Avenues for Knowledge Generation in Sowa Rigpa (Science of Healing) and its Opportunities for Integration with Contemporary Medicine: conference proceedings of the First National Sorig Conference, 2024

Abstract

Owing to the holistic approach of Sowa Rigpa, its therapeutic modalities can be used to supplement allopathic medicine in the prevention, treatment, and management of several non-communicable diseases. The Royal Government of Bhutan provides equal provision to both modern and traditional medicine as mandated in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The two medical systems must identify core areas to foster collaborative efforts in catering effective medical services to the general public. This encompasses a number of dimensions that include musculoskeletal pain management, mental disorders, palliative care of various ailments, and fevers caused by malaria. The synergistic efforts of both modern and traditional medicine in the management of these conditions will not only be effective but also reduce the burden on the overall health economy of the country. The key substratum for generating evidence and innovative ideas in Sowa Rigpa prominently lies in enhancing the culture of scientific research that emphasizes on discovering knowledge. There are several feasible and actionable areas for research in Sowa Rigpa, including investigation of medicinal plants, documentation of widely treated diseases, and conducting clinical trials for formulated products and therapies. The development of new fields like Sowa Rigpa-based pharmacognosy that targets on conducting in-vitro and in-vivo studies to evaluate the physical, chemical, and biological properties of Sowa Rigpa remedies are some suitable approaches to transform Sowa Rigpa into an evidence-based medical system.