4-YEAR
TIBETAN MEDICINE
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
TIBETAN MEDICINE
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Sowa Rigpa Väluste School currently offers one 4-year Tibetan Medicine certificate program that has already begun.
- In Estonian and English.
- On-site and online.
INFO on CURRENT PROGRAM
Want to join the program?
The 4-year Traditional Tibetan Medicine (TTM) certificate program has already begun. However, those who wish to join, the first module (Root Tantra) will be offered in September in English and December in Estonia 2023. Please see Trainings & Events page for further info on upcoming live and online events.
JUMP TO SPECIFIC INFO
RECORDED LESSONS
Follow the program in self-paced format. Courses are recorded in Estonian and English.
Root Tantra class introduces a portrait of human life interconnected with the world of all existence, thereby developing a basic understanding of balance and imbalance of body, mind, and energy. It is the first part of Traditional Tibetan Medicine.
Tibetan medicine has two main aims: preventing and curing diseases, of which prevention is considered crucial to have good health. According to Sowa Rigpa, the primary cause of imbalance is negative emotions and states of mind. The secondary causes are improper lifestyle and diet, out of balance with our circumstances and seasons. Working with diet and lifestyle has a very deep curing effect, rebalancing our energy state with the natural world. It is thus strongly emphasized as an ideal treatment, rather than depending on strong or harsh medicines.
This class begins the study of the Explanatory Tantra, which covers all aspects of medical theory and practice. The Tibetan medical educational structure resembles modern science in that it introduces the medical science with anatomy and physiology to continue with basic pathophysiology, pharmacology, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic principles. By introducing a complex energetic system explaining the connection with mind and nature, it renders TTM not only scientific but at the same time holistic.
PROGRAM & RELATED INFO
FULL CURRICULA
The 4-year Tibetan Medicine certificate program has already begun. However, those who wish to join, the first module (Root Tantra) will be offered in September in English and December in Estonia 2023. Please see Trainings & Events page for further info on upcoming live and online events.
1
This class opens the door into the vast, profound world of Sowa Rigpa, the Traditional Tibetan Medicine. It introduces a portray of human life in context with the interconnected web of all existence, thereby developing a basic understanding of balance and imbalance in body, mind and energy. All aspects of the healing system are introduced in comprehensive terms through analytic as well as artistic visual systems.
The course block consists of two modules with the following content:
1.1.1 Elements (2.5 days)
1.1.2 Root Tantra (2.5 days)
The course block consists of two modules with the following content:
1.1.1 Elements (2.5 days)
- Introduction to Sowa Rigpa
- Tibetan terminology
- Tantric system
- Five elements and tendrel
- Three nyes pa !
1.1.2 Root Tantra (2.5 days)
- Basic principles of health and disease
- Principals of diagnosis including basic pulse reading, tongue and urine analysis andsymptoms of disease
- Basic treatment with food and lifestyle
- Principles of herbal remedies
- Overview of external therapies for rlung, mkhris pa and bad kan !
This class begins the study of the Explanatory Tantra, which covers all aspects of medical theory and practice. The Tibetan medical educational structure resembles modern science in that it introduces the medical science with anatomy and physiology to continue with basic pathophysiology, pharmacology, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic principles. By introducing a complex energetic system explaining the connection with mind and nature, it renders TTM not only scientific but at the same time holistic.
The course block consists of two modules with the following content:
1.2.1 Body Formation (3.5 days)
1.2.2 Base of Pathology (1.5 days)
The course block consists of two modules with the following content:
1.2.1 Body Formation (3.5 days)
- Embryology according to medical and energy systems
- Anatomy of the body including tissues and energy structures
- Physiology and typology according to the three nyes pa
- Physical and energetic death processes
1.2.2 Base of Pathology (1.5 days)
- Causes and conditions of disorders
- Pathological mechanism
- Symptomatic characteristics
- Different pathological classification systems in Tibetan Medicine
Tibetan medicine has two main aims: preventing and curing diseases, of which prevention is considered crucial to have good health. According to Sowa Rigpa, the primary cause of imbalance is negative emotions and states of mind. The secondary causes are improper lifestyle and diet, out of balance with our circumstances and seasons. Working with diet and lifestyle has a very deep curing effect, rebalancing our energy state with the natural world. It is thus strongly emphasized as an ideal treatment, rather than depending on strong or harsh medicines.
