Though major developments are occurring in the preparation of traditional medicines world over, the formulations of traditional Tibetan system of medicines - Sowa Rigpa- are made by fully confining to the ancient textual references, said Dr Jamyang Tashi, head of pharmaceutical department of Men-Tsee-Khang, Tibetan Medical Astrological Institute (TMAI) in Tibet.

However, modern equipment is used for particle size reduction, blending, pill making and cleaning in the laboratories. The quality parameters for raw materials and processing are followed as per what is written in the text, rGyud-bzhi, the four medical treatises with 156 chapters, he added.

Dr Tashi was delivering a lecture on Sowa-Rigpa (knowledge of healing) in a workshop organised by the Chennai-based Centre for Traditional Medicines and Research (CTMR) here. Siddha physicians from across Tamil Nadu and researchers from various traditional medicine institutes attended the programme.

He said the Tibetan pharmaceutical system follows 10 dosage forms envisaged by the ancient scripts. They are decoction, concentrate, powder, pills, medicinal paste, medicinal butter, medicinal ash, medicinal wines, gem medicines and herbal compounds.

Men-Tsee- Khang at Dharmasala manufactures and supplies 176 varieties of drugs and the institute is complying all the norms of good manufacturing practices. The medicines are distributed to the 53 clinical pharmacies all over Tibet and exports to foreign countries, Dr Tashi said.

According to him, unlike other countries, the traditional medicines in the Himalayan country are manufactured not for the purpose of commerce, but for a complete holistic healing of chronic and lifestyle diseases. In terms of ingredients and process there is no deviation from the classic rules, he stressed.

Sixteen medical practitioners from TMAI- Dharamsala in Tibet were sent to the workshop by the spiritual leader Dalai Lama.

The history and fundamental principles of Tibetan system of medicine was presented by Dr Sonam Dolkar Oshoe of Documentation & Publication Department of Men-Tsee-Khang. Dr T Thirunarayanan, secretary of CTMR spoke on the basic principles and history of Siddha medicine. He highlighted the scope for a collaboration between Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa systems and sought the support of Ayush department for realizing it.

Dr K Manickavasakam, director, National Institute of Siddha inaugurated the workshop. He appreciated the initiative of dialogue between the two traditional systems of medicines which could further strengthen both the ancient healing systems.

Dr B Muthukumar, executive committee member of Central Council for Indian Medicine said Sowa-Rigpa and Siddha medicines should be considered in the areas of reproductive and child care treatments.