Tibetan Cure: Exhibition and Free Consultation on Tibetan Medical Treatment

Beneficiaries of Tibetan Medicine: Dr. Nanditha Krishna, Honorary Director of the CP Ramaswamy Aiyar Foundation, admitted that little is known of Tibetan medicine in Chennai. So she informed about the fully functional Tibetan Medical Centre permanently housed within the CP Ramaswamy foundation premises. The Centre is active 6 days a week from Tuesday through Sunday, open to all who wish to avail the services. Dr. Krishna vouched for the 'wonderful miracles' she personally observed especially with cancer. She cited the recovery of Col. Gopalachari who had cancer for 13 years and was completely cured resorting to Tibetan treatment. Mrs. Pushpa Chari, his wife, present at the inaugural function asserted her conviction in the Tibetan medicine after witnessing her husband's recovery.

Cancer was in focus at the inaugural function because Dr. Krishna's mother herself was a cancer patient and though cured of cancer, did not recover from chemotherapy. The terrible memories of people in the audience emphasised the need for alternate medical system.

Emergence to Growth: When Men-Tsee-Khang was established in 1961, soon after Chinese invasion and in exile, Dr. Dorjee Rapten Neshar, recalls the modest beginning with only 3 doctors and one astrologer. Today, with the gaining popularity Tibetan medical system is actively operating in different parts of India with over 56 hospitals and 27 astrologers. Dr.Dorjee, as he was referred, shares how Tibetan Medicine is reaching every nook and corner of India. He also fondly recounts that he was actually forced to learn Tibetan medicine because of his tradition and from very few students who started out, the strength has grown to 400 students in the last twenty years.

Scepticism to Miracles: During the inception of Tibetan Medical Centre in Tamil Nadu, people were reluctant to come forward. It took a long time before people warmed up to the Tibetan Medical practices. Though language communication was a major challenge initially, Dr. Dorjee stated that with the reception it is obvious even language barriers have been crossed. Other parts of the world, where traditional Tibetan medical therapy is practiced include parts of Mongolia, sections of Russia and places through Himalayan belt such as Ladakh. Last year the Government of India amended and recognised Tibetan Medical practices in line with Ayurveda, Unani and Yoga.

Warm Reception: Mrs. Girija Vaidhyanathan, I.A.S., Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, inaugurated the Exhibition and offered a warm embrace to the Tibetan Medical System. Citing the positive move of the Indian government to acknowledge and integrate Tibetan medicine in the Indian system the Health Secretary also stated that since there is only one Health secretary in Tamil Nadu for medical practices and not bifurcated into Allopathy and alternate medical systems, "it's quite a challenge to see how we can work together. Each medical system has a role to play because in certain conditions we are forced; we are spoilt to adopt quick remedies." She re-instated that Allopathy does not have all the answers.

In a note of gratitude, she praised Mr. Chari who saw beyond himself and took the initiative of bringing Tibetan medicine to Chennai. A permanent Centre working out in Chennai, where a developed system of an alternate medical practice, traced back to the 6^th century, was commended as a positive move. She conveyed her sincere concern that Tibetan medical exhibition and practice should generate interest.

Tibetan medicine believes that good health and illness result from the relationship between the mind and the body at one level and the individual's connectedness to the natural world and a sense of spirituality which makes the whole human person. The Tibetan Medicine Exhibition at Chennai is attracting a lot of lot public interest.

Source-Medindia