A Rare Visit from an Eminent Tibetan Medicine Scholar

Free Public Lecture:
Thursday, December 4th, 4 - 6 pm
Paino Lecture Hall, Earth and Science Building, Amherst College

A free public lecture and weekend workshop at Amherst College with Dr. Lhusham Gyal, a prominent Tibetan Scholar visiting from the Tibetan Medical College of Qinghai University in Tibet. Dr. Lusham Gyal is currently Dean and Associate Professor of the Qinghai University's Tibetan Medical College. His visit to Western Massachusetts is a rare window of opportunity for all levels of interest to learn practical Tibetan Medical knowledge from a highly skilled scholar of Tibetan Medicine.

Transporting the Elixir: A Look at Tibetan Medicine Inside Tibet

Tibetan Medicine is one of the most ancient practices of healing known to humanity, dating back nearly 4,000 years. Until quite recently this ancient wisdom was practiced throughout Tibet virtually unchanged, its knowledge handed down through generations of lay and monastic doctors. Today, carried by the Tibetan diaspora, practices of this ancient healing wisdom are being offered in the West as an alternative to mainstream medical practices.

As a result, Westerners have begun to adopt it as a complementary medicine, but how is Tibetan Medicine practiced in its native homeland today, especially given China’s economic development over the past 30 years? What are the strengths and cultural constraints that could influence this practice’s effectiveness?

This talk is co-sponsored by the department of Asian Languages & Civilizations, Amherst College, and the Shang Shung Institute.

Weekend Workshop:
Friday, December 5th, 4 - 6pm
Saturday and Sunday, December 6th - 7th, 9:30am - 12:30pm & 2 - 5pm
Paino Lecture Hall, Earth and Science Building, Amherst College
Cost: $110 for whole weekend / $60 per day for Saturday or Sunday, includes Friday (20% discount for students)

Foods and Gems: Tibet's Wealth of Practical Prevention for Modern Daily Life

In this workshop Dr. Lusham Gyal will present the healing properties of common foods and gems as taught in Tibetan Medicine. Emphasis will be put on how to use both foods and gems in simple everyday ways to protect and balance the health. Friday will be an introduction to the workshop; on Saturday we will focus on nutrition and on Sunday on precious gemstones and metals.

Saturday, December 6th:

In Tibetan Medicine diet is considered the foundation for both maintaining health and treating imbalances. It is understood that each individual food has a differing level of the five elements. Every type of grain, meat, dairy product, vegetable and fruit can be analyzed individually based on its specific composition of the five elements and how it will effect the five elements of the human body. With this knowledge, the relationship of these two can be brought to a perfect balance. The result is a properly functioning digestive system, the ultimate means of a long and healthy life. This topic will provide essential information on what foods to eat based on ones individual condition and the season.

Sunday, December 7th:

Likewise, Gems are one of the eight medicinal substances in Tibetan Medicine. In Tibetan culture jewelry is very important. In part, jewelry is worn to decorate and beautify. It is also used to display social status. However, the origins for wearing gems comes from its application in medicine. Traditionally gems were worn on specific points to help restore the health, for preventative measures, and to protect against negativities. This topic will offer simple ways to use jewelry and gems in everday life based on ones individual health needs.

For more information or to register for the workshop, please call (413) 369 - 4928 or visit: www.shangshung.org
For a map of the college please visit: www.amherst.edu/map/index.html

Tibetan Medicine Monthly Talks

Tibetan Medicine Monthly Talks
With Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
first Friday of each month in Northampton, MA, at the Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center

Seasonal Diets

Friday, September 5th, 7 - 9pm

In Tibetan Medicine it is not considered that there is one diet that is good for everybody. In order to know what diet will benefit a person, the Tibetan physician will take into consideration the persons age, constitution, living environment, lifestyle and other specific conditions of the individual. One key factor for understanding an appropriate diet is the influence of the seasons. Based on the particular elements of each season different foods should be eaten to maintain good health.

