10:30am - 11:00am |
Check-In |
11:00am - 1:00pm |
Pre-conference workshop(s) |
11:00am - 11:50am |
Tibetan Yoga, Healing Through Breath Instructor: Luke Karamol, AHC, RYT & Matthew Schmookler, Menpa One of the oldest recorded systems of Yoga that exists in the world, for centuries Yantra Yoga was a closely guarded secret reserved for advanced yogic practitioners. In light of its universal benefits, Yantra Yoga was first introduced to the West in the 1970s by the famous Tibetan scholar and professor, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Synchronizing every movement with conscious breathing we find ourselves in a perfectly relaxed state. Yantra Yoga aims to guide the breath into a natural harmony with the mind and body, acting directly on the five winds in the fundamental theory of Traditional Tibetan Medicine. |
11:50am - 12:50pm |
Tibetan Medicine 101 Presenters: Jennifer Daubenmier, Ph.D.; and Tashi Dorjee, Menpa, RN This presentation will provide an introduction to the holistic and personalized care approach of Tibetan Medicine. We will review major historical influences of Tibetan Medicine, discuss key principles of health and disease, diagnostic methods, and treatment modalities. Participants will have an opportunity to complete a Tibetan Medicine Self-Assessment to learn how a personalized care approach can apply to their own health and well-being. |
1:00pm - 1:10pm |
Welcome Speech Yangdron Kalzang, Menpa, DAOM, LAc. & Erica Weirich, M.D. |
1:10pm - 1:15pm |
Mindfulness Meditation Instructor: Lobsang Partsang, Menpa, Geshe Ngarampa |
1:15pm - 1:50pm |
Keynote: Who Am I? Presenter: Sakti Srivastava, M.D. “Who am I?” is the quintessential question asked in all cultures throughout history. This presentation explores this conundrum through multiple scientific and philosophical lenses. By weaving together these varied approaches, perhaps we can create a framework for a comprehensive understanding of diagnosis and treatment in the clinical setting. |
2:00pm - 3:30pm |
Tea & Midday Meal | Group Photos |
3:45pm - 5:00pm |
Comparative Patient Assessment and Diagnosis Panelists: Tibetan Medicine: Namgyal Qusar, Menpa; Yangdron Kalzang, Menpa, DAOM, LAc. Western Integrative Medicine: Ronesh Sinha, M.D.; Erica Weirich, M.D. Moderated by: Sakti Srivastava, M.D. This panel juxtaposes Western and Tibetan systems of diagnosis and treatment to highlight similarities and differences. We start with a clinical case presentation as an example. Using that as a springboard, we then generalize our discussion to a systems level to deeply explore strengths and limitations of each system. Finally, we discuss ways in which both systems can be integrated for the ultimate benefit of all patients. |
5:00pm - 6:15pm |
Explorations and Dialogues 1: Constitutions, Phenotypes, Metabolic Profiles, Microbiome, and Addiction Panelists: Tibetan Medicine: Tawni Tidwell, Menpa, Ph.D; Namgyal Qusar, Menpa Western Integrative Medicine: Mike Hoaglin, M.D.; Chwen-Yuen Chen, M.D. Moderated by: Jennifer Daubenmier, Ph.D. Modern Western medicine traditionally has viewed individuals as the same, interchangeable – one treatment that is good for one person is good for another. For example, in the case of dietary interventions, research has sought to examine which diet is best for weight loss and metabolic health. There are low fat vs low carb vs Mediterranean diets – and scientists conduct randomized controlled trials to determine which diet is best for individuals "on average”, or a population as a whole. However, more recently, a new movement in Western medicine has developed, referred to as ‘personalized medicine.’ With the mapping of the human genome and study of the microbiome, we are beginning to understand how individual variation in the genome or microbiome may put individuals at risk for certain diseases, and, once these are identified, individuals can be screened and receive more tailored guidelines for prevention and treatment. Interestingly, one could say that ‘personalized medicine’ is a fundamental hallmark of Tibetan medicine with the defining of individual constitutions based on variations in 3 principle life energies and holistic approach to diagnosis. Speakers will address how consideration of individual constitution and phenotypes in Western and Tibetan medicine can be useful in understanding, preventing and treating disease and maintaining wellness in the context of metabolic health, the microbiome, and addiction. |
6:15pm - 6:20pm |
Dedication Meditation Instructor: Lobsang Partsang, Menpa, Geshe Ngarampa |
6:20pm - 6:30pm |
Closing |
8:30am - 9:30am |
Early Check-In |
