Traditional Tibetan Medicine for Meditators

Sowa Rigpa for Healing the Body and Nourishing the Mind

Sowa Rigpa, the traditional Tibetan science of healing, has always understood the body and mind as inseparable — and the path of healing and liberation as interdependent. This hands-on workshop brings that understanding into direct, practical focus for anyone drawn to meditation and contemplative life — whether you are new to practice or have years of experience on the cushion.

Over the course of a long weekend, participants will explore the foundational principles of Tibetan medicine in the context of spiritual practice: the three mental poisons as the root causes of disease and suffering; the nature of loong energy and its role in governing the nervous system; the importance of mental health, sleep, diet, and physical exercise as genuine foundations for meditation; and the Tibetan understanding of constitutional typology and how to adapt daily routines and meditation practice accordingly.

Putting theory into practice, we will explore common Tibetan herbal formulas alongside accessible kitchen herbs and foods that support sleep, digestion, and general wellbeing, and learn simple external therapies and self-massage to settle the nervous system and restore energy. Each day we will practice traditional Tibetan movement meditations: Nejang yoga exercises, mindful walking, and prostrations — dynamic forms of practice that strengthen the body, transform negative emotions, naturally bringing meditative awareness. In order to connect with the healing lineage from which Sowa Rigpa emerged, we will practice Medicine Buddha mantras and obstacle-eliminating meditation from the Yuthok Nyingthig — the spiritual treasure cycle of Yuthok Yönten Gönpo, the 12th-century father of Tibetan medicine.

Through movement and stillness, silence and mantra, theory and practice, you will leave feeling balanced, rejuvenated, and equipped with practical methods to support your home practice or next retreat.

Schedule:

Thursday December 10

• 3 – 6 pm Arrival and check in
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 9 pm Evening Welcome Program

Friday, December 11 – Saturday, December 12

• 7 – 8 am Morning Tibetan Healing Yoga
• 8 – 9 am Breakfast
• 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Program
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
• 1:30 – 3:30 pm Free time and opportunity to receive healing therapies in Menla’s Dewa Spa
• 3:30 – 5:30 pm Afternoon Program
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 9 pm Evening Meditation

Sunday December 13

• 7 – 8 am Morning Tibetan Healing Yoga
• 8 – 9 am Breakfast
• 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Program
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch and check out

*Please note this schedule is subject to change.