Men-Jong So-Rig Journal
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Editor : Dr. Dorji Wangchuk
ISBN: 99936-661-10-4
Frequency: 1 issue a year
Language: Dzongkha/English
Web site: https://www.nitm.edu.bt/index.php/2013-09-29-16-49-22/journals
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Item An Insight into Traditional Bhutanese Medicine.(2015-11) Tshering, Dago; Trainee, DrungtshoThe Traditional Bhutanese Medicine is called gSo.ba Rig.pa. Originally expounded by the Medicine Buddha himself and flawlessly articulated by great saints and masters of the past, gSo.ba Rig.pa literally refers to the ‘knowledge of healing’. This system of healing came into universal existence when extraordinary pre-destined Indian healer practiced it widely following the valuable teachings of the Medicine Buddha. He then passed onto his principle disciples followed by a succession of numerous learned healers who were responsible for spreading the healing practice in Tibet and other Himalayan countries including Nepal and Bhutan. It is the most sacred and vital of all sciences as it comprises a holistic and inclusive knowledge of science, arts and philosophy. The profound knowledge embedded in gSo.ba Rig.pa convinces us with the basic cause of human suffering and the ways to reduce or escape from it.Item Through the lens of gSo-ba Rig-pa: A Brief Introduction and Lifestyle Guide.(2015-11) Dorji, SherubgSo-ba Rig-pa places great emphasis on prevention and encourages the maintenance of health through close attention to balance in one’s life: right thinking, diet, lifestyle and the use of herbs.Just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, each person has a particular pattern of energy. An individual -combination of physical, mental and emotional characteristics, which comprises of their own constitution. This constitution is determined at conception by a number of factors and remains the same throughout one’s life. Characteristic features of every human body including mind differ from individual to individual. These variations are caused due to the condition of nes pa (humors) in the womb of mother from the time of conception. Generally, these variations are grouped in to seven categories of constitutions. Nes pa (humors) rLung provides the essential motion for all bodily processes and is extremely vital for health. General food guidelines for decreasing rLung include warm, well-cooked, unctuous food. mKhrispa the body’s metabolic system is made up of Fire and Water. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism and body temperature. General food guidelines for pacifying mkhrispa include avoiding sour, salty and pungent foods. Vegetarianism is best for mkhrispa people and they should refrain from eating meat, eggs, alcohol and salt. Badkan is the energy that forms the body’s structure : bones, muscles, tendons and provides the "glue" that holds the cells together, formed from Earth and Water. Badkan supplies water for all bodily parts and systems. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and maintains immunity. Dietary guidelines for badkan are food which have bitter, astringent and pungent tastes.Item An Enquiry into the efficacy of Dutsi-nga-lum, a unique healing therapy in the Traditional Bhutanese Medicine.(2015-11) Wangdi, SangayDutsi-nga-lum is one of the most important and popular forms of therapies in Traditional Bhutanese Medicine that is prescribed for at least 13 different types of ailments. This study is intended to assess the efficacy and side effects of various therapies based on Dutsi-nga-lum. A total of 226 patients (informants) undergoing dutsi-nga-lum therapies were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to self-reporting of their experience with the dutsi-nga-lum based therapies. Of the total 226 informants, 72% responded that the dutsi-nga-lum treatments were effective in treating their ailments, while 28% of the informants were not sure of the result. The study found that dutsi-nga-lum based therapies are very effective in treating various ailments.Item Comparative study of Mongolian and Bhutanese Traditional Medical Services.(2015-11) Gyeltshen, Tempa; Tsend-Ayush, D; Davaa, GThis cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Bhutan and Mongolia in order to compare and evaluate the Mongolian and Bhutanese Traditional medical services. A structured questionnaire was administered to 202 patients from both the countries, aged 18 years and above. Furthermore, observation method was also applied in order to determine the facilities and the services in the hospitals. The study found out that although Bhutan and Mongolia are two distinct countries, the traditional medicine policies are quite similar because both are formulated keeping in mind the requirements of the World Health Organization (WHO). The human resource was found to be consisting of mostly qualified physicians who have graduated from the government recognized institutes in both the countries. However, the services provided by the hospitals show a considerable difference between the two countries. Further, this study also found that physicians and patients in both Mongolia and Bhutan are satisfied with the services provided but they aspire for improvement in the facilities that are available. Although the services and facilities in both Mongolia and Bhutan are quite similar, Mongolia exceeds in the number of services provided compared to Bhutan due to much more advancement in economic development.Item Pilot study on Anti diabetic potential of Churu-5.