Thinley Namgay
In recent years, sowa rigpa or traditional science of healing is gaining momentum, if the growing public interest in traditional treatment and therapies is any indication.
This is thanks to a string of initiatives to reinvent traditional medicine practices, including the introduction of advanced educational programmes, particularly a three-year master’s degree programme in laynga (cleansing therapy) and tsubchey (invasive therapy).
These programmes build upon existing educational pathways, which include diplomas and bachelor’s degrees in traditional medicine.
According to Tandin Chogyal, a Programme Analyst with the Traditional Medicine Division of the Department of Health Services, these additional programmes reflect a broader trend. “Many other initiatives have also been in place in the last few years, which showcase the growing momentum of traditional medicine and its services.”
Among the recent advancements include elderly care packages and palliative care for terminally ill patients.
To address the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, traditional methods like sorig zhiney and leujong have been integrated into the healthcare system.
In addition, short courses on menjong sorig spa and wellness are now offered in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development. These courses aim to stimulate interest in therapeutic professions and encourage more people to engage in traditional healing practices.
The Menjong Sorig Pharmaceuticals Corporation has also launched a range of traditional health supplements, including soap, shampoo, and herbal tea, broadening the reach of Bhutanese traditional medicine.
Bhutan’s traditional medicine sector comprises 80 traditional medicine units, an independent National Traditional Medicine Hospital (NTMH), a Faculty of Traditional Medicine, and the Menjong Sorig Pharmaceutical Corporation.
The NTMH in Thimphu currently offers 21 different services beyond its outpatient consultations. The number of visits to traditional medicine hospitals nationwide has been steadily increasing, with 234,145 visits recorded in 2023, compared to 215,098 in 2019.
The push for traditional medicine is driven by several factors. Officials said that these practices preserve Bhutan’s cultural heritage while offering effective healthcare alternatives.
“Our traditional medicines are highly effective and have fewer side effects than contemporary options,” Tandin Chogyal said.
Bhutan’s abundant natural resources and growing human resource capacity present significant opportunities for expanding the traditional medicine sector in the country.
Moreover, officials said that investing in traditional medicine could spur economic development, improve trade balance, and attract tourists interested in traditional healing practices.
“The perception that traditional medicine is primarily for older individuals is also changing,” an official said. “Therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and herbal compression are gaining popularity among a broader demographic.”
Tshering Lhamo, 38, who is receiving acupuncture treatment at the NTMH for chronic migraines, said that it has provided her substantial relief. “Modern medicines did not help me but after a few sessions of acupuncture, the pain was drastically reduced. I encourage others to try it,” she said.
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain.
The deputy medical superintendent at the NTMH, Drungtsho Lobzang Dawa, said that the main issue at the hospital is old infrastructure and aging facilities.
There is also a lack of representation for traditional medicine practitioners in decision-making processes within hospitals. Officials said that some modern medicine doctors are skeptical of traditional practices, which hampers the integration of these therapies into mainstream healthcare.
Budget constraint is another major issue.
The 13th Plan reduced the budget for traditional medicine to Nu 134 million from Nu 196 million in the 12th Plan. This is partly due to the department’s reclassification as a division.
Discussions are underway to restore department status for the Traditional Medicine Division, which is likely to happen, according to officials.
Officials said that being relegated to a division hampers the allocation of resources and decision-making authority.
According to Tandin Chogyal, the Traditional Medicine Division is currently investing in research to ensure that traditional practices are scientifically validated.
It is also developing an inventory of medicinal resources to address the risk of depredation of traditional medicine resources due to climate change, overharvesting, and illicit trading.
In the 13th Plan, the health ministry is planning to position Bhutanese traditional medicine as a centre of excellence in the Southeast Asian region. Strategy documents are currently under review to guide this vision.
Traditional medicine was formally integrated into Bhutan’s national healthcare system in 1968 under the Royal Command of His Majesty the Third King of Bhutan.
The Faculty of Traditional Medicine was established in 1971 at Dechencholing, Thimphu, as an Indigenous Training Centre. Following a resolution by the 32nd National Assembly, eight students were enrolled in a three-year Menpa training programme.
The training programme for Drungtsho (degree) was started in 1978 following a Royal Command of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The training centre was upgraded as the National Institute of Traditional Medicine in 1992.