8:45am - 9:15am |
Morning Yoga Instructor: Tia Rich, Ph.D. Begin your morning with refreshing and serene breath-based mindful yoga. Learn simple self-care stretches to support your vitality and sustain equanimity. The session will flow from standing to seated poses while helping you to listen to your body, and compassionately and wisely respect your capabilities. PLEASE NOTE: This practice can be done in the clothes you will wear for the rest of the conference day. No special attire is needed. No yoga mats are needed. No prior experience is necessary. All are welcome to enjoy the session. |
9:30am - 9:40am |
Welcome Speech Erica Weirich, M.D. & Yangdron Kalzang, Menpa, DAOM, LAc. |
9:40am - 9:45am |
Mindfulness Meditation Instructor: Lobsang Partsang, Menpa, Geshe Ngarampa |
9:45am - 10:20am |
Keynote: Development of Tibetan Medicine in the West Presenter: Kunchok Gyaltsen, Menpa, Ph.D. Tibetan Medicine and its practitioners are a relatively new phenomena in the US and it appears that the majority of Americans do not really have an understanding of the premises of Tibetan Medicine. Clearly, more work is needed to establish a new system of integrative healing which focuses on the body, mind and the spirit. This speech will focus on current research, education and clinical practice of Tibetan Medicine here in the west. It will also focus on the scarcity of practitioners of Tibetan Medicine, the limited available translated materials and the prevailing attitude regarding Tibetan Medicine by westerners and how to address these obstacles in order to move forward and bring Tibetan medicine fully into western society. |
10:30am - 12:00pm |
Explorations and Dialogues 2: Integrative Health Care in Underserved Communities Panelists: Tibetan Medicine: Kunchok Gyaltsen, Menpa, Ph.D.; Nida Chenagtsang, Menpa Western Integrative Medicine: John Rosenberg, M.D.; Phuoc V. Le, M.D. Moderated by: Erica Weirich, M.D. Integrative and traditional medical practices can offer immeasurable value in treating a multitude of health conditions. In underserved populations, such care may be inaccessible, may in some cases be more accessible than Western care, or may be variable in type, cost or quality of service. Panelists will share their experiences, insights and perspectives on integrative care for medically underserved communities, as efforts increase to shift the paradigm toward patient empowerment, wellness and preventative care. Audience members will be invited to participate. |
12:00pm - 12:10pm |
Group Photos |
12:10pm - 1:30pm |
Lunch Break |
1:30pm - 3:00pm |
Explorations and Dialogues 3: Clinical Perspectives and Research Studies Panelists: Tibetan Medicine: Namgyal Qusar, Menpa; Tam Nguyen, MD. Western Integrative Medicine: Miriam Cameron, PhD, RN.; Eve Henry, M.D. Moderated by: Tawni Tidwell, Menpa, Ph.D The health care system in North America is recognizing the need for personalized care in clinical approaches that engage the vast diversity of our human community and variations in physiologies. Tibetan medicine has a long history of personalized care through rich theoretical foundations and critical clinical practices based on understandings of individualized physiological pathways and their attendant diagnostics and therapeutics, as well as the vast diversity of individuals vis-à-vis constitutions and their individual variations. Developments with integrative health care collaborators and research partners are allowing both Western and Tibetan medicine to explore perspectives to personalized care that dialogue and contrast with each of their own. This panel will explore the clinical practices, research approaches, and patient tools for assessing constitutions, population variations, and other forms of diagnostic and therapeutic individualized approaches in both Western integrative health care and Tibetan medicine. Some areas of exploration will include constitutional self-assessments and guidelines, diagnostic/therapeutic specificities and types, stress response variations, and constitutional/phenotypic expressions from external and internal influences in both clinical and research applications. |
3:10pm - 4:55pm |
Workshop Sessions The same workshop will be held twice. Each person can attend two workshops. |
3:10pm - 3:50pm 4:00pm - 4:40pm |
Workshop 1: Humor, Health, and Happiness @ LK203 Instructor: Bob Fu Yuan Lin Research has shown that laughter is sometimes the best medicine. The author, a venture capitalist with many years of business experience in the healthcare field, will share stories and reflections on humor, health, and happiness from his two best sellers “Find your way to success and happiness” and “Super-Happiness to heal and build” in a very delightful way. |