Aging in Good Health

Friday, October 3rd, 7 - 9pm

Every human wants to live a long and healthy life, but there are many factors that effect this possibility. In Tibetan Medicine the two main ways of staying healthy through old age are ones diet and lifestyle. In this talk, Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo will discuss this understanding and give key tips on how to maintain good health in the aging process.

Pediatrics in Tibetan Medicine

Friday, November 7th, 7 -9pm

Tibetan Medicine has many unique and practical methods of caring for infants and children. This talk will provide a basic background of this topic and offer everybody some helpful knowledge to support the health of children.

Recommended donation of $15 per talk. Limited space available. Please RSVP for each talk by emailing matt@shangshung.org or by calling (413) 585-1081. Address: Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center, Central Chambers Building,16 Center St. Suite 323, Northampton, MA 01060.

Ask about our free introductory massage offer!

Tibetan Kunye Massage Level II

Tibetan Kunye Massage Level II
with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo

July 17th – 20th, 2008
Fee: $380

Starts Thursday evening and meets all day Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
Fee: $380
36 PDA credits from the NCCAOM are available for this course

Kunye Level second consists of:
• How to massage the points
• How to apply the oils
• Kunye massage indicated for healthy people
• Kunye massage indicated for sick people
• Kunye massage for neurological disorders
• Kunye massage for muscular problems
• Kunye massage for people with mental disorders
• How to massage points related to internal organs
• The medical properties of the application of hot and cold compresses and stones, their use and benefits

Summer Intensive Cours: Moxibustion

with Dr. Tanzin Dargye

June 7th – 9th, 2008
Fee: $225

This introductory course in moxibustion meets Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 8:30 am -12:30 pm & 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the Shang Shung Institute on 18 Schoolhouse Rd., Conway, MA 01341.

The course is led by Dr. Tanzin Dargye. A graduate of the Tibetan Medical School in Lhasa, Dr. Tanzin Dargye has taught at the University of Lhasa and has instructed physicians in a hospital in Southern Tibet.

Moxibustion is a method of curing disease by applying heat to specific points on the body, and is one of the most important treatments in Tibetan Medicine. In Tibetan, moxibustion is called Me bRtsa, Me meaning fire and bRtsa meaning to burn. Moxibustion treats disease by applying heated herbs, oils and/or minerals to specific points on the body. Depending on the disease various degrees of heat are applied. These are mainly classified as warming, cooking and burning. The root text of Tibetan Medicine describes 72 points to which heat can be applied, although additional texts describe many more. Moxibustion primarily treats what Tibetan Medicine classifies as cold natured diseases. These include: indigestion, cancer and tumors, nerve problems, lymphatic problems, depression, amnesia, and many other illnesses.

For more information please call (413) 369-4928 or email secretary@shangshung.org.

To learn more about the Shang Shung Institute and register online, visit http://www.shangshung.org.

Tibetan Medicine Symposium

The American Branch of Shang Shung Institute is planning a Tibetan Medicine Symposium, to be held on June 13th – 15th, 2008, in Conway, Massachusetts. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu has kindly agreed to be the keynote speaker at the symposium.More details (venue, times, and soon) will be released closer to the symposium date. The conference will be open to the public, and all scholars, students, and practitioners of Tibetan medicine are welcome to participate.

New Faculty at the Tibetan Medicine School

The Institute has been working to have a new Tibetan Doctor join the faculty of the Tibetan Medicine Four Year Program, and we are very fortunate to have Dr. Tenzin Dakpa joining us. He comes to the Institute highly qualified in Tibetan Medicine. The Institute will send out a formal announcement on the new teacher and his education and background in the field of Tibetan Medicine in the coming posts.

