MEN-TSEE-KHANG

THE TIBETAN MEDICAL AND ASTROLOGICIAL INSTITUTE

Men-Tsee-Khang is the cultural, educational and charitable institution that functions under the guidance and support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Men-Tsee-Khang was first established in Lhasa, Tibet in 1916 by H.H. the Thirteenth Dalai Lama and on the 23rd March 1961 H.H. the Fourteenth Dalai Lama re- established Men-Tsee-Khang in Dharamsala, India, to preserve and promote the ancient system of Tibetan medicine, an important part of Tibetan culture and learning.

Its Mission

• To promote and practice gSo-wa rig-pa, the Tibetan system of medicine, astronomy and astrology
•   To provide accessible health care to people, regardless of caste, colour or creed
•   To provide free or subsidized health care to the poor and needy, all new arrivals from Tibet and those over the age of 65 years
•   To produce Tibetan medicines in an environmentally-sensitive manner

The Head Office and main facility of Men-Tsee-Khang is located in Dharamsala, India and include the following departments:

The Medical and Astrological College : The College has been training students in Tibetan medicine, Tibetan Astronomy and Astrology since 1961.  The five-year programme of study in traditional Tibetan medicine culminates in the Kachupa degree – Bachelor of Traditional Tibetan Medicine and Surgery. Students of the astrological sciences attain a five-year Tsipa Kachupa degree – Bachelor of Traditional Tibetan Astronomy and Astrology. Further details regarding admissions may be obtained from the Men-Tsee-Khang website: www.men-tsee-khang.org

The Astrological Department : The spread of Shri Kalachakra Tantra in Tibet marked the beginning of the practice of Tibetan astronomy in the region. This deparment produces the Tibetan almanacs and calendars every year. It also prepares detailed life charts and horoscopes, yearly predictions and other forecasts which are so much a part of traditional Tibetan life and culture.

Hospital and Out Patient Clinics : The main hospital which provides free medical treatment to poor patients is located in Dharamsala and there is a network of 40 outpatient clinics throughout India and Nepal with resident doctors who are graduates of the Tibetan Medical College.

Pharmaceutical Department : This department is responsible for the production of a wide range of Tibetan medicines. These medicines are sent to the branch clinics throughout India and Nepal and to patients all over the world.

Research and Development Department which conducts clinical research, analysis and documentation

Materia Medica Department which documents the ingredients used in Tibetan medicine, including the cultivation of Tibetan medicinal plants.

Herbal Products Research Department which is responsible for the development and manufacture of SORIG Tibetan Herbal Healthcare products based on traditional Tibetan herbal formulations and produced using modern technology and good manufacturing practice.

Men-Tsee-Khang Exports : This office located in New Delhi is responsible for the overall marketing and exports of all SORIG Tibetan Herbal Healthcare products.