Therapeutic Effectiveness of Natural Hot Springs from the Perspective of Sowa-Rigpa Medicine

Tashi Stobgais

Therapeutic Effectiveness of Natural Hot Springs from the Perspective of Sowa-Rigpa Medicine

Author(s)	Tashi Stobgais
Country	India
Abstract	Natural hot springs (Chu-tsen) constitute one of the eighteen therapeutic modalities described in the traditional medical system of Sowa-Rigpa. In Ladakh, these geothermal springs have been utilized for therapeutic and health-promoting purposes for more than two millennia. According to Sowa-Rigpa literature and local traditional knowledge, natural hot springs are beneficial in the management of chronic disorders such as arthritis, paralysis associated with neurological conditions, musculoskeletal pain, joint stiffness, chronic gastrointestinal diseases, and various skin disorders. In addition to their therapeutic applications, hot springs are widely used for rejuvenation and the promotion of general well-being. In recent years, the number of local residents and tourists visiting the hot springs of Ladakh has increased considerably due to growing awareness of traditional wellness practices and improved accessibility to remote regions. Sowa-Rigpa attributes the medicinal properties of these springs to their naturally occurring mineral constituents, including sulphur, shilajit, calcite, and other geo-mineral compounds, which are believed to restore physiological balance, alleviate disease, and promote longevity. Traditional practitioners have long regarded these springs as effective complementary therapies for chronic illnesses, and their continued use reflects the enduring relevance of indigenous medical knowledge in the Trans-Himalayan region. Although Ladakh possesses numerous natural hot springs of considerable therapeutic importance, systematic scientific documentation integrating classical Sowa-Rigpa concepts with modern geological and hydrochemical investigations remains limited. This article presents an overview of the classification, traditional uses, and therapeutic significance of Ladakh's natural hot springs from the perspective of Sowa-Rigpa medicine, while highlighting the need for further multidisciplinary research.
Keywords	Sowa-Rigpa, Chu-tsen, Natural Hot Spring, Ladakh, Hydrotherapy, Sulphur, Calcite, Shilajit, rGyud-bZhi, Traditional Medicine
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On	2026-07-31

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Therapeutic Effectiveness of Natural Hot Springs from the Perspective of Sowa-Rigpa Medicine

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