The International Shang Shung Institute presents,
in Berkeley California
Tibetan Kunye Therapy Certification Courses
Traditional Tibetan massage and gentle external therapies

With Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo and
Dr. Kalsang Yangdron

Basic Level: July 30th –September 10th 2008 (250 hours)
Advanced Level: January 5th –February 16th 2009 (250 hours)

Kunye Therapy is the traditional system of gentle external therapies taught in the Tibetan Healing Science Tantras. The function of Kunye Therapy is to soothe and relax tensions, balance the elements of the body, and therapeutically relieve many ailments. Kunye Therapy includes massage, treating crucial points, medicinal oils and gemstones, and hot/cold stones and compresses.

The Basic Level course includes 250 hours of basic training in the theory and techniques of Kunye Therapy. It also presents a broad foundation of instruction on traditional Tibetan Medicine theory from the Tibetan Healing Science Tantras. This is a rare opportunity for intensive study of the profound root texts which encompass the vast teachings of the Tibetan Medicine lineage.

The Advanced Level course of 250 hours expands on the basic level teachings with more specific theory and practice of treatment. The course presents detailed training in the formulation and application of medicinal oils extracted from raw herbs and other applications. Students receive their advanced level Kunye Therapy certificate from the Shang Shung Institute upon completion of this course.

This course will be held at:
Dondrubling
2748 #D Adeline St, Berkeley, CA 94703
info and registration by phone: 413 369 4928
email: secretary@shangshung.org

For more information about Kunye Therapy, Tibetan medicine and the
Shang Shung Institute, or to register online please go to:
ShangShung.org

or Main International Webpage:

ShangShungInstitute.org

Calendar of Public Courses in America

2008 Calendar of Public Courses in America:
In addition to the four year Tibetan medicine training, there is an exciting schedule of courses for 2008 for all interested in learning about Tibetan medicine. There is something for everyone!

Monthly Public Talks on Topics of Tibetan Medicine with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
Join Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo for her fascinating talks on various topics of Tibetan medicine. These lectures are a rare opportunity to acquire a wealth of knowledge in one evening. The talks are held on the first Friday of each month from 7-9 pm at the Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center, 16 Center St., Suite 323, in Northampton, MA. Suggested donation for each monthly talk is $15. Please RSVP at: (413) 585 1081.

Friday, April 4th, 7 -9pm: Sacred Conduct of the Tibetan Physician
This discussion covers the high standards of ethical conduct required to carry the title of physician in Tibetan society.

Friday, May 2nd, 7 -9pm: Properly Harvesting and Processing Herbs in Tibetan Medicine
This discussion focuses on the identification of medicinal herbs, the correct season and method of harvesting, detoxifying, drying and storing herbs, and preparation of herbal medicines.

Summer Intensive Courses 2008
The Shang Shung Institute features special guest teachers from around the world who offer valuable intensive courses in Tibetan medicine. The following summer classes will be held at Tsegyalgar the seat of the International Shang Shung Institute USA Branch at18 Schoolhouse Road, Conway MA, 01341. They are open to the public and preregistration is encouraged. For more info visit ShangShung.org

June 7-9: Tibetan Moxibustion--with guest instructor Dr. Tanzin Dargye
The Tibetan Healing Science Tantras list moxibustion as one of the ‘strong’ external therapies. Moxibustion treats disease by applying heated herbs, oils and/or minerals to specific external points on the body.

June 17-19: Mental Illness, Health of Body, Mind and Spirit in Tibetan Medicine--with guest instructor Dr. Konchog Gyaltsen
This course will explore the interdependent relationship between the body and mind, and the many factors which contribute to our mental health and illness.

June 25-29: Tibetan Kunye Therapy Level I-with resident instructor Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
Kunye Therapy is the traditional system of gentle external treatments taught in the Tibetan Healing Science Tantras. The function of Kunye Therapy is to soothe and relax tensions, balance the elements of the body, and therapeutically relieve many ailments. Kunye Therapy includes techniques such as massage, treating crucial points, medicinal oils, gemstones, hot and cold stones and compresses, medicinal vapors and baths.

