Bhutan Publishes New Traditional Medicine Textbook to Strengthen Local Healthcare Training

Bhutan’s Faculty of Traditional Medicine has launched Zintig, a new textbook designed to modernise and strengthen Bhutanese traditional medicine training and clinical practice.

Bhutan’s traditional medicine system has taken a significant step toward becoming more practical and research-driven with the publication of a new medicinal textbook tailored to the country’s healthcare needs.

The Faculty of Traditional Medicine launched Zintig, a condensed textbook on Sorig, the traditional Bhutanese science of healing, during the 3rd National Sorig Conference, which concluded on 16 May.

The publication is expected to strengthen the preservation, teaching, and clinical application of Bhutanese traditional medicine by aligning ancient healing knowledge with the realities of modern healthcare practice in the country.

A Living Tradition in Bhutan’s Healthcare System

Traditional medicine remains an important part of Bhutan’s public healthcare system. Known locally as Sowa Rigpa or Sorig, the system combines herbal medicine, dietary therapy, physical treatments, and spiritual healing practices rooted in centuries-old Buddhist medical traditions.

Bhutan formally integrated traditional medicine into its national healthcare system in 1967 with the establishment of the Indigenous Hospital in Thimphu, now known as the National Traditional Medicine Hospital. Today, traditional medicine services are available across the country through hospitals and traditional medicine units connected to the public health system.

The Faculty of Traditional Medicine plays a central role in training practitioners known as Drungtshos and Menpas, who provide traditional healthcare services alongside modern medical professionals.

Moving Beyond Tibetan Reference Texts

Until now, students and practitioners at the faculty relied primarily on Kongtrul Zintig, a traditional Tibetan medical text, for their studies and clinical reference.

Faculty members say the newly published Zintig has been adapted specifically to Bhutan’s healthcare environment and treatment practices.

“Although the new text is also based on Kongtrul, it aligns traditional knowledge with the country’s present-day needs. Medicines, acupuncture, combustion, and the symptoms of diseases vary in Bhutan. So, the new book is more suitable for local training and treatment,” said Drungtsho Tendrel Wangdi, Associate Professor, Faculty of Traditional Medicine.

The textbook contains more than 100 medicines and diagnoses and will immediately become part of the curriculum for fourth-year students at the faculty.

“Previously, students had to study medicines unavailable in Bhutanese hospitals, limiting their learning to theory alone. The new textbook focuses only on medicines currently used in the country. This allows students to directly apply what they learn during practical training,” said Drungtsho Tendrel Wangdi.

Research and Local Relevance

More than 10 traditional medicine experts spent over two years discussing, drafting, and refining the publication. The project reportedly cost around Nu 300,000.

Faculty leaders say the publication reflects a broader effort to make Bhutan’s traditional medicine system more evidence-based while preserving its cultural foundations.

“Sowa Rigpa is rooted in ancient teachings, but continued research and review remain essential. We must study texts carefully, assess the strengths and weaknesses of medicines, and examine whether revisions are needed to keep the system effective and credible,” said Sangay Wangdi, Dean, Faculty of Traditional Medicine.

Preserving Tradition While Adapting to Modern Needs

As Bhutan continues to modernise its healthcare system, initiatives such as Zintig highlight the country’s attempt to balance tradition with scientific and practical relevance.

Health experts say the textbook represents more than an academic publication. It reflects Bhutan’s ongoing effort to preserve traditional healing knowledge while adapting it to present-day healthcare needs through research, training, and locally relevant practice.

Where Visitors Can Experience Bhutanese Traditional Medicine

For visitors interested in Bhutan’s traditional healing practices, several institutions and wellness centres across the country offer opportunities to experience aspects of Sowa Rigpa firsthand.

Among Bhutan’s emerging wellness destinations, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary has gained international attention for building its entire hospitality concept around traditional Bhutanese healing practices.

Located in the Neyphu Valley in Paro, the sanctuary describes itself as Bhutan’s first dedicated wellness-inclusive resort. Unlike conventional luxury spas, its programmes are closely linked to Sowa Rigpa principles and are designed around personalised wellbeing consultations.

One of its distinguishing features is the presence of in-house traditional medicine doctors who provide consultations for guests seeking personalised wellness experiences rooted in Bhutanese healing traditions. Guests at the sanctuary can receive traditional medicine assessments conducted by Bhutanese practitioners, followed by customised treatments that may include herbal therapies, traditional hot stone baths, acupuncture, dietary guidance, and meditation sessions.