Participants in the Tibetan Medical Conference in Tenerife with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, the Keynote Speaker
Bringing Benefit
The 2nd Annual Tibetan Medicine Conference in Tenerife
March 16 – 17, 2015 at the Universidad de La Laguna
by Leela Whitcomb-Hewitt
Bringing benefit – this is the meaning of sman, the Tibetan word for medicine; doctor being called sman pa – the one who benefits.
At the 2nd annual Tenerife Tibetan Medicine Conference I was once again humbled and deeply inspired by the true bringer of benefit, our Dr Phuntsog Wangmo. She purified body and mind and all phenomena into the essence of the five elements in her opening talk on the subject. Then the fundamental root of health and all internal disease was revealed, the digestion, thanks to the medicine wisdom of Dr Yangdron Kalzang. Dr Namgyal Qusar, in his clear and patient manner, helped us understand the ways to keep our digestion heat strong and balanced. Drink boiled water- whether warm during cold season or colder if it is hot outside, plus many other important tips. Then diet according to season and constitution. Finally Matthew and I helped people apply some basic dietary principles to their own conditions through a short questionnaire and advice sheet. (Be in touch if you want a copy.)
The next day in true collaborative spirit of Tibetan medicine, wisdom of other traditions were shared. The scholar, researcher and doctor Dr Roberti di Sarsina highlighted the principle of people center medical care. Dr. Duran gave an inspirational talk about Integrative Medicine, the best of all fields working together. Yes! True to Tibetan medicine.
Our Vajra sister and compassionate allopathic doctor and Yantra Yoga teacher Stella Rungen, told us how her patients are benefited from her knowledge of Yantra Yoga and Tibetan Medicine. The wisdom continued to flow with Tibetan medicine talks on treatment of obesity and cardiovascular disease with Dr Phuntsog Wangmo and Dr Namgyal Qusar. And, as we know, Yantra Yoga, Vajra Dance and Khaita joyful dances all make us feel good. Matthew and I presented them as means of staying healthy in the context of Tibetan medicine.
As a triumphant finish, like incredible rich, sweet, light, perfect icing on our super duper cake, Rinpoche gave the concluding talk. He came in strong and clear blowing all our minds open. He is for sure the supreme bringer of benefit.
