New healing centre in city tries to revive Sowa Rigpa
Centuries-old Tibetan medicine offers treatment for several ailments without side effects: Owner
In this age of allopathy and modern medical science, traditional ways of treatment are losing popularity in many parts of India as well as in other countries. However, a handful of people are trying to popularise the traditional ways, especially among the young generation. Tashi Namgyal of Samye Tibetan Traditional Medical Treatment Centre (STTMTC) is making an effort to revive the ancient Sowa Rigpa or the traditional Tibetan medicine.
The Samye centre at Mawbah in Barapathar, Shillong, started in Guwahati a few years ago. It expanded to Shillong after a good response from both Tibetans and people from other communities.
Sowa Rigpa, or the science of healing, is a centuries-old medical practice that has its origin in Tibet. This alternative medicine is also mentioned in Buddhist literature. It was influenced by Indian ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicines and evolved over the years as Tibetan scholars and medical practitioners incorporated their expertise using local herbs and medicinal plants.
At Samye, treatment is offered for several ailments, including cancer, stroke-related complications, gallstones, gout, migraine, blood pressure, skin diseases and sciatica. The diagnosis is based on pulse and urine analyses and the medicines provided are made from herbs and minerals.
“The analyses can detect one’s health problems in 15-20 minutes. It is surprising but true. Tibetan medicine has been popular around the world and across the country. People have to wait in queues for hours to get doctors’ appointments. Keeping the benefits in mind, we thought of introducing this in Shillong. We already have a centre in Guwahati and it has received a good response,” said Namgyal.
“We are affiliated with the Ministry of Ayush and recognised by the World Health Organisation. Our doctors have to study the alternative medicine for seven years before they can start practising,” he added.
The Samye centre also offers acupuncture and other therapies for limb ailments.
“The Tibetan healing process is a way of life that also considers one’s state of mind. It is a holistic way of treatment without any side effects. So, I would encourage people to experience this and I am sure they will not regret it,” said Namgyal taking a break from attending to patients.