(2015-11) choden, Jurmie; Erdene, P MolorChuru-5 is used for the treatment of diabetes in traditional medicine. It is composed of Phyllunthus emblicaLinn.Curcuma Longa Linn., Berberies aristata Berberidaceae, Thlaspi arvense L. and Tribulus terristries L. We conducted a pilot study to investigate the efficacy of herbal formula, Churu-5, in treating patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Thirty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus received 3 tablets of Churu-5 three times daily for 28 days. The primary outcome was change in glycaemic control as evidenced by fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2 hours postprandial blood glucose (PPBG). Other measures included body mass index, waist circumference, body weight and diabetic symptoms such as polyuria, polyphagia, polydipsia and fatigue. In the result some significant difference were observed.Therefore the present pilot-study shows that the traditional medicine Churu-5 tablet has improved PPBG level and it can be used for reducing diabetic symptoms in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. More over people with wind dominant and phlegm dominant constitution are more likely to be susceptible to diabetes.Item Promoting Health and Happiness: A Buddhist’s Perspective.(2015-11) Lhamo, NamgayBhutan is known to the rest of the world as the country of ‘Gross National Happiness' (GNH). His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth Druk Gyalpo coined this term with farsighted vision of building an economy that would not only enable the country to preserve its unique culture but also ensure everlasting peace, happiness and wellbeing of His people. The Bhutanese are blessed with all the conditions and physical facilities that are required for happiness: fresh air, clean water, good governance, free education and health care, and many others. However, there is no evidence to prove that all Bhutanese are enjoying true inner happiness deep within. This is because happiness is not something that can be found outside of usand moreover, happiness derived from external sources is only temporary and fleeting. True happiness is within our mind, which can only be achieved by skillfully observing our inner world. A number of recent studies have identified happiness as an important factor that determines the state of health and wellbeing. Further, happy people not only lived longer but were also found to be more sociable, tolerant, helpful, loving and forgiving than unhappy people. Happiness is something that every human being wants and in fact, we spend our entire life blindly chasing after it, only to land up in sorrow. Perhaps the best way to begin our journey in search of happiness is by drawing inspiration from the Buddhist teachings of Phar-chin drug, or the sixparamitas, meaning the six invaluable qualities of an ideal human being. This paper attempts to elucidate how one can achieve true, inner and lasting happiness by infusing the virtues of pharchin drug into our daily lifeItem Shortage of Medicines in the Traditional Medicine Units: A Case Study.(2014-02) Choden, Deki; Dorji, PemaIn Bhutan, the sMen-jong So-rig Pharmaceuticals (MSP) is the only traditional medicine manufacturing unit. Since the traditional medicine hospitals are now availing diverse treatment methods for the patients, they are attracting an increasing number of patients every year. This has resulted in the shortage of medicines in the traditional medicine clinics. This study aims to investigate the problems that cause the shortage of traditional drugs in the hospitals. Data was collected by interviewing and administering questionnaires to the stakeholders. The findings of the study indicated a mismatch between the demand and supply of medicines resulting in the shortage of some medicines and wastage of the others.Item Traditional Medicine Unit and Its Impact in the Communities of Dorokha Dungkhag.(2014-02) Lhundrup, SonamTraditional Medicines has been practiced for millennia, resulting in a particularly long and rich heritage that continues to influence growing acceptance of the efficacy and clinical use of traditional herbal medicines. In Bhutan, the system of traditional medicine was officially integrated into the health care system in 1967. This essay intends to introduce some of the current situations and challenges faced by the Traditional Medicine Units in Bhutan. Awareness campaigns on the availability and health benefits of traditional medicines have been organized in Dorokha Dungkhag under Samtse Dzongkhag. Such awareness campaigns have significantly helped the community people to understand more about traditional medicine encouraging them to visit the unit for medical care.Item Literature Review on Effects of Ingredients of Churu-5, a Bhutanese Traditional Concoction on Diabetes Mellitus.