Four-Year Certification in Tibetan Medicine

This four-year certification in Tibetan Medicine offers comprehensive training in Sowa Rigpa (Traditional Tibetan Medicine), starting from foundational principles to advanced applications. Students will explore Tibetan medical theory, diagnostic methods, herbal pharmacology, and practical therapeutic techniques. The new enrollment period opens in January 2025, and all sessions will be recorded for students to review at their convenience. This allows flexibility for both in-person and distance learners to engage fully with the curriculum.

  • The "Four Tantras" (རྒྱུད་བཞི་, Gyud Zhi), a foundational text of Tibetan medicine, is structured as a dialogue between two celestial figures—Yuxian and Mingzhi Xian, who represent emanations of the Medicine Buddha. The text consists of four main sections:

    1. Root Tantra (རྩ་རྒྱུད་, rtsa rgyud): This is the philosophical base of Tibetan medicine, providing a fundamental overview of physiology, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment. It has six chapters and is seen as the starting point of medical learning.

    2. Explanatory Tantra (བཤད་རྒྱུད་, bshad rgyud): Comprising 31 chapters, it expands on the first section by delving deeper into body structure, disease causes, preventive care, and therapeutic methods.

    3. Oral Instruction Tantra (མན་ངག་རྒྱུད་, man ngag rgyud): With 92 chapters, this tantra provides detailed explanations of treatments for various illnesses.

    4. Subsequent Tantra (ཕྱི་མ་རྒྱུད་, phyi ma rgyud): It contains 27 chapters, focusing on diagnostics, drug formulation, and external therapies.

    In a spiritual analogy:

    • Root Tantra is likened to preparatory practices (Ngöndro).

    • Explanatory Tantra is compared to Guru Yoga.

    • Oral Instruction Tantra resembles advanced practices (Completion Stage, like the Six Yogas of Naropa).

    • Subsequent Tantra is associated with Dzogchen or the Great Perfection teachings.

  • There are a few formats:
    1) week-day online sessions
    2) weekend intensives
    3) semi-annual hybrid intensive training
    On-site at our Sowa Rigpa School in Väluste Estonia and online learning.

  • Primarily in English
    we also offer:
    Estonian language
    Finnish language

  • Follow the program at your own pace with pre-recorded courses.

The Curriculum

This four-year certification in Tibetan Medicine focuses on the foundational principles and advanced applications of Sowa Rigpa (Traditional Tibetan Medicine).

  • The Root Tantra module introduces the fundamental principles of Sowa Rigpa (Traditional Tibetan Medicine), focusing on the balance of body, mind, and energy within the interconnected web of existence. This foundational course is divided into two key sections:

    1.1.1 Elements (2.5 days)

    • Introduction to Sowa Rigpa

    • Key Tibetan terminology

    • The Tantric system overview

    • Five elements and Tendrel (interdependence)

    • The three Nyes Pa (fundamental energies)

    1.1.2 Root Tantra (2.5 days)

    • Basic principles of health and disease

    • Diagnostic techniques: pulse reading, tongue, and urine analysis

    • Dietary and lifestyle treatments

    • Introduction to herbal remedies

    • External therapies for Rlung, Mkhris Pa, and Bad Kan

    This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts of Traditional Tibetan Medicine, setting the stage for deeper exploration into holistic healing practices.

  • This section introduces the Explanatory Tantra, focusing on the formation of the body and the foundational concepts of pathology in Traditional Tibetan Medicine (TTM). It covers both medical theory and practice, offering insights into anatomy, physiology, and the causes of disease.

    1.2.1 Body Formation (3.5 days)

    • Embryology in both medical and energy systems

    • Anatomy of the body: tissues and energy structures

    • Physiology and typology based on the three Nyes Pa

    • Physical and energetic death processes

    1.2.2 Base of Pathology (1.5 days)

    • Causes and conditions of disorders

    • Pathological mechanisms

    • Symptomatic characteristics

    • Tibetan Medicine's classification systems for pathology

    This module provides a comprehensive look at the formation of the body and the underlying causes of disease, integrating both modern scientific and holistic views.

  • In Sowa Rigpa, preventing and curing diseases is key, with a strong focus on prevention through balanced lifestyle and diet. Imbalances often stem from negative emotions or improper habits. Adjusting lifestyle and diet helps restore balance naturally, minimizing the need for strong treatments.

