26/08/2023
Bhutanese Traditional Medicine or Sowa Rigpa
1. Understanding Traditional Medicine
Traditional Medicine, known as Sowa Rigpa, is an ancient holistic healing system that has flourished for centuries in the Himalayan region, notably in Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal, and parts of India. Sowa Rigpa combines spiritual wisdom, astrological insights, and herbal remedies to enhance physical and mental well-being. Rooted in holistic philosophies, it focuses on achieving balance and tranquility within the body, mind, and environment. This system incorporates the Five Elements theory (earth, water, fire, air, and space), Three Humors (wind, bile, and phlegm), seven bodily substances (nutritional essence, blood, muscle tissue, fat, bone, marrow and regenerative fluids), and three excretions (f***s, urine and perspiration) that govern bodily functions. Developed over generations, this traditional medical system contributes significantly to human health and stands as a valuable cultural heritage. It covers a wide range of health topics including internal and external ailments, women's and children's health, as well as preventive care and wellness practices. The comprehensive nature of traditional medicine's diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge is a testament to its richness and effectiveness.
According to tradition, during Medicine Buddha’s teachings of Sowa-Rigpa, there existed four primary groups of followers: Gods, Sages, Buddhists, and Non-Buddhists. This underscores the inclusive nature of traditional medicine, welcoming individuals regardless of their religious beliefs.
2. Diagnosis in Traditional Medicine
In Bhutanese Traditional Medicine, diseases are diagnosed using three main techniques;
I. Visual Inspection: This involves a thorough assessment, including urine analysis, observing bodily symptoms, examining the tongue, and analyzing other bodily fluids like blood, pus, and sputum.
II. Palpation: This technique includes reading the pulse, detecting body temperature, and assessing size, location, and tenderness.
III. Interrogation: Patients undergo in-depth interviews about their medical history and lifestyle, contributing to a holistic diagnosis.
Together, these techniques provide the basis for diagnosing illnesses in Sowa Rigpa.
3. Treatment in Traditional Medicine
Traditional medicine employs a combination of dietary guidance, medicinal remedies, external therapies, lifestyle recommendations, and, at times, spiritual practices to address illnesses. These treatments align with therapeutic principles.
I. Medicinal Approaches: Formulations utilize natural components like herbs, minerals, and animal-derived substances. Medicinal remedies are categorized as pacifying or evacuative. Pacifying medicines include decoctions, powders, pills, pastes, medicinal butters, ashes, extracts, and wines. Evacuative medicines involve methods such as purging, inducing vomiting, nasal administration, mild enemas, strong enemas, and channel purification. It's important to note that pills are just one aspect of traditional medicinal formulations.
II. External Therapies: This category encompasses practices like acupuncture, venesection (bloodletting), moxibustion, golden and silver needles, cupping, affusions, compresses, medicinal baths, topical applications, and previously, surgical techniques. However, surgical interventions are no longer practiced.
In essence, traditional medicine employs a diverse approach to treat ailments, utilizing various methods tailored to therapeutic principles.
4. Dietary Restriction in Traditional Medicine
There is often confusion surrounding the advisability of consuming meat and alcohol while undergoing traditional medical treatment. While there are certain oral medicines that should not be at all combined with meat and alcohol, this precaution does not extend to all forms of oral medication. It is essential to recognize that various medicines require different methods of consumption. For instance, some medicines are best taken with hot water, while others require cold water, meat-based soup, jaggery, etc. The appropriate consumption instructions are typically provided by physicians or Drungtshos.
