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Conway, MA: The Shang Shung Institute School of Tibetan Medicine in Conway, Massachusetts proudly graduated the first Western trained Tibetan Medicine practitioners. After four years of intensive study with the Institute and three months of internship at the Qinghai Tibetan Medical Hospital and University in Tibet, six students walked the stage at Amherst College representing a unique achievement for the preservation of Tibetan Culture and the spread of ancient eastern holistic medicine into the western world.

Having completed their three month internship in Xining, Qinghai Province, China, in a formal ceremony, the Shang Shung Institute graduates were granted the first certificates from the school certifying western trained students equivalent with their own Tibetan trained Tibetan Medicine doctors.  After once facing total extinction, this marks a historic accomplishment for Tibetan culture, giving hope for traditional Tibetan Medicine’s complete restoration and preservation.

Back in America, the six students were honored at Amherst College on October 17th. They were joined by famous Tibetan doctors from around the world, including Tibet’s most famous doctor Aku Nyima, who came all the way from his homeland to confer his blessings upon the students and the path they must pioneer.

About this historic moment, Daniel Goleman, Author of Emotional Intelligence and member of the American Tibetan Medical Association advisory board, comments that:

"The medical system of Tibet offers us a unique and rich treasure trove of time-tested methods and remedies. The wisdom of its preventive philosophy resonates with some of the latest thinking in contemporary medicine."

Dr. Gerry Steinberg, a Western doctor of Internal Medicine and member of the board of the American Tibetan Medical Association says:

“This graduation takes us one step closer to legitimizing Tibetan medicine as a viable source of well-being for Americans such as acupuncture, a licensed practice which has become very popular. One of the most important aspects of Tibetan medicine in contrast with Western medicine is that it is based on observing and treating each individual according to their specific condition. This balance of looking at the individual is missing from the science of Western medicine. The science of Western Mmedicine is based on the statistical analysis of many people.”

About Tibetan Medicine
Regarded as science, art and philosophy, Tibetan medicine is an ancient form of holistic health care indigenous to the Tibetan people that integrates the core Buddhist principles of altruism, karma and ethics. Originating from early indigenous Tibetan society, traditional Tibetan medicine evolved into a synthesis of thousands of years of accumulated empirical knowledge from China, Persia, India and Greece.  It has been practiced continuously in Tibet and is now practiced today wherever Tibetans live in exile.

About the International Shang Shung Institute
The International Shang Shung Institute was founded in Italy in 1989 by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. It's aim is to deepen the knowledge and understanding of Tibetan cultural traditions in order to ensure their survival and preservation. The International Institute currently has three main branches, located in Italy, Austria, and the USA, which work together as one to promote all initiatives to this end.

The American branch, Founded at Tsegyalgar in 1994 by Chögyal Namkai Norbu, currently offers the only full-time, four-year Traditional Tibetan Medicine certification program in the West.  The program follows a recent revival of Traditional Tibetan Medicine in the East and marks one of the most significant advances for its preservation and practice in the West.

The first-of-its kind in English, the innovative program is attracting a new generation of medical students interested in the integration of ancient healing systems with modern medicine. The institute is currently on the path of becoming the first fully accredited school of Traditional Tibetan Medicine in the West.

Under the direction of Dr. Wangmo, the four-year program closely parallels traditional training rooted in the Gyud Zhi, the fundamental text of Traditional Tibetan Medicine, better known as The Four Tantras in English.  The ancient Tantras classify an amazing 1600 types of disease and corresponding treatments using more than 3,000 medicinal plants.

About ATMA
The American Tibetan Medical Association (ATMA) is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Tibetan Medicine and is a national organization representing the Tibetan Medical profession in The United States of America. Its aims include setting standards of education and creating protection for the practice of Tibetan Medicine in America.

From The Mirror, Newspaper of the International Dzogchen Community

Matthew Schmookler

We, the Shang Shung Institute’s Tibetan Medicine School Students, class of 2009, upon just returning from Tibet, have come to the end of our 4 year journey into the study of the rGyud Bzhi, the four Tibetan Medical Tantras. Under the profoundly patient and generous guidance of our dear teacher Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo we managed to spend the last four years thoroughly studying this precious text and the living experiential knowledge of our teachers which accompanies it. Together we have experienced many pains and joys as the first formal class of western students to attempt to learn this great tradition in equivalence with our Tibetan brothers and sisters in India and Tibet.

Our teacher and the seven of us students spent four years in one classroom together, in20 hours a week of lecture, going line by line through the four medical tantras, translating its each and every word into English. Bridging the gap between the deep and essential classical medical language and modern English can be a challenging task. Fortunately our wonderful teacher could make the most complicated concepts into simple understandings.

