"10th Tibetan Medical Camp Concludes in Kochi"
(Report by Friends of Tibet (Kochi), July 10, 2011)

The Camp Venue: Ashirbhavan, Kacherippadi, Ernakulam, Kerala. (Photos: Friends of Tibet)

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Kochi: The 10th Traditional Tibetan Medical Camp by Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was held in Kochi from July 8-10, 2011. The Tibetan medical camps hosted by Friends of Tibet was started in September 2010 during the first visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Kochi city. By now this ancient medical system has attracted hundreds of people from all over the state and outside.

Ashirbhavan at Kacherippadi has become the permanent venue for the Tibetan medical camps. The first Tibetan medical camp was held at a temporary venue at Fort Kochi with the idea of introducing Tibetan medical system to the people of Kochi city had less than 30 people to consult Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar, Chief Medical Officer of Men-Tsee-Khang. The second camp saw an increase of 40 more patients. And by July 2011 the Friends of Tibet Database has about 600 registered people to consult doctors regularly. Dr Tara Ngawang Lodoe was later included in the team of doctors to accommodate more patients in the coming months. It seems like the people of Kerala have already started their acquaintance with the Tibetan medicine which was otherwise unknown.

For many the venue for the Tibetan medical camp in Kochi is more than a medical consulting place. For them it is also a rare chance to meet with each other and to discuss the issue of Tibet with Friends of Tibet Campaigners. Every month during the camps, one can find people exchanging their notes and views on the issue; collecting their membership cards; discussing their concerns and debating on the issue during spare time. To those in Friends of Tibet, this is indeed a wonderful opportunity to speak to the maximum people about the issue of Tibet and the dangers Indian subcontinent is facing from the expanding military influence of People Liberation Army of China.

Friends of Tibet Campaigners are now in the preparation of hosting the 11th Tibetan Camp in August and to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Men-Tsee-Khang in exile in India. The upcoming exhibition in September will depict the development stages of Men-Tsee-Khang in exile, from its humble beginning to a full-fledged Institute of Tibetan Medicine and Tibetan Astrology in India. It depicts the progress and advancement in traditional Tibetan Medicine and Tibetan Astrology, practiced for thousands of years in Tibet and the Himalayan region. It also shows the treatment process, research, publications, medicine and astrological paintings, skin and body care products, health drinks, supplements and the branch clinics.

To know more about the Kochi Tibetan Medical Camps, visit: www.friendsoftibet.org/wellbeing or email: wellbeing@friendsoftibet.org

A Friends of Tibet Campaigner during the 10th Tibetan Medical Camp.