Elements
Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa, knowledge and practices concerning life, health and illness prevention and treatment among the Tibetan people in China
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Manage No, Sortation, Country, Writer ,Date, Copyright Manage No EE00000236 Country China ICH Domain Knowledge and practices about nature and the universe Address The element is centered in the Tibetan agricultural and pastoral areas along the Yarlung Valley and the Tsongkha Mountain Range. It is also widely distributed in areas inhabited by Tibetans in Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu and Yunnan. Moreover, it has gradually spread to other areas such as Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang.
| Description | The Lum Medicinal Bathing of Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan Medicine) has been developed by the Tibetan people within a life view based on Jungwa-nga (five elements) – i.e., Sa (earth), Chu (water), Me (fire), Lung (wind) and Namkha (space) – and a view about health and illness based on Nyepa-sum (three dynamics) – i.e., Lung, Tripa and Pekan. In Tibetan, “Lum” indicates the traditional knowledge and practices of bathing in natural hot springs, herbal water or steam to adjust the balance of mind and body, to ensure health and treat illnesses. Influenced by the Bon religion and Tibetan Buddhism, Lum embodies folk experiences in illness prevention and treatment, and reflects the transmission and development of traditional knowledge represented by the treatise Gyud zhi (the Four Tantras) in present-day health practice. Lum is practiced under the guidance of a Manpa (traditional physician) in two ways. One is bathing in Five Types of Hot Springs containing different minerals. The other, bathing with Five Medicinal Nectars, includes three methods: immersion, steam-bathing and applications with sachets. In this process, Manpa, in collaboration with Lum Jorkhan (pharmacist) and Manyok (Lum assistant), conducts symptom differentiation based on observation, questions and pulse palpation. Then preparation of medicines includes herb compound, boiling, fermentation and addition of extra herbs. The element has been transmitted over generations through daily life, religious rituals, folkloric activities and medical practices on account of its safety and accessibility. While providing Tibetans with a sense of identity and continuity, the element reflects cultural diversity and human creativity. |
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| Social and cultural significance | In the high-altitude Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the element plays an important role in improving health conditions, increasing life expectancy, fostering a social code of behaviour, and promoting respect for nature and social cohesion. In line with Tibetan astrological and medical knowledge, communities concerned decide the appropriate bathing time by observing phonological patterns, climate change, other natural phenomena and bodily pulse so as to prevent illnesses. As part of disaster relief during the Wenchuan earthquake, Yulshul earthquake and Drukchu mudslide, the element played a vital role in the treatment of bone injuries and psychological care of victims. While being frequently utilised in daily life, the element is most widely practiced during the annual Karma Dulpa Festival that takes place in the seventh month of the Tibetan calendar, the Dudtsi Mandrub (Ritual for Nectars’ Consecrated Herbs) and other traditional festivals and religious activities. The element has strengthened the sense of cultural identity among Tibetan communities and is integrated with the development of expressions of their traditional culture, such as painting, carving, epic poetry and Thangka. Furthermore, it is closely associated with the Tibetan system of astrology and medicine, a fact which underscores how understanding the correspondence between discerning symptoms of illnesses and discerning time, as well as understanding patterns of change are of vital importance to traditional diagnosis and treatment. Similarly, collection of the proper parts of herbs carried out at the appropriate time and places, not only determines the effectiveness of herbal medications, but also facilitates a sustainable management of natural resources. |
| Transmission method | The practitioners of the element understand, master and apply relevant knowledge and skills through “listening,” “reflection” and “meditation.” Traditional teaching modes involve Wang (empowerment), Lung (textual reading) and Trid (instruction), whereas for some core prescriptions and operations it is necessary to receive individual instruction, i.e., the so-called “lag len mar trid.” There are three traditional forms of transmission: (1) Transmission within clans (Chimgyud). This is the case of Mr. Tensung Dragpa who comes from a family in Sog County with nine generations of famous Manpas. One of his sons and one of his daughters have also become bearers of the element. (2) Monastic transmission: for instance, the students at the Manpa Dratshang monastic medical college study and exercise the element through master-apprentice instruction and participation in actual practice. (3) Institutional transmission: as in the case of the Lhasa Mentseekhang (Institute for Medicine and Astrology) that, established in 1916, recruits students and instructs them on the knowledge and practical methods related to the element. The element has been incorporated into the curricula of modern medical colleges as a complement to formal education. At present, about 1,000 students graduate every year and find employment in relevant medical, research and teaching institutes; more than 60% of them are female. |
| Community | (1) Representative communities: Relevant communities of Lhokha, Lhasa, Shigatse, Nagchu, Chamdo, Ngari, and Nyingtri in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Relevant communities of Xining, Tsoshar, Tsolho, Malho, Tsojang, Tsonub, Yulshul, and Golog in Qinghai Province. (2) Representative groups: Medical institutions: 1) Lhokha Tibetan Medical Hospital, 2) Qinghai Tibetan Medical Hospital, 3) Tibetan Medical College, 4) Mentseekhang of Tibet Autonomous Region, 4) Institute for Tibetan Medicine of Tibet Autonomous Region, 5) Tibet Lhadrel Tibetan Medical Hospital, 6) Lhasa Khamsum Tibetan Medical Hospital for Bone Disease, and 7) Tibetan Medical College of Qinghai University. Societies and associations: 1) Tibetan Medical Society of Tibet, 2) Branch of Tibetan Medicine of China Medical Association of Minorities, 3) Himalayan Tibetan Medical Research Association of Golog Prefecture of Qinghai Province, and 4) Huangheyuan Tibetan Ecological Culture and Healthcare Association of Golog Prefecture. (3) Representative bearers: Mr. Lucham Gyal, Mr. Mindrug, Mr. Nyima Tsering, Mr. Dradul, etc. Practitioners of the element are farmers, herdsmen and urban residents in Tibetan areas. Manpa, Lum Jorkhan and Manyok bear special responsibilities for the transmission and dissemination of the knowledge and core skills of the element. Manpas are responsible for diagnoses and prescriptions. Lum Jorkhans are in charge of the preparation of medicinal herbs, while Manyoks administer treatment and nursing. Women play an important role in the transmission and practices of the element. A Chimgyud Manpa (clan Manpa) is mainly responsible for the transmission of Tibetan medical knowledge and skills within his/her clan. A Gergi Manpa (independent Manpa) distributes the wisdom and practices through a master-apprentice relationship. The monastic medical practitioners of a Manpa Dratshang (monastic medical college) transmit the element in the forms of written records, face-to-face teaching, specialised exams and medical practice within the college system. Moreover, teachers, students, researchers and other professionals involved in the practices of Lum Medicinal Bathing can be found in medical institutions, colleges and public health departments at all levels. |
| Type of UNESCO List | Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity |
| Incribed year in UNESCO List | 2018 |