SOWA RIGPA, KNOWN ALSO AS TIBETAN MEDICINE, HAS A LONG HISTORY.
The oldest records related to Tibetan Medicine is over 3900 years old. During the centuries, many great masters have modernised and improved the very systemic practice.
1900 BC
1900 BC
Oldest known text
The oldest know material about tibetan medicine is 3900 years old text gSo rig ’Bum bZhi.
755 BC
755 BC
First medicine school
2700 years ago, during the reign of king Trisong Detseni in Tibet (crowned 755 BC), the first medicine school of tibetan medicine was established.
7th-8th century
7th-8th century
The Four Tantras
Dr. Yuthok Yonten Gonpo the elder modernized and improved the ’Bum bZhi text and the new version is know unders the name of rGyud bZhi ("The Four Tantras").
762
762
1st Yuthog medicine school
In 762 AD Yuthog established the first medicine school in Menlungis in Center-Tibet, Kongpo county. The studies lasted 10 years and the graduates received a title according to the physicians specific studies.
The highest title was ’bum rams pa, that is equivalent to a modern doctoral degree; the next was rab jam pa, that is equivalent to a masters degree and then kachu pa or bachelors' degree. The lowest title was duar pa. These titles are still in use.
Simultaneously, with the studies of various treatment methods, the medical students were taught qualities such as benevolence and compassion.
The highest title was ’bum rams pa, that is equivalent to a modern doctoral degree; the next was rab jam pa, that is equivalent to a masters degree and then kachu pa or bachelors' degree. The lowest title was duar pa. These titles are still in use.
Simultaneously, with the studies of various treatment methods, the medical students were taught qualities such as benevolence and compassion.
8th century
8th century
The Great Master
On 8th century lived Yeshe Tsogyal, who is known as The Great Master and is the first known female doctor in Tibet.
11th century
11th century
First autopsy
Dr Dagpo Lhaje carried out an autopsy for the first time.
12th century
12th century
Improved rGyud bZhi
In the 12th century, Dr. Yuthog Yonten Gonpo the Younger refined the medical canon rGyud bZhi, which became the fundamental work of Tibetan medicine. This book is also used in modern Tibetan medicine.
Dr. Yuthog Yonten Gonpo's point of view was that to become a good doctor, one must first develop the doctor's mind (ethics, empathy, altruism, etc.). When dealing with a patient, the doctor uses not only his physical body, but also his benevolent and sincere mind. Yuthogpa focused on inner therapy - developing the mind through meditation, rituals, sounds and chanting of mantras.
Dr. Yuthog Yonten Gonpo's point of view was that to become a good doctor, one must first develop the doctor's mind (ethics, empathy, altruism, etc.). When dealing with a patient, the doctor uses not only his physical body, but also his benevolent and sincere mind. Yuthogpa focused on inner therapy - developing the mind through meditation, rituals, sounds and chanting of mantras.
13th century
13th century
Heavy metals
Grubchen uGyanpa (1230-1309) brought heavy metals to Tibetan medicine and wrote a text on the use of mercury.
15th century
15th century
Two schools of though
In the 15th century, two schools of Tibetan medicine distinguished themselves - Chang and Zur, which exist to this day.
15th century
15th century
First medical dictionary
sTag Tshang Lozaba Shi Rab Rinchen (1405) compiled the first medical dictionary.
16th century
16th century
First herbal medicine school
In the 16th century, Dr. Khung Chodrak founded a school of herbal medicine.