A Journey to the Source of Tibetan Medicine

Duration: 3 weeks
Offered: Spring/Summer
Land costs: from $ 3,000

One of the most fascinating aspects of Tibetan culture is it's practice of medicine. This tour focuses on the entire methodology of the Tibetan medical system. We begin by accompanying Tibetan doctors on their annual journey to collect medicinal herbs in the beautiful high plateau regions of east Tibet's Ganzi, and Derge counties. We then return to the county capital of Ganzi or Derge and watch the process of making medicine from the herbs, and finally visit several clinics where the diagnosis of patients and the prescribing of medicines are carried out. Included are lectures on the origins of Tibetan medicine, and local doctors views on the benefits of eastern vs. western medicine, Tibetan methods of diagnosis, and Tibetan Buddhist views of mind/ body health relationships. The course can be extended to include extended stays in Chengdu for more concentrated study. No prior medical knowledge is needed.