    1.3.1 Principles of Lifestyle (1.5 days)

    • Routine and seasonal lifestyle

    • Incidental behavior adjustments

    1.3.2 Principles of Diet (1.5 days)

    • Balanced dietetics

    • Preventing dietary hazards

    • Proper food intake

    1.3.3 Base of Treatment (2 days)

    • Treatment principles and methods

    • Specific case treatments

    • Addressing imbalances in the Nyes Pa

    This module covers the role of lifestyle, diet, and treatment in maintaining and restoring health.

  • The optional module TTM 1.4 Rejuvenation (1 day) introduces medicinal substances designed for long-term use, along with diet and lifestyle recommendations aimed at maintaining health and prolonging life.

  • This module introduces the Yuthok Nyingthig, a spiritual system designed to unite medicine and spiritual practice. It is aimed at students interested in Vajrayana Buddhism and spiritual practitioners, presenting the teachings of Yuthok Nyingthig through basic Buddhist science and philosophy.

    The optional module 1.5 TTM & Spirituality (2 days) covers:

    • Structure and content of the Yuthok Nyingthig root text

    • Overview of Vajrayana practices such as Ngondro, Kyerim, Dzogrim, Karmamudra, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen

    • General explanations on Vajrayana schools, transmission, samaya, and more

    This module is equivalent to the Yuthok Nyingthig seminar.

  • Tibetan Medicine is renowned for its advanced diagnostic methods, especially its intricate systems of pulse reading and urine analysis. This course explores these techniques in depth, alongside additional diagnostic tools such as inspection of the eyes and sense organs, drawing from the Explanatory and Final Tantras and clinical texts like the Somaradza.

    The course includes three modules:

    2.1.1 Basic Diagnostics (1.5 days)

    • Diagnosis principles

    • Triage and body inspection

    • Sense organ examination

    2.1.2 Urine Analysis (1.5 days)

    • Urine characteristics and analysis

    • Types of urine

    2.1.3 Pulse Reading (2 days)

    • Pulse characteristics and reading

    • Types of pulse

    This module provides essential skills in diagnosing imbalances using Tibetan Medicine's unique pulse and urine analysis techniques.

  • Herbal medicine is a cornerstone of Tibetan Medicine, with over 70% of the pharmacopoeia based on herbs. This course introduces essential herbs and formulas, laying the foundation for in-depth study of herbalism. Advanced herbs and formulas are gradually explored in subsequent classes.

    The course includes two modules:

    2.2.1 Materia Medica (1.5 days)

    • Categories of materia medica

    • Study of 100 key herbs and substances

    2.2.2 Pharmacology (3.5 days)

    • Pharmaceutical principles

    • Application methods

    • Pacifying and purgative medications

    • Formulation techniques

    This module provides a solid introduction to the herbal foundations of Tibetan Medicine, preparing students for advanced herbal studies.

  • TTM 2.5 Cold Natured Disorders (5 Days)

    This optional module explores the qualities and characteristics expected of a physician in Sowa Rigpa. It covers topics such as moral ethics, cognitive development, and spiritual perspectives, offering insights into Tibetan culture and philosophy. While these principles are rooted in the role of a traditional physician, they can be applied broadly in modern life beyond the medical profession.

  • TTM 2.5 Cold Natured Disorders (5 Days)

    This optional module focuses on cold-natured disorders, a major category of pathology in Tibetan Medicine, often linked to chronic, slow-developing diseases. The course covers the etiology, diagnostics, and treatment of cold-related conditions, with an emphasis on prevention.

    Topics include:

    • Indigestion

    • Tumors

    • Localized and generalized water retention

    • Weight loss

    This module provides essential knowledge for understanding and treating cold-natured disorders in Sowa Rigpa.

  • In Tibetan Medicine, hot-natured disorders, known as tsha ba (pronounced 'tsha wa'), include conditions like fevers, infections, and inflammations, which can spread rapidly and become life-threatening. Understanding these conditions is vital to the study of pathology.

