University Open Air: An Introduction to Indigenous Tibetan Healing Tradition, Sowa Rigpa
In this class, participants will learn about the indigenous Tibetan holistic healing tradition Sowa Rigpa—”sowa” is healing and “rigpa” is “science”—that emerged in the 7th century alongside the flourishing of Buddhism and interactions along the Silk Road.
Rooted in Buddhist principles and emphasizing the patient-physician relationship, Sowa Rigpa, a holistic medical system, views the mind as central to physical health, and aims toward disease prevention and treatment by understanding individual constitutions and imbalances. The practice integrates the concept of the five universal elements; distinguishes tastes' relationships with elements and classifies individuals into seven constitutional types. Diagnostic methods encompass visual observation, pulse reading, and questioning, while treatments address imbalances through diet, behavior, herbal medicines, and external therapies like moxibustion and massage.
Dr. Dawa will be supported by Dr Chok during this talk.
Dr. Dawa, a traditional Tibetan Doctor, was born in Lhoka, Tibet.He learned basic medicine from his late uncle Professor Samten (a renowned professor at Lhasa Tibetan Medicine College) and Dr. Lobsang Wangyal (former Physician of H.H. Dalai Lama). After being exiled from Tibet, he studied in the Tibetan Medical and Astrological College, Men-Tsee-Khang College, Dharamshala, India and received both Menrampa (Doctor of Tibetan Medicine).
Dr. Dawa has served as an intern at Men-Tsee-Khang Branch Clinic in Ladhak, as a Pharmacist within the Pharmacy Department under the guidance of Dr. Tenzin Choedak (former Physician of H.H. Dalai Lama), and as the director of the Herbal Product Research Department. He received further training and assisted research, focusing on the quality analysis of Tibetan Medicine, with Dr. Dakpa from Hayashibara Biochemical Laboratory and Life Science Research Institute in Japan. He was invited to the United States and exchanged information regarding herbal product development during his time as a consultant with Horst M. Rechelbacher, a founder of Aveda and Intelligent Nutrients.
Over the course of his medical career, Dr. Dawa has consulted with diverse patients with a variety of ailments and health issues. He integrates a compassionate and thorough approach, helping patients find their best path to a better quality of life and health. Consultations are an interactive experience, during which patients can ask questions regarding their well-being. Dr.Dawa uses the traditional diagnostic methods of examination and analysis, then provides therapies such as massage and medicinal bath. He also developed a line of products to be used proactively for preventative health care, integrating traditional Tibetan Medical wisdom.
*In cases of rain, classes will be either moved to the Prospect Park Boathouse or canceled. Registered patrons will be notified by email on the morning of each course day and are also encouraged to check the UOA webpage and BPL Presents’ Facebook and Twitter pages for updates.
University Open Air is generously supported by The Morris & Alma Schapiro Fund.
101 East Drive
Brooklyn, NY 11225
In this class, participants will learn about the indigenous Tibetan holistic healing tradition Sowa Rigpa—”sowa” is healing and “rigpa” is “science”—that emerged in the 7th century alongside the flourishing of Buddhism and interactions along the Silk Road.
Rooted in Buddhist principles and emphasizing the patient-physician relationship, Sowa Rigpa, a holistic medical system, views the mind as central to physical health, and aims toward disease prevention and treatment by understanding individual constitutions and imbalances. The practice integrates the concept of the five universal elements; distinguishes tastes' relationships with elements and classifies individuals into seven constitutional types. Diagnostic methods encompass visual observation, pulse reading, and questioning, while treatments address imbalances through diet, behavior, herbal medicines, and external therapies like moxibustion and massage.
Dr. Dawa will be supported by Dr Chok during this talk.
Brooklyn Public Library - Central Library MM/DD/YYYY 60