical doctors or astrologers.
The Pharmaceutical Department conducts research and produces the medicine from plants collected by its specialists in the Himalayas. Over 160 types of medicine are available to the doctors to treat their patients, following a holistic approach. Every year, Tibetan doctors treat about 500,000 patients worldwide.
A tiny beautiful and fascinating museum explains the principles and grounds of the Tibetan medical tradition. Cameras are not allowed in, to preserve the precious ancient paintings…