Amchis
Amchis in Ladakh in the Indian Himalayas.
In 1996, Kathi Roth came into contact with the Amchis of the Trans Singela Area (TSA) in Ladakh.
Amchi: a doctor of traditional Tibetan medicine, which uses plant and mineral substances. This type of medicine is widespread in Ladakh and Tibet.
Kathi Roth experienced the great poverty of the people in this mountainous and dry landscape.
The villages of the TSA lie at about 4200 metres above sea level and are only accessible over high passes. Transport is by horse and donkey.
The Amchis of the TSA have not had the opportunity to attend school. Their medical knowledge has been passed down orally through generations. The Amchis don’t have the means to ensure the health care of the population, who live under such difficult climatic conditions. Throughout the arid region, for example, there are no herbs to make medicine from. Attempts to grow herbs have failed.
Since 1996 Kathi Roth has travelled to the region every year. In the first few years, she acquired an overview of the situation and then began setting up small aid projects. As a nurse she furthered her education in health promotion and prevention in Switzerland.
Kathi has practised meditation for more than 20 years and feels very comfortable in the Buddhist culture.
The Ladakhis are happy people. They are close to nature and deeply religious. Simplicity and ethical values are commonplace.
Health programmesLadakhpartners has implemented serveral campaigns to help locals to help themselves. This includes money to buy raw materials in order for Amchis to produce traditional medicine.
Money is also used for medical equipment and further education of the Amchis.
For generations, the Amchis of the Trans Singela Area have gained their knowledge through word of mouth, mostly through fathers or uncles.