July 17-20: Tibetan Kunye Therapy Level II-with resident instructor Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
Kunye Therapy Level II explores the techniques indicated for both healthy and sick people including massage, treating crucial points related to the internal organs, the properties and applications of medicinal oils, hot and cold stones and compresses. Kunye Massage Level I is a prerequisite.

September 2: Four Year Complete Tibetan Medicine Training – New Fall Semester Begins
Classes are held at the Shang-Shung Institute in Conway, MA.
Weekly schedule includes classroom study of the four Tibetan Healing Science Tantras, Tibetan language instruction, instructional and applied Kunye Therapy, and the history of Tibetan medicine and culture. Regularly scheduled guest instructors offer supplementary intensives in traditional herbology, astrology, external therapies, advanced medical theory, and related topics. Apply online for the new incoming class at: ShangShung.org

All New Kunye Therapy 250 & 500 Hour Certification Courses in Berkeley, CA.
Basic Level: July 30th – September 10th 2008 – 250 hrs
Advanced Level: January 5th – February 16th 2009 – 250 hrs
The Shang Shung Institute commences 250 & 500 hour certification courses of traditional Kunye Therapy in Berkeley, California. The courses are divided into a 250 hour basic level and a 250 hour advanced level. The basic level course provides training in the theory and techniques of Kunye Therapy, as well as a broad foundation of instruction on traditional Tibetan medicine theory from the Tibetan Healing Science Tantras. The course includes history, anatomy & physiology, diagnostics, etiology, preventative medicine, and treatment of disease. Those who wish to fulfill the 500 hour certification can move on to the advanced level which includes advanced Kunye theory and methodology, medicinal oils theory and practicum, advanced practice and final examination. The course instructors are Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo and Dr. Kalsang Yangdron and it will take place at Dondrubling, the Dzogchen Community center in Berkeley, CA. Learn more about Kunye Therapy and this course at ShangShung.org

Summer Intensive Courses in Tibetan Medicine

Upcoming Intensive Courses in America

January 2008:
Tibetan Kunye Massage Level I with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
January 18 – 23rd, 2008
Shang Shung Healing Center, Northampton, Massachusetts USA
Fee: $380
36 PDA credits from the NCCAOM are available for this course

Summer Intensives 2008:
Tibetan Kunye Massage Level I with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
June 25th – 29th, 2008
Starts Wednesday Evening and meets all day Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Fee: $380
36 PDA credits from the NCCAOM are available for this course

Tibetan Kunye Massage Level II with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
July 17th – 20th, 2008
Starts Thursday evening and meets all day Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
Fee: $380
36 PDA credits from the NCCAOM are available for this course

Moxabustion with Dr. Tanzin Dargye
June 7th – 9th, 2008
Weekend after Tsegyalgar retreat with Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. Dr. Dargye, Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo’s brother, joins us from Tibet for this course in moxabustion.
Meets daily Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm & 2:00 – 5:00 pm

Mental Illness with Dr. Konchog Gyaltsen
June 17 – 19th, 2008
Dr. Gyaltsen will be staying in the area after the Tibetan Medicine Symposium to give this three day course on mental illness as seen in Tibetan Medicine

Additional Courses Offered:

Advanced Astrology with Dr. Chime Rabten & Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
August 22nd – 27th, 2008
Prerequisite of Astrology I necessary to attend this course.
Offered for SSI Medicine Program Class of 2009 & 2011 & previous astrology course attendees.

For more information contact us directly at info@shangshung.org or 413.369.4928

Kunye Massage Level I: Jan 2008

Greetings and Happy New Year,

We are happy to confirm that Shang Shung Institute with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo will be offering Kunye Tibetan Massage Level I this January 2008.