The course block consists of three modules with the following content:
1.3.1 Principles of Lifestyle (1.5 days)
1.3.2 Principles of Diet (1.5 days)
1.3.3 Base of Treatment (2 days)
The course block consists of three modules with the following content:
1.3.1 Principles of Lifestyle (1.5 days)
- Routine lifestyle
- Seasonal lifestyle
- Incidental behavior
1.3.2 Principles of Diet (1.5 days)
- Dietetics
- Dietary Hazard Prevention
- Food Intake
1.3.3 Base of Treatment (2 days)
- Principles of treatment
- Treatment in particular cases
- Treatment methods
- Treating the nyes pas
The optional module TTM 1.4 Rejuvenation (1 day) introduces medicinal substances prepared and taken over a longer period of time as well as diet and lifestyle recommendations for maintaining good health and prolong one’s life.
This module introduces the Yuthok Nyingthig as part of a spiritual system composed with the intention of leading practitioners to experience the union of medicine and spiritual practice. The educational presentation is aimed at students interested in the Vajrayana as well as any spiritual practitioners by presenting the Yuthok Nyingthig teachings through basic Buddhist science and systematic philosophy.
The optional module 1.5 TTM & Spirituality (2 days) introduces:
*The optional module TTM 1.5 TTM & Spirituality is equivalent to the seminar Yuthok Nyingthig.
The optional module 1.5 TTM & Spirituality (2 days) introduces:
- Structure and contents of the Yuthok Nyingthig toot text
- General explanations on Vajrayana practices of ngondro, kyerim, dzogrim, karmamudra, mahamudra, and dzogchen
- General explanations on Vajrayana schools, transmission, samaya and more
*The optional module TTM 1.5 TTM & Spirituality is equivalent to the seminar Yuthok Nyingthig.
2
All of the main Asian systems of traditional medicine are renowned for their special analytical sciences. Pulse specifically is quite well known. In Tibetan medicine, there is not only the probably most complex pulse reading system in a healing science, but also a uniquely developed system of urine analysis. This course goes into detail in the study of analysis, pulse, and urine from the Explanatory and Final Tantras. Other aspects of analysis, such as observation of eyes and other sense organs, are included from one of the most clinically used texts, the Somaradza.
The course block consists of three modules with the following content:
2.1.1 Basic Diagnostics (1.5 days)
2.1.2 Base of Urine Analysis (1.5 days)
2.1.3 Base of Pulse Reading (2 days)
The course block consists of three modules with the following content:
2.1.1 Basic Diagnostics (1.5 days)
- Principles of diagnosis
- Triage
- Inspection of the body and related aspects
- Inspection of sense organs
2.1.2 Base of Urine Analysis (1.5 days)
- Preliminaries
- Urine characteristics
- Urine analysis
- Types of urine
2.1.3 Base of Pulse Reading (2 days)
- Preliminaries
- Pulse characteristics
- Pulse reading
- Types of pulse
Herbal study is a very important topic in Tibetan Medicine. More than 70% of the pharmacopeia is based on herbs. This study is diffused in the whole program, with basic herbs and formulas being introduced here in a concise way allowing going in depth into herbalism. Specific herbs and advanced formulas are then gradually introduced in the following classes.
The course block consists of two modules with the following content:
2.2.1 Materia Medica (1.5 days)
2.2.2 Pharmacology (3.5 days)
The course block consists of two modules with the following content:
2.2.1 Materia Medica (1.5 days)
- Categories of materia medica
- Study of 100 herbs and other substances
2.2.2 Pharmacology (3.5 days)
- Pharmaceutical aspects
- Principles of application
- Pacifying and Purgative medication
- Formulation
This optional module TTM 2.4 Physician (1 day) presents qualities and characteristics expected in a physician for Sowa Rigpa. They include moral ethics as well as recommendations regarding cognitive improvements and spiritual views and as such give insight into the Tibetan culture and philosophy, but, if chosen to, can be applied beyond the doctor’s profession in today’s time.
After the three humors, the next big category of pathology is divided into hot and cold. Many slowly developing chronic diseases are caused by cold. They need to be studied with a focus on prevention.
The optional module TTM 2.5 Cold Natured Disorders (5 days) deals with etiology, diagnostics and treatment of:
The optional module TTM 2.5 Cold Natured Disorders (5 days) deals with etiology, diagnostics and treatment of:
- Indigestion
- Tumors
- Localized water retention
- Developed water retention
- Generalized water retention
- Weight loss
3
According to TTM, there is a specific group of hot natured pathologies encompassing fevers, infections and inflammation, called tsha ba (pronounce like ‘tsha wa’). These conditions have the ability to spread rapidly and can be life-threatening, therefore the studies of hot natured disorders hold an important place in the study of pathology.