Upon the completion of our formal class lectures, language classes and weekly clinical labs we had the fantastic opportunity to conclude our studies with 3 months of study at the Qinghai University, Tibetan Medical College and the Mtsho Sngon Tibetan Medical hospital located in Xining in the Qinghai Province. The great land of Amdo has become a strongly developing foothold for Traditional Tibetan Medicine in Tibet. The university, hospital, Arura pharmaceutical company and  Arura research company all work together under the Arura Group for the development of Tibetan Medicine.

While in Tibet we had the great privilege to meet and learn from many of the foremost Tibetan Medical Scholars including Proffesor Karma Tsognyis, Sman pa Tingzin and Tadrin Gyal.  In classes these teachers we studied commentaries on the Rgyud Bzhi,  specialized anatomical knowledge of the channel systems , splints and bandages, and the inner winds. We also received the entire lung transmission of the Rgyud Bzhi from Aku Nyima. In the hospital we had the rare opportunity to learn from greatly experienced doctors such as Aku Nyi Ma and Aku Padma and see their living practice of alleviating the suffering of countless people day in and day out. In the countryside, we scaled the mountains with herbal specialists identifying herbs and were tested on their proper identification.
We were treated with incredible respect and dignity. It often felt like we were undeserving. Nevertheless these great Tibetan Scholars of the modern era were pleased that we Western people showed true interest in the fruits of their culture and helped us in any way they could.  They were surprised at the depth in which we went into this study, as they have seen many who are interested in gleaning only the surface. 

At the end of our time at the University we took an examination equivalent to the test that their own students take.  This was given upon the request of our teacher so that the University could then grant us paperwork stating that we had finished the equivalent of their students. Upon completion of the test,  Qinghai University, Tibetan Medical College, held a graduation ceremony for us in which they granted us certificates stating we had successfully completed the requirements for the degree of “Doctor of Tibetan Medicine”. 
After our graduation we escaped to Lhasa where we visited our teachers family, saw the Potala, the Jo Khang, Samye Monestary, the 6th Dalai Lamas secret practice chamber and the practice cave of Yehe Tsogyal in South Tibet. It was fantastic!
Here is a speech the Anasuya Weil delivered at our graduation on our behalf:

“Tashi Delek!  On behalf of the Shang Shung Institute’s School of Tibetan Medicine, class of 2009, I would like to thank the Tibetan Medical College of the Qinghai University for inviting us to spend three months here in order to complete our clinical internship.  I would also like to extend our thanks to the Qinghai Tibetan Medical Hospital for hosting our internship training.  In particular I would like to thank ‘O Zochen, the president of the Arura Group, for sponsoring our trip here.  I would like to thank the dean of the Tibetan Medical College, Professor Lusham Gyal, for coordinating the program on our behalf.  I would also like to thank Aku Nyima for generously bestowing the reading transmission of the rGyud bZhi with great personal effort over the last three months. I would like to thank all of the professors of the college and all of the directors of the hospital departments for their kindness and attention.  Finally we would like to extend our deep gratitude to Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, our dear teacher, whose dedicated perseverance and immense patience has led us to this occasion.

We, the Shang Shung students Class of 2009, are not only profoundly grateful for having this opportunity, but also feel the full weight of the responsibility of carrying the tradition of Tibetan Medicine forward into the future in the United States and beyond.  The 4,000 year old tradition of Tibetan Medicine has produced great beings and masters who have helped countless beings maintain and restore their health.  Today we are honored that you bestow this great tradition upon us. Although this ceremony marks the end of our four years of study, in truth this is just the beginning of a lifetime of learning.”

First of all, we would like to welcome our new board of directors. Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo and Anna Bartenstein are the two new directors of the American Branch. Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo is the new Cultural Director, as well as the Director of the four-year School of Tibetan Medicine. Ms. Bartenstein was chosen as the new Administrative Director in order to bring new energy to projects in the US. Will Shea will remain on the board as the Treasurer.

In 2008, two new classes began undertaking the rigorous curriculum of the four-year School of Tibetan Medicine, designed by Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo. With the addition of these classes came the need for another professor for our 28 full-time students. This position was filled by the very qualified Dr. Tenzing Dakpa, who in 1991 graduated first in his class from the Men-Tse-Khang Institute in Dharamsala.

Additionally, thanks to the help of Mrs. Bernadette Della Bitta, who sits on the Massachusetts board of Massage Therapy Licensure, our four-year medical program was recently approved as a valid massage therapy training in the state of Massachusetts. Thus, our students who fulfill the required courses may now submit applications for MA state massage licenses. This is a big step for our program, as it enables a legal license to practice Kunye Massage and gentle external therapies as taught in our school of Traditional Tibetan Medicine.

