New cohort of Tibetan Medicine Diet & Lifestyle Counselors graduated from the SSI School of Tibetan Medicine in the US
After 1.5 years of studies, a group of dedicated and talented students graduated from our TM Diet & Lifestyle Counselor Program, the first part of the complete Tibetan Medicine training.
They were guided by our precious Director, Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo la, and supported by wonderful teachers and Menpas, Irina Pankevich and Medegma Budaeva.
Over 1.5 years, students learned:
-Tibetan Medicine Root Tantra
-Formation of the Body
-Etiology
-Preventative Medicine
-Basics of Pharmacology
-External Observations and Diagnostics
-Qualities of Foods, Spices, and Drinks
-Tibetan Language, and more
We would like to highlight the stories and experiences of some of the graduates:
Atsushi Kubo, Health Consultant and Therapist
The Tibetan Medicine Diet & Lifestyle Counselor Program has been one of the most transformative experiences in my life. Through this program, I gained profound insight into human health, diagnostic methods, and treatment approaches in a compassionate and holistic way.
In modern society, we are often overwhelmed by an abundance of healthcare information, making it difficult to know which approach is suitable for each individual case. This program taught me the importance of first understanding oneself and then applying accurate treatments to maintain balance, considering factors such as season, age, and living environment. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical training, the course significantly strengthened my confidence in daily counseling and therapeutic practice.
I sincerely recommend this program to anyone interested in health, healing, and a deeper understanding of human nature. I also appreciated the dedication and compassion of the teachers and organizers. I could feel throughout the entire program their sincere wish to preserve and share this precious Tibetan wisdom for all.
Dr. Alexina Mehta, Naturopathic Doctor, Ayurvedic and Functional Medicine Practitioner
Seventeen years of working in women’s health has taught me that symptoms are rarely the whole story, and that real healing almost always requires going deeper than a diagnosis or a protocol.
I received my Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in 2008, and much of my work focuses on helping women restore balance in their hormones, digestion, metabolism, and emotional well-being by addressing root causes. My post-doctoral training spans Ayurveda, Functional Medicine, Acupuncture, Transpersonal Psychology, and Energy Medicine, allowing me to integrate physical, emotional, and energetic approaches in my work.
Since 2012, I’ve traveled regularly to Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in India, where I’ve had the opportunity to study, observe, and immerse myself in teachings and practices that hold a profoundly different understanding of health, the human body, and how we live. Meeting His Holiness during these travels was a deeply inspiring and humbling experience, one that catalyzed a dedicated study of Tibetan medicine that I carry into my practice today.
The Tibetan Diet and Lifestyle program emerged from that study and adds a truly valuable dimension to my work, especially in understanding constitutional patterns, elemental balance, and how diet, behavior, and environment influence health in ways that modern medicine often overlooks. Being part of this program was deeply enriching, both as a practitioner and as a student of life. I highly recommend this program!
Mariann Csányi, Physiotherapist
Hello,
My name is Mariann Csányi. I am a Physiotherapist in Hungary. I am truly grateful that I had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo and Irina Pankevich. Their kindness and compassion guide me on the path.
We gained valuable knowledge about diet and lifestyle, which is very powerful. I can apply it in my daily life and also share it with my patients.
As a Physiotherapist, I encountered musculoskeletal problems that I was unable to fully help with. After that, I became familiar with the Neuro-Movement Correction method, which helped me understand that the cause of a problem can also be an imbalance in organ function.
For example, in the case of lower back pain, the solution is not always specific lower back exercises, but sometimes a lifestyle change that supports stomach and kidney function.
Tibetan medicine has long been well-versed in these issues, so I am very happy that I could learn these answers.
This learning process was also a journey of self-knowledge. I came to understand myself better. I have changed many habits, and my life has become better: I am more energetic, happier, and healthier.
We learned the basics of the Tibetan language. Dr. Phuntsog kindly explained the original Tibetan medical texts, which allowed us to understand this precious knowledge more deeply.
Moreover, we cooked together, became familiar with different kinds of foods, spices, and tastes. It was not just a theoretical course—we truly experienced it.
The study group was very supportive, and we helped each other despite coming from different countries and backgrounds.
Thank you so much!
May this precious knowledge spread across the world and bring balance, and support to those who need it!
Barbara Mehta Alexander, Lawyer in the Public Service
Hello everyone, I am Barbara Mehta Alexander residing in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I am a lawyer and have had the privilege and honour to practice law in the public service in the areas of disability law, personal injury, privacy law and artificial intelligence.
I am forever thankful to have taken the Tibetan Medicine Diet and Lifestyle Counselor Program with the esteemed Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, Gan-La and Dr. Irina Pankevich. I studied this program with my sweet sister, Dr. Alexina Mehta and I am so grateful. I have learned so many precious teachings that I take to heart. I have enjoyed learning about the metaphors, diagnostics, anatomy and pharmacology.
I am drawn to Tibetan medicine studies as it sees the whole person as cosmos. The body mirrors the universe, the five elements (earth, water, fire, wind, space) are both outside and inside you. It is a beautiful system based in balance and unity. It is one that emphasizes the importance of cultivating compassion for all beings. I am excited to continue education on the path of becoming a Tibetan Medicine Doctor. I aim to help bring peace of mind regarding health, identify and treat root imbalances and increase happiness!
Katya Kuzmitskaya, Communications Manager at the SSI School of Tibetan Medicine and Coach for Women and Mothers
I’ve been working at the School as Administrative and Communications Manager for almost 4 years, and even though I’ve witnessed and experienced the wonderful effects of Tibetan Medicine, I never thought I could become a Tibetan Medicine practitioner, like talented people around me.
I went into the program so I can better do my job in supporting the School. What I received is a deeper connection with the lineage and the treasury of this vast system. Having gone through the program, I am even more committed to helping people learn about Tibetan Medicine.
I learned to look at health through the unique perspective of Tibetan Medicine, including the cause of disease, formation of the body, embryology, anatomy (organs and channels), elements, tastes and natures of foods and behaviors, digestion, life force, and overall physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.
I think the most important part of the program is connection with authentic tradition through Dr. Phuntsog who truly preserves the healing knowledge in its purity, how she received it from her teachers in Tibet.
We were also fortunate to cook and share medicinal meals together, which helped us get closer – even through the screen.
I look forward to bringing this knowledge into my work with women and mothers, as well as helping my loved ones.
Celebrating this auspicious occasion, we are expressing our gratitude to:
-Professor Namkhai Norbu, the founder of the Shang Shung Institute and precious Teacher to many of us, for the ever-present guidance and inspiration.
-Dr. Phuntsog, for her dedicated work to transmit Tibetan Medicine knowledge in its purity, her compassionate heart, and calm, warm, and healing presence.
-Menpas Irina and Medegma, for supporting the students weekly, checking their homework, providing clarifications, and working tirelessly as always.
-All the students who chose to receive precious Tibetan Medicine knowledge at our School and showed profound dedication, respect, and care for the lineage and one another.
Most of the graduates will continue their studies in the 4-year Tibetan Medicine program that will begin in September this year.
May their paths be full of blessings and may they embody and bring the precious healing qualities of Tibetan Medicine into the world for the benefit of all beings!
Our next cohort will begin in January, 2027. If you would like to learn more, email katya@shangshung.org
