LEVEL 1: Fundamentals of Sowa Rigpa
1.1 Sorig Foundation Course
1.2 Sorig Anatomy, Physiology, and Subtle Anatomy
1.3 Lifestyle, Diet, and Basic Pathology
The first level covers the fundamental principles of Tibetan Medicine. First, all the principles and map of the territory of Tibetan Medicine is covered in the Sorig Foundation Course. It sheds light on our human body and how to keep it in balance in all activities of our lives. Then, a deeper, comprehensive study of the principles of Tibetan Medicine begins with the second and third modules.
LEVEL 2: Applications
2.1 TTM Diagnostics
2.2 Herbal Study- Basics of Pharmacology
2.3 Pathology 1- Three Humors
The Second level of training goes deeper into clinical aspects of Tibetan Medicine. First, the system of analysis is covered in depth, especially pulse and urine analysis. Next, more herbs and formulas are covered, which are put into use experientially and through observing subjects. By this time, the student has background training to study the advanced topics in the Upadesha Tantra, which goes into depth on the nature of all the different diseases recognized by Tibetan Medicine. This begins with the analysis of the three humors, the last module of level 2.
In addition, the second level adds more clinical training, observing subjects with Dr. Nida and other Tibetan doctors.
2.3 Pathology 1: Three Humors
Here the study of the Upadesha Tantra begins. The study of pathology commences with the three humors, the dynamic trinity of energies that make all life possible. In Tibetan Medicine, the 3 humors are the foundation of all imbalances and pathology of body energy and mind.
Causes and conditions of pathology
Pathology of 3 humors
Pathology of wind, bile, and phlegm- an in-depth study of causes, divisions, symptoms, and analysis
Clinical practice- how to analyze and promote wellness within the three humors
External therapy: more depth on moxabustion techniques, herbal bath therapy
Additional study: More in-depth acupoint study.
Optional Training in Tibet
This trip is conducted every August, circumstances permitting. It is open to TTM students of IATTM internationally from the second year of training on. Training will be in the Amdo region, at the Traditional Tibetan Medicine hospital in Xining, and the rural clinic in Malo.
Topics include:
External therapy training in a traditional clinical setting
Herbal bath therapy at the most famous herbal bath center in Tibet
Herbal study in the mountains of Eastern Tibet, on identifying, gathering, and using plant medicines. (Around 80 herbs will be studied in their native habitat.)
LEVEL 3: Upadesha Tantra I
3.1 Pathology 2- Hot and Cold
3.2 Pathology 3- Internal Organs and Sense Orifices
3.3 Pathology 4- Sorig Psychology and Common Diseases
The third level and fourth levels of training go deeper into the Upadesha Tantra. From here on, all training modules will be on analysis and application of therapy for specific conditions. There will be specific herbal formulations and external therapies introduced for each section, related to the subject being covered.
3.1 Hot and Cold Conditions
After the three humors, the next big category of pathology is divided into hot and cold. This is a general view, but there is great depth as well. According to TTM, there is a specific group of pathologies encompassing fevers, infections and inflammation, called tshawa. Tshawa conditions have the ability to spread rapidly and can be life-threatening, therefore Tshawa studies hold an important place in the study of pathology.
Many slowly developing chronic diseases are caused by cold. They need to be studied with a focus on prevention.
General study of hot-natured conditions
6 states of Tsawa
4 types of Tsawa
Introduction to cold-natured conditons
Indigestion
Abdominal pain and swelling
Constipation
Degenerative conditions
Metabolic conditions
Edema
External therapy: more acupoint therapy
3.2 Pathology of the Six Hollow, Five Solid, and Five Sense Organs
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 five sensory organ pathology includes basic pathology of head and neck diseases- originally called ‘upper body diseases’.
Also introduced are cleansing therapies, more commonly known as ‘Panchakarma’ or ‘Shodhana’ treatments from Ayurvedic medicine. They are a way to directly expel imbalanced humors from the body, especially through the hollow organs’ pathways.
Imbalances of 5 solid organs
imbalances of 6 hollow organs
Imbalances of 5 sense organs
Cleansing therapies
3.3 Sorig Psychology and Common Imbalances
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.
This course will also include treatments for some common conditions. They are traditionally linked and studied together.
Study of mind and energy
Emotions, emotional wounds and traumas
Study of the causes and symptoms of mental disturbances
Therapies- diet, lifestyle, herbs, external therapies
Connection to provocations
Spiritual healing
Throat and respiratory tract issues
Srin (lit. ‘tiny beings’)- parasites, worms, bacterial infestations in different parts of the body.
Vomiting and diarrhea
Constipation
Difficult urination
Joint problems
Chuser- (lit. ‘yellow fluids‘) lymphatics, blood serum, and joint fluid disorders
‘White Channels’ including neurological disorders like numbness, tingling, trembling, etc.
Dermatology, cuts and burns
LEVEL 4- Upadesha Tantra II
4.1 Pathology 5: Gynecology and Pediatrics, Infertility and Aphrodisiacs
4.2 Pathology 6: Traumatology
4.3 Pathology 7: Neoplastic Diseases and Toxicology
A continuation of previous year, we go into the causes, types, symptoms, and observation of specific conditions. This is accompanied by further clinical training, and therapies for each of the respective topics. Finally, the student will research and present a thesis.
4.1 Gynecology and Pediatrics, Infertility and Aphrodisiacs
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, as well as fertility and rejuvenation treatment.
Infertility
Pregnancy, obstetrics and post-partum
Pediatric imbalances
Childhood psychological and spiritual healing
Gynecological conditions
General and specific care of Women’s health
Complications of delivery
Common women’s issues from menstrual and sexual imbalances to psychological issues.
Infertility and treatment of issues for both men and women.
Opening sexual blockages and increasing vitality.
Specific therapiess for women
Children’s massage and therapies
4.2 Traumatology
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, life-threatening 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.
Injuries to the head, neck, trunk, limbs
Injuries to tendons, muscles, bones, vital points
4.3: Neoplastic Imbalances and Toxicology
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. As in any medical system, there is no cure for cancer- yet Tibetan Medicine offers a different understanding and a very helpful system of complementary support.
In olden 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, man-made poisonous substances. Today, there are many sources of toxicity: food, chemical drugs, environmental exposure, etc.. Sowa Rigpa identifies various types, stages, and support of many types of poisons and toxins.
Neoplastic diseases
Oncology
Treatment of toxins
Chemicals
Poisonous bites
Other types of toxins
Individual Thesis
A simple thesis or article comprising 50-100 pages of doctrinal or clinical research. This helps the students to deepen their research and studies in TIbetan Medicine. Good quality articles may also be published by Sorig Publications. As there are not many materials currently in English, this will serve as a benefit to future generations of students.
Advanced Training in Tibet
Upon finishing this program with The Sorig Institute, the student will have training in the essence of Traditional Tibetan Medicine. There will be plenty of tools to be of benefit to many people, and help to alleviate suffering in their body, energy, and mind. Still, the science is vast as the ocean, and there is so much still to learn. We then offer further training opportunities in Tibet, where the student can choose to specialize their training and dive deeper into the living tradition of Tibetan medicine.
Possible specialties include:
Training in the Five Action Therapies: appropriate use of medicines for purging, diuresis, etc
Supervised Clinical practice at traditional Tibetan hospitals and clinics
External therapies
Compounding and formulating herbal medicines