Late this summer we saw the successful completion of the Basic Level of our first California Kunye Therapy Program, which was offered at Dondrub Ling, the International Dzogchen Community Center in Berkeley, California. We are currently preparing for the continuation of this course in January-February, 2009. This advanced course will allow the students from the Summer, 2008 Basic Level course to complete Kunye Therapy certification requirements, as well as requirements for state massage licenses.

Additionally, this year we offered a wide range of Tibetan Medical Intensive courses, as well as Intermediate and Advanced Tibetan Language Intensives in Conway, MA, which were attended by both students and local residents. 

In October, 2008 we received a visit from Luigi Ottaviani, one of the Directors of the International Shang Shung Institute. We spent a week in intensive meetings, to understand how to best shape the future of the Shang Shung Institute’s American branch. As a result of these meetings, we have many ambitious new projects planned for 2009, including the creation of a new text book series for the four-year Tibetan Medical School, the expansion our Northampton Tibetan Healing center, and the organization of a North American tour of Kunye massage courses, which will follow on the trail of the recent Yantra Yoga Book Tour.

Starting in November, the Shang Shung Institute sponsored the trip of two important Tibetan Medical scholars to the USA. The first, Dr. Lusham Gyal, is currently Dean and Associate Professor of the Qinghai University's Tibetan Medical College. The second, Dr. Palchen Sangdag, is a PhD student at Qinghai University’s Tibetan Medical College, where Dr. Gyal is his main doctoral advisor. Palchen Sangdak traveled to the United States with Dr. Gyal, and he will be remaining here for six months in order to share his knowledge and expertise in Tibetan medicine at UCLA in California. He will also be joining us as a visiting professor at the Shang Shung Institute School of Tibetan Medicine in January and February, 2009.

In December, the Shang Shung Institute presented a series of free public lectures and weekend workshops with Dr. Lhusham Gyal on the East Coast of the USA. This series followed the topic “Foods and Gems: Tibet's Wealth of Practical Prevention for Modern Daily Life.” The events took place at Amherst College in Amherst, MA, at Kundrolling -- the Dzogchen Community center in New York City, Kurukulla Center in Medford, MA, and Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. Dr. Gyal and Dr. Sangdak’s visit to the USA is a rare opportunity for students to learn practical Tibetan medical knowledge from these highly skilled scholars of Tibetan medicine.

Dr. Gyal’s visit to the United States culminated in a festive dinner party in the Gonpa of Tsegyalgar East, which was attended by all the staff, students, and teachers of the Shang Shung Institute School of Tibetan Medicine. This dinner was to celebrate the new collaboration that will take place between the International Shang Shung Institute and the Qinghai University Tibetan Medical College (QUTMC). Starting this Summer, there will be an exchange program created between the two schools. Each year, the senior class of the SSI School of Tibetan Medicine will attend the QUTMC for a few months, while faculty members of Qinghai University will be invited to teach at the SSI School. The two organizations will also work together to generally maintain and develop Tibetan Medicine and to foster cultural exchange between East and West. Possible future programs may include join courses, workshops, and conferences on the International level.

In addition, the International Shang Shung Institute has agreed to be a sponsor and a participant in the 2009 Conference on Tibetan Medicine, which will be held in Xining, Qinghai Province, China, between August 8th and August 10th, 2009. This conference will be focused on “Inheritance, Invention, Development” in terms of medical theories, ancient medical documents, clinical practice, pharmaceutical research, and public health care. Experts on Tibetan medicine from all over the world, about 12 countries, will attend this conference. All people who are interested in attending this invent are invited.  Please contact our secretary for more information on this amazing opportunity.

For up-to-date information about the exciting courses and events offered by the International Shang Shung Institute in the United States, please visit our website at http://www.ShangShung.org.

At www.ShangShung.org, you can register for intensives and programs, pay for memberships, give donations, and order items from our webstore, including a full selection of Chögyal Namkai Norbu’s books, CDs, and DVDs.

You can also contact the secretary of the American branch of the Shang Shung Institute at or by phone at +1 (413) 369-4928 for more information or to register for any of our events.

By Adam Okerblom

This June 13th through 15th, the American Tibetan Medical Association(ATMA) presented its first major public event, “Tibetan Medicine in America”: 2008 Symposium of Tibetan Medicine.  The symposium was co-sponsored by the Shang Shung International Institute for Tibetan Studies, USA, and the local university of Amherst College.  This unique event was held in two of the stately lecture halls of Amherst College, in Amherst Massachusetts.  The symposium was made possible largely due to the inspiration of Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, president of the board of ATMA and director of the Shang Shung Institute School of Traditional Tibetan Medicine; also by the invaluable efforts of Paola Zamperini, President of the board of the Shang Shung International Institute for Tibetan Studies, USA, and professor of Asian Languages and Civilizations at Amherst College.  After much hard work, the circumstances for the symposium arose very favorably;  the auspiciousness of the event greatly increased when our precious master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu graciously accepted to personally inaugurate the event.