3:10pm - 3:50pm 4:00pm - 4:40pm |
Workshop 2: Yukchö Stick Therapy @ LK204 Instructor: Eric Rosenbush, L.Ac. & Jason Whitlow Yukchö or ‘Stick Therapy’ is an external therapy unique to the Tibetan medical tradition, with origins in the spiritual and yogic practices of Tibet. The practitioner uses rattan sticks tipped with herb pouches to rhythmically tap points on the patient’s body, combining the percussion with healing mantra and visualization techniques. The method releases tension, relaxes the body, and balances the subtle energies, and can be used to treat rigid limbs, back pain, digestive issues, mental and emotional disturbances, and more. |
3:10pm - 3:50pm 4:00pm - 4:40pm |
Workshop 3: Personalized Meditation Practice @ LK205 Instructor: Lobsang Partsang, Menpa, Geshe Ngarampa Personalized Meditation is designed to each individual’s constitution. It’s a powerful practice offering new tools for individuals to walk more in balance and reduce the mental, emotional, and physical impact of one’s constitution. This practice also opens the door to self-healing and the management of physical and emotional imbalances. This particular mindset meditation is very unique in Tibetan wellness. PLEASE NOTE: If you are planning to attend this workshop, please fill out “Constitutional Self Assessment Tool” and “Lifestyle Guidelines Tool”. |
3:10pm - 3:50pm 4:00pm - 4:40pm |
Workshop 4: Medicine and Astro-science @ LK206 Instructor: Jhampa Kalsang, Ph.D. As saying goes "if you want to be good doctor then you should have some minimum knowledge of astro-Science, so as other way around too". In Tibet, the art of healing and astro-science worked together for thousands of years. Although the interrelationship between the two sciences may be an unfamiliar concept to many Westerners, most Tibetans see them as inseparable. |
3:10pm - 3:50pm 4:00pm - 4:40pm |
Workshop 5: Healing Through Healthy Habits @ LK304 Instructor: Matthew Schmookler, Menpa & Adam Okerblom, LAc, Menpa This lecture provides a general presentation of healthy lifestyle guidelines from the classical root texts of Tibetan Medicine. We cover the important points of how Tibetan Medicine approaches health and healing through lifestyle and daily choices. This includes guidelines for seasonal health, constitutional health, preventative medicine, treatment of imbalance, and the principles of “Sacred Conduct”. Participants gain useful tips and insight for health and balance, in relation to their own unique elemental constitution. |
3:10pm - 3:50pm 4:00pm - 4:40pm |
Workshop 6: Individualized Nutrition for Your Constitution @ LK305 Instructor: Choeying Phuntsok, Menpa Diet and nutrition are equally as important as prevention and the various other treatment methods in Tibetan medicine. The Tibetan medicine theory of diet and nutrition is not a “new age” idea but rather for a thousand year old clinical practice! Tibetan medicine does not generalize nutrition for the wider audience but instead bases recommendations for herbs and types of foods on your own unique constitution. In this workshop, Menpa Choeying will help you to find your own unique constitution type and learn what are the right foods/herbs for you to eat in your daily life to maintain optimal health and mind/body balance. |
3:10pm - 3:50pm 4:00pm - 4:40pm |
Workshop 7: Kitchen Spice Medicine @ LK306 Instructor: Nashalla Gwyn Nyinda, Menpa Not only do kitchen spices enhance flavor and aid digestion, many of the very spices in your kitchen cabinet are powerful natural aids for simple and chronic health issues. Modern scientific analysis is revealing what ancient healing practices have long known, food is medicine. Traditional Tibetan Medicine states: “there is no substance on earth which cannot be transformed into medicine, even poisons.” By applying the basic concept of kitchen spice medicine, patients can create simple antidotes to their own conditions and symptoms and their own particular health needs. |
3:10pm - 4:55pm |
Workshop 8: Brief One-to-one Consults with Tibetan Doctors @ LK102 Tibetan Medicine Doctors:
This will be a 15 minute consultation about your general health including your health history, diet and lifestyle. Diagnostic methods such as pulse palpation may be performed as well. Based on this information, an individualized plan of treatment will be formulated. PLEASE NOTE: Consults are limited, please sign up in advance at check-in desk. |
5:00pm - 5:25pm |
Closing Remarks |
5:25pm - 5:30pm |
Dedication Meditation Instructor: Lobsang Partsang, Menpa, Geshe Ngarampa |