Tibetan Kunye Massage Level I with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
January 18 – 23rd, 2008 – Starts at 9 am and meets all day (36 hrs total)
Shang Shung Healing Center, 16 Center Street Suite 323, Northampton, Massachusetts USA
Fee: $380
36 PDA credits from the NCCAOM are available for this course

To register please contact Shang Shung Institute by phone or email: info@shangshung.org or greta@shangshung.org by phone 413.369.4928.

Kunye Massage TherapyKunye, a massage that is taught in the Tibetan Medical tradition, is unique to that tradition. Mentioned in some of the ancient texts of the Bon and Buddhist religions, Kunye has been practiced for centuries in the Himalayan regions by Tibetan peoples. The term kunye is the combination of two words: “ku” and “nye.” “Ku” means to anoint the body of a sick or healthy person with oils which are appropriate to that person’s specific illness or constitution. “Nye” means to externally rub or massage crucial points such as nerves and tendons. The combination of ku and nye is a method to cure internal imbalances and disease. The Conclusive Tantra, the last of the four medical tantras, states that the mild therapies consist of compresses, medicinal baths and massage." Kunye massage is considered a mild therapy.The practice of massage is very beneficial and does not have negative effects; moreover, it can be done by anyone, regardless of whether they are doctors, yogis, or not. For this reason, this therapeutic modality has always been practiced throughout the centuries by the Tibetan people and continues to be practiced today.
The study of Tibetan massage is structured on three levels. Each of the three levels comprises a total of 36 hours.

The first level consists of:
A brief history of Tibetan medicine
The principle of the five elements as taught in the Tibetan medical texts
The principle of the three humors
The humoral characteristics of different types of people
The diagnostic procedure of pulse-taking
The diagnostic procedure of urine observation
A review of cases in which massage is appropriate or contraindicated
Finding massage points
Measurement for finding massage points
How to perform the actual kunye massage
Benefits of kunye massage

Kunye Level II will be offered July 17th – 20th, 2008 in Conway, MA
Fee: $380
36 PDA credits from the NCCAOM are available for this course
Kunye Level second consists of:
How to massage the points
How to apply the oils
Kunye massage indicated for healthy people
Kunye massage indicated for sick people
Kunye massage for neurological disorders
Kunye massage for muscular problems
Kunye massage for people with mental disorders
How to massage points related to internal organs
The medical properties of the application of hot and cold compresses and stones, their use and benefits

For the complete list of Summer Intensives in Tibetan Medicine & the Tibetan Medicine Symposium, go to www.shangshunginstitute.org, click on the US site and the Courses tab.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year and Good Health!

Tibetan Medicine Monthly Talks

Tibetan Medicine Monthly Talks
With Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo

Friday, November 2nd , 7-9pm, The Seven Constitutional Types in Tibetan Medicine
During this course, Dr. Wangmo will introduce the seven constitutions in Tibetan Medicine. Every person is considered to be one of these seven constitutions, based on how the diet and behavior of one’s mother affected the five elements during the gestation period. This class will discuss how to recognize these seven constitutions, their application in the Tibetan medicine, and the useful application of this knowledge in daily life.

Friday, December 7th, 7 -9pm, Conception & Embryology
Dr. Wangmo will introduce the basic theory in Tibetan Medicine of how conception is considered to take place, as well as how the body is formed inside of the mother’s womb. You will be introduced to Buddhist concepts, such as karma and consciousness, and learn the biological phases of development that the fetus goes through according to Tibetan Medicine.

February 1st, 7 -9pm, Understanding & Treating Menopause in Tibetan Medicine
In the ancient texts of Tibetan Medicine menopause is included in the chapters on gynecology. There are many types of female disease, but most are connected with the menstrual cycle. In this system they are divided in two: trag tsab – early stage menstruation problems and lung tsab – which includes chronic problems. Dr. Wangmo will be discussing the view of gynecology and treatment of menopause according to Tibetan Medicine in this course.

1st Friday of the Month

Located at the Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center
16 Center St. Suite 323, Northampton, MA.

Please RSVP at 413.585.1081
Suggested Donation of $15