The symposium participants consisted of numerous Tibetan physicians, including the guest keynote presenters as well as physicians residing in the local region, Tibetan medical students of the Shang Shung Institute, interested members of the academic community from across the country, and also interested people of the local community.

Chogyal Namkhai Norbu inaugurated the symposium with an opening keynote address.  He described the ancient roots of Tibetan culture in the kingdom of Shang Shung, and the necessity to protect Tibetan knowledge and culture today.  He encouraged the participants to utilize the opportunity to learn from traditional Tibetan physicians, who carry the valuable ancient knowledge of the Tibetan Healing Science.

In the following two days the keynote speakers delivered presentations on topics of traditional Tibetan Medicine, and its current situation throughout the world.  The guest speakers consisted of Tibetan physicians trained in the traditional Tibetan Healing Science both in Tibet and India.  All of the presenters had extensive experience with their specialized practice of medicine, as well as with teaching and practicing abroad in countries beyond their homeland.  

Dr. Yang ga, professor at the Tibetan Medicine Institute of Lhasa and board member of ATMA, presented from his current PHD research on the historical precedent of the traditional texts of the Tibetan Healing Science Lineage.  Dr. Kunchok Gyaltsen, doctoral student at the UCLA School of Public Health and current board member of ATMA, demonstrated the fundamental theory of the Tibetan Medicine system for the public audience. He also shared his broad experience in teaching and applying Tibetan Medicine among diverse groups of patients and medical professionals, from the far East to the far West.  

The presentations continued with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, graduate of the Tibetan Medicine Institute of Lhasa.  Citing the classic Tibetan Healing Science Text, “Remaining Free from Disease”, Dr. Wangmo lectured on vital themes such as seasonal and dietary considerations for maintaining health and wellness.  These topics were further expounded by Dr. Yangdron Kalsang, graduate of the Tibetan Medicine Institute of Lhasa, the Five Branches Acupuncture Institute in Santa Cruz California, and current board member of ATMA.  Dr. Kalsang offered health tips and lifestyle guidelines for modern living, from the Tibetan medical perspective.  

Dr. Tenzin Dakpa, current instructor at the Shang Shung School of Traditional Tibetan Medicine, provided a thorough account of the current situation of Tibetan medicine in India, and described in detail  the curriculum for contemporary students at Men Tsi Khang University in Dharamsala, the largest school of Tibetan medicine and astrology outside of Tibet.  Dr. Yangbum Gyal described the current condition of Tibetan Medicine inside Tibet, presenting the successes and the challenges facing modern practitioners.  Dr. Tashi Rabten lectured on the opportunities and challenges of practicing Tibetan medicine in the United States, insightfully recounting his experience in the context of  modern urban communities in America. 

The keynote presentations of the symposium provided clear insight into the world-wide Diaspora of the Tibetan Healing Science, its burgeoning roots across the modern world, and its value in modern society.  Tibetan medicine has endured for so many centuries as a highly regarded science of healing.  However today Tibetan medicine faces modern challenges.  Through the works of the American Tibetan Medical Association(ATMA), and other groups, Tibetan physicians world-wide are beginning to collaborate to continue the authentic lineage of the Tibetan Healing Science, and secure its legal protection and precedence in the United States.

For the guest Tibetan physicians the symposium was a rare occasion to network and collaborate with other practitioners living here in the U.S..  For the fortunate medical students of the Shang Shung Institute it was an unprecedented privilege to learn from these eminent physicians of renowned lineage. The physicians shared with the students moving accounts of their personal experience.  They described their reverence for their teachers above them, their exhaustive studies and intensive training.  They shared their individual work, innovative research, as well as their experience within the United States. These laudable senior physicians reiterated the pivotal role of the students in perpetuating the authentic Tibetan Healing Science practice, and their continuing support in that work. Thus the Shang Shung Institute Tibetan medical students, representative of many different nations, developed their global perspective on the contemporary situation of the Tibetan Healing Science, and were greatly inspired in their pursuit of this dynamic medical lineage. 

Thanks to the dedicated work and generous contributions of the sponsors, organizers, symposium volunteers, and of course the continual support and blessings of Chogyal Namkhai Norbu, “Tibetan Medicine in America” was a complete success.  The Tibetan Healing Science Lineage is rooted in thousands of years of history. Compared to this root, its seeds here in the West are tiny young sprouts.  But as one keynote guest observed, America is the Land of Opportunity.  In this fertile soil, Tibetan medicine is free to develop, to continue its ancient lineage for the benefit of people today, and for all beings. 

Shang Shung institute School of Tibetan Medicine P.O. Box 278 Conway, MA 01341 secretary@shangshung.org P: 413-369-4928 F: 413-369-4473