
Tibetan Medicine System (Sowa Rigpa): Ancient Healing on Our Pokhara Cultural Tours
What Is Tibetan Medicine (Sowa Rigpa)?
Tibetan Medicine — known as Sowa Rigpa, the “Science of Healing” — is one of the world’s oldest and most profound medical systems. With a history of over 2,000 years, it continues to thrive as a vital part of Tibetan culture and spirituality. Alongside Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, Sowa Rigpa is one of Asia’s three major traditional medical systems.
Q: What is Sowa Rigpa?
A: Sowa Rigpa is the ancient Tibetan system of healing, also called Tibetan medicine. It uses natural herbs, balanced diet, and spiritual practices to restore health.
The Tibetan medicine system, also known as Sowa Rigpa, is an ancient Tibetan healing system that integrates spiritual and physical practices. This traditional Tibetan healing system uses pulse diagnosis, herbal remedies, and lifestyle guidance to restore balance. In Nepal, this Tibetan medical system continues to thrive among Tibetan refugee communities.
Origins of the Tibetan Healing System
Rooted in Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan spiritual practices, Tibetan Medicine combines indigenous knowledge with ancient Indian and Chinese influences. The core teachings are based on a text called the Four Tantras (rGyud-bZhi), compiled by Yuthog Yonten Gonpo in the 8th century.
The Four Tantras: Foundation of Traditional Tibetan Medicine
- Root Tantra – Introduces all diseases briefly, like a seed.
- Explanatory Tantra – Covers anatomy, physiology, and the cycle of life and death.
- Oral Transmission Tantra – Explains causes, nature, and classification of diseases, along with treatment methods.
- Final Tantra – Describes diagnostic techniques, pharmacology, and external therapies.
Three Energies in Tibetan Medicine
At the heart of this holistic system is the concept of three vital energies (Nyepa):
- Wind (rlung) – Governs movement, circulation, and nervous system.
- Bile (mkhris pa) – Manages heat, digestion, and metabolism.
- Phlegm (bad kan) – Provides stability, lubrication, and coolness.
Disease arises when these energies fall out of balance. Healing focuses on restoring this harmony naturally.
How Tibetan Doctors (Amchis) Diagnose Illness
Tibetan doctors, called Amchis, use time-honored diagnostic techniques:
- Visual observation – tongue, eyes, and skin
- Pulse diagnosis – detailed reading of the wrist pulse
- Urine analysis – checking color, bubbles, and sediment
- Personal interview – questions about lifestyle, diet, and symptoms
- This personalized diagnosis helps tailor treatments to the individual’s body and energy balance.
Traditional Tibetan Treatments and Natural Remedies
Once diagnosed, treatment may include:
- Diet and lifestyle changes
- Herbal Tibetan medicines
- External therapies: massage, hot compress, healing baths
- Acupuncture and moxibustion (heat therapy)
The goal is not just to treat symptoms but to bring long-term physical, mental, and emotional balance.
Where Tibetan Medicine Is Practiced Today
Sowa Rigpa is widely practiced in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, and parts of India like Dharamsala, where the Men-Tsee-Khang Institute plays a key role in preserving this ancient wisdom.
Interest in Tibetan holistic healing has expanded across Europe and North America, especially among those seeking natural and preventive health approaches.
Experience Tibetan Healing on Our Cultural Tours
As part of our Pokhara Tibetan Cultural Tours, you’ll have a rare opportunity to meet a real Tibetan doctor and learn firsthand how this ancient healing system works.
You can observe diagnosis methods and even receive a personal consultation if you wish.
Meet a traditional Tibetan doctor and experience a centuries-old system of diagnosis and healing — a highlight of our cultural tours in Pokhara.
Join Our Immersive Tibetan Cultural Experiences
Learn more about Tibetan history, art, food, and healing with our engaging tours:
- Morning Tibetan Cultural Tour Pokhara
- Morning Half Day Tibetan Cultural Tour
- Full Day Tibetan Cultural Tour Pokhara
- Half Day Tibetan Cultural Tour
- Afternoon Tibetan Cultural Tour
- Sarangkot Sunrise Morning Tibetan Cultural Tour in Pokhara, Nepal
- Sarangkot Sunrise Morning half day Tibetan cultural Tour
👉 This cultural experience is designed and operated by Tibetan Encounter, a locally run Tibetan travel company dedicated to preserving and sharing authentic Tibetan heritage with travellers in Pokhara.
Explore More from Tibetan Encounter
Pokhara Tibetan Cultural Tours