(2014-02) choden, Jurmie; Erdene, P MolorThis study reports a literature review aimed to assess studies related to the efficacy of various herbs in diabetes mellitus used in Bhutan. The incidence of Diabetes Mellitus is rising and many of the diabetics frequently use herbal treatments along with modern medical treatment for glycaemic control and improve their well-being. An electronic database (Pub med) was searched for 2002-2014 period and 31 related articles were assessed. Many studies-mostly animal trials- have been conducted in this field. Among the herbs, we searched for Phyllantus emblica Linn., Curcuma longa Linn., Berberies aristata Berberidaceae, Tribulus terristries Linn., and Thlaspi arvense Linn. Their chemical compositions, ethno medical uses and anti diabetic activities were summarized.Item Traditional Medicine Unit at Gelephu: An Annual Progress Report for the Year 2013.(2014-02) Penjor, Drungtsho TsheringThe number of patients visiting the traditional medicine unit at the Central Regional Referral Hospital at Gelephu under Sarpang Dzongkhag has increased rapidly in the year 2013. The unit now provides various traditional therapeutic services such as herbal steam, massage, moxabustion, etc. The unit also actively organizes awareness programs on the knowledge and practices of traditional medicine in the country, involving youths as a medium to deliver the healthcare messages to the communities.Item Sowa Rigpa: An Avenue for Personal Health and Well-being.(2014-02) Lhamo, NamgayWellbeing has been defined as a positive approach to living – an approach that emphasizes the whole person. Lifestyle has been found to be the most important factor determining our pattern of health. The wellness-oriented lifestyle as recommended by sowa rigpa encourages us to adopt habits and behaviors that promote better health, improved quality of life and longevity. Sowa rigpa explains that medicine for health and wellbeing is not only found in pills but also in the food we eat, the lifestyle we consider and the practices of mindfulness. This paper attempts to present a brief discussion on the concept of our body’s natural health, the root cause of diseases, our bodies’ energy types and suitable dietary habits; and some mindfulness practices, all of which are based on the knowledge and principles of sowa rigpa. In a world where self-healing and naturopathy is gaining popularity, the teaching of sowa rigpa provides a truly holistic and unique healing system that very much embodies this approach of health and well-being.Item Study on the Efficacy of Hot Compression.(2012-02) Singye, JigmeTheoretically, we learn each component’s potential and effectiveness in gSo wa rig pa text, listed ingredients are good for the persons who are suffering from joint ach, gout, rheumatism if it is practiced in the form of external therapy. Among the eight groups of medicines, particular proposal falls under the category of plant medicine. It requires herbal plants such as Genda-patra, Khen-kar, Che-tsha, E-mong, Soob-ka which are available in high altitude such as Lingzhi, Laya, Bumthang Lunana etc. Tab-seng, Gacha which are available at low altitude especially Trongsa and gelephu. It also requires other ingredient such as yeast and locally produced brew (Ara). Grinded medicines are bound in to a piece of cloth Chingloom (Hot Compression) and get heated with wine and water stream for 50oC to 60oC. Maintain the moderate temperature and keep on the pain area for 10-15 minutes.Item Health, Wellbeing, Competence and Aging in relation to gso.ba rig.pa(2011-02) Wangchuk, DorjiThis article attempts to discuss the positive aspects of healthy living based on gso.ba rig.pa philosophy and principles, which are crucial for general wellbeing, health, competence and long life. It will focus on three humors and five elements of our body, as they are considered as the basic pillars of our body and vital energies. Since mind is the creator of all phenomena, an attempt is made to describe the mind and how it affects our health status. The food and behavior are described in detail as they are very important for maintaining optimal health, wellbeing and long life.Item Health, Ethics and GNH – A qualitative study of vegetarian motivations.(2011-02) Lhamo, NamgayThis qualitative study explored the motivations of vegetarians by means of a survey questionnaire. Responses to questions were gathered from 25 participants and a follow up in-depth interview was conducted with 11 of those participants. Respondents were predominantly from Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing. Sixty percent were females and ages ranged from 18 to 55, with a median of 31 years. Data was analyzed using a thematic approach. While this research found that religious belief and ethical issues concerning animal welfare were the main motivators for the participants’ vegetarianism, a significant number of them also reported health benefits from being vegetarians, which provides enough reasons for continuing to follow vegetarian diet.Item A search for Goji Berry: Lycium Barbarum in Bhutan and its relative.