The course block consists of the module TTM 3.1 Hot Natured Disorders (5 days) with the following content:
The course block consists of the module TTM 3.1 Hot Natured Disorders (5 days) with the following content:
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of general tsha ba
- Specific causes and conditions of specific tsha ba disorders
- Signs and symptoms of specific tsha ba disorders
- Treatment of specific tsha ba disorders
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of related hot natured disorders
The body functions and lives thanks to our internal organs. The hollow organs are the channels bringing nutrition, vitality to the solid organs, where solid organs maintain the balance of hollow organs. Together, they connect to the sense organs. This whole system is interconnected together, known in Tibetan as dreljyor- the system of connecting and attaching. Solid connects to hollow and the sense organs. Thus they are studied together.
The interplay between them is all based on the five element dynamics.
The course block consists of two modules with the following content:
3.2.1 Disorders of the Five Sense Organs (1.5 days)
3.2.2 Disorders of the Five Solid Organs and the Six Hollow Organs (3.5 days)
The interplay between them is all based on the five element dynamics.
The course block consists of two modules with the following content:
3.2.1 Disorders of the Five Sense Organs (1.5 days)
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of head disorders
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of the five sense organs’ disorders
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of thyroid disorders
3.2.2 Disorders of the Five Solid Organs and the Six Hollow Organs (3.5 days)
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, splenic and nephrological disorders
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of urogenital disorders
This class includes treatments for some common conditions. They are traditionally linked and studied together.
The course block consists of the module TTM 3.3 Miscellaneous Disorders (5 days) deals with etiology, diagnostics and treatment of:
The course block consists of the module TTM 3.3 Miscellaneous Disorders (5 days) deals with etiology, diagnostics and treatment of:
- Voice disorders
- Loss of appetite
- Thirst
- Hiccough
- Breathing disorders
- Acute abdominal pain
- Srin disorders
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Urination block
- Polyuria
- Hot natured diarrhea
- Gout
- Rheumatic disorders
- Chuser disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Skin disorders
- Minor disorders
In Tibetan Medicine, traumatology is a huge study. In ancient times, and in Tibetan medicine hospitals today in Asia, it is used to treat all types of injuries- from simple falls to battlefield medicine. When the conquering Mongolians translated the Four Tantras into the Mongolian language, they used these principles in treating their battle wounds. Currently in the West, we have modern hospitals and don’t need to learn treatment of severe, lifethreatening injuries directly. Our program will focus on common injuries, restorative and practical Sorig sports medicine. There will be internal and external herbal applications for various injuries. Externally, various herbal bandages, compresses, plasters, and tinctures will be introduced.
The optional module TTM 3.4 Traumatology 1 (5 days) deals with etiology, diagnostics and treatment of:
The optional module TTM 3.4 Traumatology 1 (5 days) deals with etiology, diagnostics and treatment of:
- General injuries
- Limbs’ injuries
The optional module TTM 3.5 Traumatology 2 (5 days) deals with etiology, diagnostics and treatment of:
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Trunk injuries
4
In Tibetan medicine, gynecology and pediatrics are an important part of the whole body of work. We all have our origins in birth, and much of our vitality and constitution is determined by pre-natal influences. Thus, there is a special reverence for proper pregnancy health in the medical tradition. This course includes a study of various women’s and children’s conditions.
The course block consists of two modules with the following content:
4.1.1 Children’s Disorders (2.5 days)
4.1.2 Women’s Disorders (2.5 days)
The course block consists of two modules with the following content:
4.1.1 Children’s Disorders (2.5 days)
- Delivery process
- Specific causes and conditions of pediatric disorders
- Signs and symptoms of pediatric disorders
- Treatment of pediatric disorders
- Specific causes and conditions of psychiatric childhood and adolescence disorders
- Signs and symptoms of psychiatric childhood and adolescence disorders
- Treatment of psychiatric childhood and adolescence disorders
4.1.2 Women’s Disorders (2.5 days)
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of general gynecological disorders
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of menstrual disorders
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of energy stagnation
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of gynecological tumors
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of pregnancy disorders
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of post-delivery disorders
Since human history, oncology has been a life-threatening condition. In Tibetan Medicine, for over a millennium there have been distinctions between benign and malignant tumors; with an extensive teaching on the causes, symptoms, natural ways of treatment, and prevention.
Basic psychological issues are related to the pathology of the three humors, as our mind is strongly connected to our inner energy. The mind and body are inseparably linked. The study of the mind, its structure and functions helps us to understand and facilitate healing. The Tibetan science of mind is well known from Buddhism, and its profound systems of cultivation. Here, the perspective will be medical, addressing mental issues from the physical, energetic, and spiritual perspective. This will include training on the nature of mind, thoughts, emotions and emotional blockages. More serious mental disorders such as schizophrenia are often believed to be connected to supernatural influences, where certain spiritual healing practices are used.
