What is Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan medicine)?

Dr. Khedup · 2026-09-23

Sowa Rigpa means "the science of healing". It is the traditional medical system of Tibet, taught today in recognised colleges and practised by physicians who hold a Bachelor of Sowa Rigpa Medicine and Surgery (BSRMS). In India it is a recognised system of medicine, and doctors are registered with a state council. Dr. Khedup holds registration NR/SR/DL/0000012 and sees patients at our clinic in Majnu Ka Tilla, North Delhi.

A Sowa Rigpa consultation looks at the whole person, not only the sore spot. The physician asks about sleep, digestion, stress, work and how long the problem has been there. In Tibetan medicine, many everyday complaints — restlessness, tight muscles, poor sleep, headaches — are discussed in terms of rLung, often translated as wind. The aim of treatment is to settle that imbalance and support the body's own recovery, alongside any care your regular doctor has already advised.

The therapies you will see on our menu come from this tradition. Ku-Nye is the classical oil massage. Zang-Bum is Tibetan cupping. Lhungsung works on the head and energy points. Acupuncture, herbal guidance and, where it fits, Ayurvedic Panchakarma sit alongside them. A session is chosen for your complaint: pain, stress, skin or digestion. It is not a single fixed package for everyone.

Sowa Rigpa is complementary care. It is not a replacement for emergency treatment, surgery or medicines you have been prescribed. Sudden weakness, chest pain, a new facial droop, or loss of bladder control need a hospital first. For ongoing aches, stress and recovery support, a registered Tibetan physician can be a practical next step.

People search for a Tibetan doctor in Delhi when they want this kind of care close to home, not a trip to Dharamshala. Majnu Ka Tilla already has a Tibetan community, which is why several clinics sit in the same colony. What to look for is a named physician, a registration number you can check, and a clear explanation of the session before it starts. Our clinic publishes the registration on the About page and confirms the plan on WhatsApp before you travel.

A first visit does not commit you to a long programme. Many people come for one Ku-Nye or cupping session and decide afterwards whether to return. If the problem is specific — sciatica, a stiff neck, migraines, poor sleep — we will point you to that condition page so you can read the approach before you book. Herbal medicine, if it is suggested, is discussed separately and is never added without telling you.

If you are new to Tibetan medicine, start with a conversation. Tell us what hurts or what you want help with, and we will suggest a first treatment and how long it should be. The clinic is in the Tibetan Colony (New Aruna Nagar) at Majnu Ka Tilla, a short walk from ISBT Kashmere Gate and close to Vidhan Sabha Metro.