Why in the News?
A one-day Samyoga event was organised today at the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR), Leh, with the participation of experts from 10 states of India.
About Sowa-Rigpa:
- Overview: Sowa-Rigpa, also known as Traditional Tibetan Medicine or the Amchi system, is among the oldest continuously practised medical systems in the world.
- Origin: The term comes from the Bhoti language, meaning “knowledge of healing”, and dates back over 2,000 years.
- Historical Development: It was codified in the 8th century CE during King Trisong Detsen’s reign and further developed in the 12th century.
- Foundational Text: The Gyud-Zi (4 Tantras) integrates ideas from Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, Greek traditions, and Bon and Buddhist philosophy.
- Global Presence: Sowa-Rigpa is practiced in Tibet, Mongolia, Bhutan, Nepal, and parts of Russia and China.
- Indian Regions: In India, it is common in Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh (Lahaul & Spiti), Jammu & Kashmir, and Darjeeling.
- Core Beliefs: The system promotes disease prevention, longevity, and holistic mind-body well-being, viewing the body as a microcosm of nature in harmony with the environment.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
- Diagnostic Methods: Practitioners use pulse analysis, urine analysis, and detailed observation including case history.
- Therapies Used: Treatments include diet and lifestyle adjustments, herbal medicines, Kunyé massage, moxibustion, acupuncture, and spiritual healing.
- Ayurvedic Influence: About 75% of its theoretical base is derived from Ayurveda, especially the Ashtanga Hridaya.
- Common Herbs: Shared medicinal herbs include Ashwagandha, Triphala, and Guggulu.
Education and Recognition:
- Traditional Training: Knowledge was historically passed through oral traditions, via guru-shishya parampara or family lineages.
- Modern Institutions: The Central Council for Tibetan Medicine oversees education and practice standards.
- National Institute: The National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR) in Leh leads in education, research, and policy implementation.
- Government Recognition: Sowa-Rigpa has been officially recognised under AYUSH systems in India since 2010 and is promoted in multiple Himalayan states.
| [UPSC 2019] Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of:
Options: (a) anti-malarial drug* (b) biodiesel (c) pulp for paper industry (d) textile fibre |
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