The course block consists of two modules with the following content:
4.2.1 Neoplastic Disorders (2.5 days)
4.2.2 Psychiatry (2.5 days)
Basic psychological issues are related to the pathology of the three humors, as our mind is strongly connected to our inner energy. The mind and body are inseparably linked. The study of the mind, its structure and functions helps us to understand and facilitate healing. The Tibetan science of mind is well known from Buddhism, and its profound systems of cultivation. Here, the perspective will be medical, addressing mental issues from the physical, energetic, and spiritual perspective. This will include training on the nature of mind, thoughts, emotions and emotional blockages. More serious mental disorders such as schizophrenia are often believed to be connected to supernatural influences, where certain spiritual healing practices are used.
The course block consists of two modules with the following content:
4.2.1 Neoplastic Disorders (2.5 days)
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of general neoplastic disorders
- Specific causes and conditions of specific neoplastic disorders
- Signs and symptoms of specific neoplastic disorders
- Treatment of specific neoplastic disorders
4.2.2 Psychiatry (2.5 days)
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of mental retardation, behavior and personality disorders
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of psychotic disorders
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of dementia
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of epilepsy and organic psychological disorders
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of neurotic and psychosomatic disorders !
The education contents in basic knowledge about TTM, diagnosis and treatment are clinically applied. This allows the students to have first experiences and deepen their knowledge in preparation to the final exam.
The course block consists of three modules with the following content:
4.3.1 Clinical Diagnosis (2 days)*
4.3.2 Clinical Treatment Traditional Tibetan Medicine (2 days)
4.3.3 Conclusion Traditional Tibetan Medicine (1 day)
*The module TTM 4.3.1 Clinical Diagnosis is equivalent to the module KN 3.2.1 Clinical Diagnosis
The course block consists of three modules with the following content:
4.3.1 Clinical Diagnosis (2 days)*
- Patient presentations for individual assessment of diagnostic skills (body inspection, urine analysis, pulse reading)
4.3.2 Clinical Treatment Traditional Tibetan Medicine (2 days)
- Patient presentations for individual assessment of treatment suggestions (diet, lifestyle, medication) based on diagnostic identification of specific pathologies
4.3.3 Conclusion Traditional Tibetan Medicine (1 day)
- Repetition of the complete educational content
- Exam preparation
*The module TTM 4.3.1 Clinical Diagnosis is equivalent to the module KN 3.2.1 Clinical Diagnosis
In older times, we were exposed to many toxic substances. In nature there are toxic plants, heavy minerals, animal bites and stings, etc. There are also many formulated, manmade poisonous substances. Today, there are many sources of toxicity such as food, chemical drugs, environmental exposure. Sowa Rigpa identifies various types, stages, and support of many types of poisons and toxins.
The optional module TTM 4.4 Toxicology (5 days) deals with etiology, diagnostics and treatment of:
The optional module TTM 4.4 Toxicology (5 days) deals with etiology, diagnostics and treatment of:
- Formulated poison
- Transforming poison
- Potential poison
Sowa Rigpa treats the human body according to different conditions such as gender and age. This course includes a study of various geriatric conditions, as well as fertility treatment.
The optional module TTM 4.4 Geriatrics & Infertility (2 days) deals with:
The optional module TTM 4.4 Geriatrics & Infertility (2 days) deals with:
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of geriatric disorders
- Aphrodisiacs
- Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of infertility
5
The yogic tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism has its own system of energetic anatomy and structure, called the Three Vajras and here dubbed Vajra Anatomy. They are often employed in tantric practices at various stages during visualization and other kinds of meditation.
The optional module TTM 5 Vajra Anatomy (5 days) introduces:
*Admission to this course requires the completion of TTM 1.5 or Seminar: Yuthok Nyingthig
The optional module TTM 5 Vajra Anatomy (5 days) introduces:
- Anatomy of and processes within channels and chakras (rtsa ‘khor) of the subtle vajra body
- Classification and characteristics of elemental energies (rlung) and vibrations of the subtle vajra speech
- Explanations about the mind’s essence (thigle) and different consciousnesses and aspects such as bliss and clarity
- Union of the Three Vajras and their equivalents in different dimensions
*Admission to this course requires the completion of TTM 1.5 or Seminar: Yuthok Nyingthig
REGISTER FOR THE FULL COURSE
The 4-year Traditional Tibetan Medicine (TTM) certificate program has already begun, but we are still open for self-space students.