    This module covers:

    • Etiology, diagnostics, and treatment of general tsha ba

    • Causes and conditions of specific tsha ba disorders

    • Signs and symptoms of specific tsha ba disorders

    • Treatment methods for hot-natured disorders

    This course offers critical insights into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hot-natured pathologies in Sowa Rigpa.

  • The body functions through the balance between hollow and solid organs, which are interconnected with the sense organs in a system known as dreljyor. Hollow organs provide nutrition and vitality to solid organs, while solid organs maintain the balance of hollow organs. This system is rooted in the dynamics of the five elements.

    The course is divided into two modules:

    3.2.1 Disorders of the Five Sense Organs (1.5 days)

    • Etiology, diagnostics, and treatment of head disorders

    • Etiology, diagnostics, and treatment of disorders of the five sense organs

    • Etiology, diagnostics, and treatment of thyroid disorders

    3.2.2 Disorders of the Five Solid Organs and Six Hollow Organs (3.5 days)

    • Etiology, diagnostics, and treatment of cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, splenic, and kidney disorders

    • Etiology, diagnostics, and treatment of gastrointestinal and urogenital disorders

    This module provides a comprehensive understanding of how the organs and sense organs function together and how to diagnose and treat related disorders in Sowa Rigpa.

  • This module focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of common conditions, traditionally studied together in Tibetan Medicine. It explores the etiology, diagnostics, and treatment methods for a broad range of disorders.

    The module covers:

    • Digestive issues: loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain

    • Respiratory issues: breathing disorders, hiccoughs

    • Urinary issues: urination block, polyuria

    • Joint and muscle issues: gout, rheumatic disorders

    • Neurological and skin disorders

    • Other common ailments: voice disorders, thirst, and Srin disorders

    This 5-day course provides a well-rounded approach to treating these miscellaneous conditions using the principles of Sowa Rigpa.

  • Traumatology plays a significant role in Tibetan Medicine, historically used to treat a wide range of injuries, from simple falls to battlefield wounds. In ancient times, these principles were even applied by Mongolian warriors for treating battle injuries. While modern hospitals handle severe trauma today, our program focuses on treating common injuries, offering restorative and practical Sorig sports medicine.

    This module covers both internal and external herbal applications for injury treatment, including the use of herbal bandages, compresses, plasters, and tinctures.

    The optional module TTM 3.4 Traumatology 1 (5 days) includes:

    • Etiology, diagnostics, and treatment of general injuries

    • Treatment of limb injuries

    This course provides valuable insights into herbal-based treatments for common injuries within the framework of Sowa Rigpa.

  • This optional module delves into the treatment of more specific injuries, focusing on the etiology, diagnostics, and treatment of injuries related to the head, neck, and trunk.

    The module covers:

    • Head injuries

    • Neck injuries

    • Trunk injuries

    This 5-day course provides essential knowledge for diagnosing and treating these types of injuries within the framework of Tibetan Medicine.

  • In Tibetan Medicine, gynecology and pediatrics hold a vital place, as prenatal health and early childhood greatly influence a person’s vitality and constitution. Special attention is given to pregnancy health and the treatment of women's and children's conditions.

    The course consists of two modules:

    4.1.1 Children’s Disorders (2.5 days)

    • The delivery process

    • Causes, symptoms, and treatment of pediatric disorders

    • Psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence: causes, symptoms, and treatment

    4.1.2 Women’s Disorders (2.5 days)

    • General gynecological disorders: etiology, diagnostics, and treatment

    • Menstrual disorders

    • Energy stagnation

    • Gynecological tumors

    • Sexually transmitted diseases

    • Pregnancy and post-delivery disorders

    This course offers a comprehensive study of women's and children's health within the Sowa Rigpa framework.

  • Tibetan Medicine has long distinguished between benign and malignant tumors, offering insights into their causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment. Mental health is also key, with a focus on the connection between the three humors and the mind’s energy, addressing issues from a physical, energetic, and spiritual perspective.

    Two modules are included:

    4.2.1 Neoplastic Disorders (2.5 days)

    • Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of tumors

    • Specific neoplastic conditions

    4.2.2 Psychiatry (2.5 days)

    • Mental retardation, personality, and behavior disorders

    • Psychotic disorders, dementia, and epilepsy

    • Neurotic and psychosomatic disorders

    This module explores the treatment of oncology and psychiatric conditions in Sowa Rigpa.

