Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new four-year program in Tibetan Medicine?

The Shang Shung Institute under the direction of Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo has developed a complete training program in Tibetan medicine that integrates theory, experiential applications through clinical practicum and intensive training in Tibetan language and culture. The residential program takes place over eight semesters for appropriately 20 hours per week. This training program replaces the previous foundation course and was developed over the past four years. For a description of the program go to the Medicine Program top navigation tab.

Do I need any special background to attend programs?

While it is extremely useful to have a background in either alternative or allopathic medicine, successfully completing the course of study is based more on commitment and good study habits. The main requirement is a deep commitment to study the material presented. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and in the case of the audio self-study program from every continent. The Institute supports an environment of cooperation and non-competitive learning.

I’m not ready to commit to a Four Year program in Tibetan medicine, what other options does the Shang Shung Institute offer?

Parallel to the Four-Year Program there are intensive courses and talks on Tibetan Medicine that are open to the public. Past intensive courses that have been offered include Tibetan Astrology, Tibetan Herbal Medicine, and Traditional Tibetan Kunye Massage. There is a three level program in Kunye massage that introduces students to the basic theory and practice of Tibetan medicine with an emphasis on Tibetan massage. Participants in Kunye Level I and II are eligible to receive PDA credits through NCCAOM. You can view the curriculum of the Kunye course under the Medicine Program tab. In addition to the courses and talks open to the public, individuals can also purchase MP3 collections of previous courses taught at the Shang Shung Institute and by Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche on Tibetan Medicine.

Is there Financial Aid?

If you have a demonstrated commitment to attend the program, we will try to work with you individually. We offer monthly payment plans, there may be work-study during a course, or other arrangements for a limited number of individuals with skills. It is enormously costly for the Institute to bring senior Tibetan Doctors with translators, visa costs, advertising for the program and maintain our resident doctor. The course fees do not even begin to cover the annual budget for our Tibetan Medicine program.

Is the Program accredited and can I receive a certificate of completion?

Shang Shung Institute in America is not yet an accredited institution although eventually we would like to become a candidate for accreditation as a post secondary institution. Even having candidacy would allow the Institute to provide government subsidized loans such as the Stafford loan program for our students. It is very important that our students in the program complete the course of study to qualify for accreditation candidacy. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that you seriously consider whether now is the time to begin this course of study. There are many opportunities to study introductory courses in Tibetan medicine throughout the country should you not be able to embark on a more serious commitment at this time. Upon completion and examination of the Four-year program, the Shang Shung Institute will issue a certificate of completion. CEU's may be also obtained on a state-by-state basis. Further certificates will be issued for the completion of the individual modules.

Will I be able to practice Tibetan Medicine upon completion?

While the Shang Shung Institute in America does not offer any credentials to authorize the practice of Tibetan Medicine nor does the US currently have licensing for Tibetan Medical practitioners, there are several avenues to pursue especially if one is already licensed in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, or as an H. H. P. "holistic health practitioner." The regulations for these vary from state to state. At this point, the only guarantee is that the Shang Shung Institute is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for Westerners interested in developing knowledge of Tibetan Medicine. In recent years, a national grass roots effort to recognize consumer’s access to the alternative therapies of their choice has been embraced by a number of US States. Please visit nationalhealthfreedom.org for a list of these States that have passed legislation for unlicensed practitioners of alternative therapies to work --- within specific guidelines outlined by their States.

What is the Audio Self-Study Course?

The audio self-study course is based on the three level foundation course in Tibetan medicine previously presented at the Shang Shung Institute from 1999-2003 by Drs. Thubten Phuntsok and Phuntsog Wangmo. The course was conceived by Dr. Thubten Phuntsok as an introductory survey course of the Four Tibetan Medical Tantras (rGyud-bzhi), the cornerstone of training for Tibetan physicians and the theoretical basis for advanced clinical training. The curriculum covered in the foundation course is intellectually rigorous and highly theoretical while presenting a survey of all the major topics of Tibetan medicine in a systematic progression. Each level was audio taped and resulted in an English translation from Dr. Thubten’s presentation in Tibetan by translator, Elio Quarisco. Levels I and II were repeated by Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo in a slightly different version using the same text. Later, these tapes were edited and compiled into MP3s. The Shang Shung Institute store makes these important educational resources available in MP3 format including the three volumes that go along with the recorded material. It should be understood that this is a work in progress and there are gaps in the text as well as some places where the recording departs from the texts. However, the information contained in the audio self-study course is a milestone for presenting this material in English previously unpublished to individuals seriously interested in Tibetan Medicine. It also serves as an excellent introduction to the ‘”foundation’” of Tibetan medicine theory as a basis for further study in the field. We highly recommend the audio self-study course if you are unable to attend any of the residential programs as a place to begin at your own pace.