Tibetan Medicine Explained: Discover Sowa Rigpa on Our Cultural Tours
What Is Tibetan Medicine (Sowa Rigpa)?
Tibetan Medicine, known as Sowa Rigpa in Tibetan, is one of the oldest healing systems in the world. With roots going back to around 200 BC, it remains a core part of traditional Tibetan life and culture. It is one of the three major medical traditions of Asia, alongside Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine.
Origins of the Tibetan Medical System
This holistic healing system is deeply connected to Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan spiritual practices. The foundation of Tibetan Medicine lies in the Four Tantras (rGyud-bZhi), a medical text compiled by Yuthog Yonten Gonpo in the 8th century. While based on Tibet’s indigenous knowledge, it also draws from Indian, Chinese.
The Four Tantras: Foundation of Tibetan Medicine
The Four Tantras explain the principles, diagnosis, and treatment methods of Tibetan Medicine:
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The First Tantra is called “Root Tantra” and it contains very briefly an explanation of all diseases. It is like a seed.
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The Second Tantra, composed of 31 chapters, is called “Explanatory Tantra”. It explains all about the anatomy and physiology of our body; the process of birth and dying.
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The Third Tantra, composed of 92 chapters, is called “Oral Transmissions Tantra” and deals with the cause, the nature, the treatment of diseases and their classification.
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The Fourth Tantra, composed of 25 chapters, is called “Last Tantra” and it explains the 18 methods of diagnosis, pharmacology and support, or external treatments.
The Three Energies: Wind, Bile, and Phlegm
The core idea of Tibetan Medicine is to maintain balance among three energies:
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Wind (rlung) – Controls movement and circulation.
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Bile (mkhris pa) – Governs heat, digestion, and metabolism.
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Phlegm (bad kan) – Provides cooling and stability to the body.
Illness occurs when these energies become disturbed or imbalanced. Restoring harmony among them is key to mental and physical health.
How Tibetan Doctors Diagnose Illness
Tibetan doctors, known as Amchis, use traditional methods to understand your condition. Diagnosis involves:
- Physical observation (eye, tongue, Urine)
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Pulse reading
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Detailed questioning
This personalized approach helps identify imbalances and determine suitable treatments.
Traditional Tibetan Treatments and Remedies
Once diagnosed, treatment may include:
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Diet and lifestyle advice
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Tibetan herbal medicine
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External therapies like massage, baths, and compresses
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Acupuncture and moxibustion (heat therapy)
These treatments aim to restore internal harmony and support natural healing.
Where Tibetan Medicine Is Practiced Today
Tibetan Medicine is still widely practiced in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Mongolia, and even Siberia. The Men-Tsee-Khang Institute in Dharamsala, India, plays a leading role in preserving and teaching this tradition. It has over 50 branches across India and several locations in Nepal.
In recent years, interest in Tibetan holistic healing has grown in North America and Europe, as more people seek natural and preventive health solutions.
Experience Tibetan Medicine on Our Cultural Tours
As part of our Pokhara Tibetan Cultural Tours, we offer a unique chance to visit a Tibetan doctor. You’ll learn directly about Sowa Rigpa, understand how diagnosis is performed, and even receive a personal consultation if you wish.
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