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Lhasa Tour of
Mentsekhang
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Originally built in 1916, Mentsekhang (also called 'Tibetan Medical
and Astrological Institute' at that time) was the place of research
for Tibetan medicine and calendar calculations for the former
Tibetan local government. After a large expansion in 1980,
Mentsekhang became the center for the treatment, training, research
and production of Tibetan medicine. Covering an area of more than
40,000 sq meters (about 10 acres) and with a staff of 450,
Mentsekhang is also the biggest Tibetan traditional hospital in
Tibet.
Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute.
Mentsekhang
Mentsekhang contains special medical departments for brain blood
vessels, orthopedics, pediatrics, internal medicine and surgery,
etc. It also has two institutes of Tibetan traditional medicine and
calendar calculations, and also one Tibetan medicine factory. The
history of Tibetan medicine can be dated back to 2,300 years ago. It
summed up the Tibetan people's experiences as they fought against
diseases and assimilated their local treatments with traditional
medicine of the Chinese, Indian, Nepalese and even Sri Lankan.
Because of its efficacy on many diseases, Tibetan medicine has drawn
wide attention from home and abroad since the 1980s. Doctors do use
traditional methods to diagnose in the hospital. For example,
doctors talk with patients; observe their appearances and tongues,
and take their pulses. Most of the prescriptions are compounds
because there are fewer side effects when a prescription is composed
of two or more recipes of herbal medicines. What's more, Tibetan
medicines also have special effects on such ailments as
hypertension, heart disease, paralysis, gastric ulcers, falling
sickness, etc.
Tibetan medicine has a close relationship to the Tibetan calendar.
Tibetan doctors believe that the body changes with the seasons.
Therefore, they pay more attention to observing the changing of the
stars, clouds, winds, lakes and even birds. According to Tibetan
custom, Mentsekhang is also the place for astronomy and calendar
calculations. Experts in Mentsekhang not only calculate and edit
Tibetan calendars but also do research in astronomy. The Tibetan
Medicine Factory was founded in 1964 and after an expansion in 1995,
became the largest one in Tibet. With modern technology in
manufacturing, the factory produces more than 350 kinds of
medicines, most of which are famous both at home and abroad.
Mentsekhang is also responsible for training Tibetan doctors. The
Tibetan medical theory is portrayed on Thangkas as a teaching tool.
Colorful thangkas depicting somatology (the physiological and
anatomical study of the body), blood circulation and even surgical
procedures can be seen hanging on the walls. By observing the
exhibition of special tools and appliances, one can gain a clear
understanding of Tibetan medicine.
Tour Lhasa
with Great Wall Adventure Club, the best
Lhasa
tour agent to help
you with your hotel booking and transfers.
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