(2010-02) Wangchuk, PhurpaThe Goji Berry flourished in the valleys of the Himalayas especially Tibet for thousands of years and have been the secret of longevities of the people who ate them. Some internet sources also report that wolfberries have been used in traditional Chinese Medicine for at least 2,000 years. Whatever it is, one thing is clear that the Goji Berry is known in Asia as an extremely nutritious food and have been extensively eaten raw, consumed as juice or wine, brewed into an herbal tea or prepared as a tincture, eaten as salads and used widely in other culinary preparations. Its leaves are made into tea. The berries are believed to enhance immune system function, improve eyesight, protect liver, boost sperm production and improve circulation, among other good health effects. Goji Berry root bark is also good for inflammation and some types of skin diseases. The Goji Berry was first reported to grow in Tibet but its habitat has been successfully duplicated and now it is propagated popularly in many countries like USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan and primarily in Tibet and China. Since Bhutan also falls within Himalayan region, it was suspected that the same species must have been dwelling here too. Because the berry is highly nutritious, it comes with many medicinal uses, and has high economic value. ITMS looked for its possible whereabouts in Bhutan. The search, although didn’t yield any positive findings, a close relative of Goji Berry was found growing in Punakha. This is called Lycium armatum. This paper discusses about the search for Goji Berry and its literature findings.Item Hypertension ‘the Silent Killer’.(2010-02) Wangchuk, TsheringPressure of the blood is explained in different ways by different medical systems and depending on the understanding of the Physicians. It is one of the oldest disorders known and affects more than half the world’s population. It is generally termed as the disorder of the rich as it is aggravated by rich unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity associated with rich peoples’ lifestyle. When blood flows through arteries it pushes against the inside walls of the artery. The more pressure the blood exerts on the artery walls, the higher the blood pressure. The size of small arteries also affects the blood pressure. When the muscular walls of arteries are relaxed, or dilated, the pressure of the blood flowing through them is lower than when the artery walls narrow, or constricts. Hypertension is a major health problem, especially because it has no symptoms.It is sometimes referred to as the silent killer. Many people have hypertension without knowing it. Hypertension is more common in men than women and in people over the age of 65 than in younger persons. Hypertension is serious as it increases the risk of heart disease and other medical problems than people with normal blood pressure. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to Arteriosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, enlarged heart and renal failure.Item Attitude of Bhutanese people on traditional medicine gso.ba rig.pa.(2010-02) Lhamo, NamgayBhutan hosts two forms of traditional medicine: local healing practices and the official traditional medical system known to the nation as gSo-ba Rig-pa. While local healing practices lacks proper documentation, the medical tradition of gSo-ba Rig-pa has been integrated with the nation’s system of health care services. This integration of TM with modern health care system not only adds dimensions to the nation’s system of health care but also provides an alternative to the patients in terms of active healthcare decision making. Given the opportunity to enjoy free medical facilities of both the systems, empirical studies such as this has become imperative for the clear understanding of people’s knowledge, attitude and perspectives so that researched evidences of health seeking-patterns can be clearly stated.Item Nasturtium Officinale brown (semri sag: as a vegetable with high nutritional value.(2010-02) Wangchuk, PhurpaNasturtium officinale is one of the common plants found growing wildly along the ditches and marshy places. Many people across the globe have been eating this plant as salad or as cooked vegetable since the time immemorial. In Bhutan, many Bhutanese have been eating this plant for centuries. Some Bhutanese have even been taking it for curing many illnesses including liver disorders. The literature review substantiated this curative claims and have been found to be rich in iron and many other micronutrients. This paper describes the plant, its ethno-medical uses, nutritional contents and the methods of use.Item Prevention of age related diseases through application of gso.ba rig.pa wisdom and products.(2010-02) Wangchuk, DorjiThe number of aging population is increasing worldwide and putting enormous pressure on public health system in every country. Therefore, it is of crucial importance to focus on prevention of age related disorders through various means, both from modern and ancient healing systems. An integrated approach is better than single system in dealing with not only the age related disorders, but also any health issues of all human beings This paper will attempt to list down all the chud.len and their ingredients and the methods of preparation, so that the people of the world can have access to such ancient wisdom. The dietary practices and menu for healthy diet during old age as per the gso.ba-rig.pa system will also be included and behaviour practices as per the season and climatic conditions will be highlighted. An attempt will also be made to introduce the concept of spiritual practices of longevity through visualization of Amitayus or other personal deities, and recitation of long life mantras and prayers. Lastly, the process of dissolution and graceful dying as per gso.ba-rig.pa principles and practice will be covered as death is inevitable.