  • In this phase, students apply their knowledge of Traditional Tibetan Medicine (TTM) in clinical settings, gaining hands-on experience in diagnosis and treatment. This prepares students for their final exam and deepens their understanding of TTM principles.

    The course includes three modules:

    4.3.1 Clinical Diagnosis (2 days)

    • Patient assessments focused on diagnostic skills (body inspection, urine analysis, pulse reading)

    4.3.2 Clinical Treatment (2 days)

    • Patient assessments for treatment suggestions (diet, lifestyle, medication) based on specific diagnoses

    4.3.3 Conclusion (1 day)

    • Review of the entire curriculum

    • Exam preparation

    This course block is essential for practical application and exam readiness in Sowa Rigpa.

  • In the past, exposure to natural toxins from plants, minerals, and animal bites was common. Today, we face additional toxic threats from food, chemicals, and environmental factors. Sowa Rigpa identifies various types and stages of poisons and offers methods for addressing them.

    The optional module TTM 4.4 Toxicology (5 days) covers:

    • Etiology, diagnostics, and treatment of formulated poisons

    • Transforming poisons

    • Potential poisons

    This module provides crucial knowledge on diagnosing and treating various types of toxins in Tibetan Medicine.

  • 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:

    • Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of geriatric disorders

    • Aphrodisiacs

    • Etiology, diagnostics and treatment of infertility

Self-Paced Tibetan Medicine Courses offered by The Sowa Rigpa School

Our Self-Paced Courses allow you to begin the four-year Tibetan Medicine Certificate Program on your own schedule.

All lessons are recorded in both Estonian and English, giving you the flexibility to study whenever and wherever it suits you.

This format is perfect for students who cannot attend live classes but still want to immerse themselves in Sowa Rigpa and gain comprehensive knowledge in Traditional Tibetan Medicine.

  • Painting of root tantra in tibetan medicine

    Root Tantra

    €250.00 (can pay in instalments)

    Teacher: Anu Rootalu-Wachsmann

    The Root Tantra presents the foundational view of human life as interconnected with the universe, focusing on balancing body, mind, and energy. This first module in Tibetan Medicine is essential to understanding Sowa Rigpa's holistic approach.

    Register now
  • Painting of Principles of Lifestyle and Diet in tibetan medicine

    Principles of Lifestyle and Diet

    €250.00 (can pay in instalments)

    Teacher: Anu Rootalu-Wachsmann

    Tibetan Medicine highlights disease prevention as key to good health. This module teaches how negative emotions, lifestyle, and diet cause imbalances and guides students in making adjustments for lasting well-being in harmony with nature.

    Register now
  • Painting of Pathology and Sowa Rigpa Points

    Pathology and Sowa Rigpa Points

    €250.00 (can pay in instalments)

    Teacher: Anu Rootalu-Wachsmann

    This module covers the Explanatory Tantra, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and diagnostic principles, highlighting Tibetan Medicine's scientific and holistic approach through its mind-nature connections.

    Register now

Meet your teachers

  • Dr. Nida Chenagtsang

    Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, born in Amdo, Tibet. A prolific author and respected teacher of Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan Medicine) and lineage holder of Yuthok Nyingthig tradition. He is the director of the Sorig Khang International and Co-founder of Sowa Rigpa Institute.

  • Drukmo Gyal

    Drukmo Gyal, born in northeastern Tibet into a yogi family, she is a practitioner of Sowa Rigpa and Yuthok Nyingthig. Besides, she has published five music albums of Tibetan healing chants and mantras, touring over thirty countries to offer concerts, talks, and workshops on mantra, yoga, meditation, and Tibetan Medicine.

  • Anu Rootalu-Wachsmann

    Tallinn-native Anu Rootalu-Wachsm began her spiritual journey as a teen, studying yoga and Tibetan Buddhism. Trained in Tibetan Medicine under Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, she has taught across Europe since 2006. Anu is also deeply connected to Estonian folk traditions and received a rare shamanic initiation in 2013 from the Tsaatan shaman Enkhtuya in Mongolia.

Waitlist Form

Join the Waitlist for our Four-Year Certification.

Once enrolment for the program begins we will inform you. Thank you for your interest.

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100-Day Yuthok Nyingthig Practice Training