Sawa-Rig-pa:
"Sowa-Rig-pa", commonly known as Amchi medicine, is the traditional medicine of many parts of the Himalayan region used mainly by the Tribal and bhot people. Sowa-Rig-pa (Bodh-Kyi) means 'science of healing' and the practitioners of this medicine are known as Amchi. Sowa-Rigpa is originated out of Ayurveda and is based mainly on the Ashtanga Hridaya' treaty which one of the three main Compendia of Ayurveda, was translated in to Tibetan language in 4th century. Sowa-Rig-pa is a science, art and philosophy that provide a holistic approach to health care on the basis of harmony and understanding of human being and universe i.e. the environment. It uses diagnostic techniques for examples pulse and urine examination (eight-fold examination) and it embraces the key Buddhist principles of altruism, karma and ethics. According to the Amchi system, proper alignment of the three Dosha, seven body Tissue (seven Dhatus) and three excretory products (Malas) in the state of equilibrium constitutes a healthy body. Any disequilibrium in any of the synergies leads to disease or ill-health. Amachi medical theory states that everything in the universe is made up of the five basic elements, namely, sa (Earth), chu (Water), me (Fire), rLung (Wind). Amchi system is based on the following three Principle Energies -
(1) rLung (wind) manifests the nature of air element. It is characterized as rough, light, cold, subtle, hard and mobile. It is responsible for the physical and mental activities, respiration, expulsion of urine, faces, foetus, menstruation, spitting, burping, speech, gives clarity to sense organs, sustains life by means of acting as a medium between mind and body. This is similar to Vata-dosha of Avurveda. (2) mKhris-pa (Bile) basically has the nature of fire. It is characterized as oily, sharp, hot, light, fetid, purgative and fluidity. mIthris-pa is responsible for hunger, thirst, digestion and assimilation, maintains body heat, gives lustre to body complexion and provides courage and determination. This is similar to Pitt-dosha of Ayurveda. (3) Bad-kan (Phlegm) is cold in nature and is characterized as oily, cool, heavy, blunt, smooth, firm and sticky. Bad-kan is responsible for firmness of the body, stability of mind, induces sleep, connects joints, generates tolerance and lubricates the body. This is similar to Kapha-dosha of Avurveda.
The diagnostic techniques in Sowa-Rigpa include visual observation, touch and interrogation. For treatment of health problems, the system makes use of herbs, minerals, animal products, spring and mineral water, moxibustion mysticism and spiritual power. The medicines are used usually in the form of decoctions, powders, pills and syrups etc. Mantra and tantra components are also very important of Sowa-rig-pa.
With an increase in lifestyle-related disorders there is a worldwide resurgence of interest in holistic systems of health care, particularly with respect to the prevention and management of chronic, non-communicable and systemic diseases. It is increasingly understood that no single health care system can provide satisfactory answers to all the health needs of modern society. Evidently, there is a need for a new inclusive and integrated health care regime that should guide health policies and programmes in future. India has an advantage in this global resurgence of interest in holistic therapies as it has a rich heritage of indigenous medical knowledge coupled with strong infrastructure and skilled manpower in modern medicine. Medical pluralism is here to stay and the Ayush sector has a critical role to play in the new and emerging situation.
