Varanasi: A two-day national seminar on Tibetan medicine began on Friday at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, under the joint supervision of the Central Council for Tibetan Medicine and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Dharamsala.

As the chief guest, Pema Tso, Health Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration, said that Sowa-Rigpa is a science of healing based on maintaining a balance between the body, mind and nature. She stated that the system makes use of Himalayan herbs, minerals and other natural medicines.

Dr. Thupten Kunphel, President of the Central Council for Tibetan Medicine, said that scholars from across the country would present their views on the principles and clinical practices of Tibetan medicine during the conference.

The keynote speaker, Padma Shri Dr. Padma Gurmet, highlighted the importance of the authentic classical text of Tibetan medicine, Gyüshi (The Four Tantras).

Presiding over the programme, Prof. Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Vice-Chancellor of the institute, stated that Tibetan medicine, despite being an ancient tradition, remains a useful system of treatment even in modern times. A total of 140 participants are taking part in the seminar, while 11 selected participants from across the country will present their research papers.

Prof. Dorje Damdul delivered the welcome address, while Mr. Tenzin Norbu, Additional Secretary of Health Department proposed the vote of thanks. The inaugural ceremony was conducted in accordance with Tibetan spiritual traditions and included mantra chanting. While the seminar concluded with the hope of giving a new global identity to the nearly  2500 year old Tibetan medical system (Sowa-Rigpa), alongside modern scientific evidence, standardization of medicines, and conservation of natural resources.