The concept of gso-ba rig.pa.

In gSo-ba-Rigpa, the fundamental healing philosophy is the concept of three somatic humors (basic types of energy or functional principles): rLung (from ether and air), mkhris.pa (from fire and water), and Bad.kan (from water and earth). According to the principles of gSo.ba rig.pa, they are present in everyone and everything. rLung is the energy of movement. Mkhris.pa is the energy of digestion or metabolism. Bad.kan is the energy of lubrication and structure. Although all three somatic humors are present in everyone, one is usually predominant in any given individual. gSo.ba rig.pa medicine sees disease as a result of an excess or deficiency in rlung, mkhris.pa, or bad.kan, and also the presence of toxins. Good health indicates a balance of these three energies in a body that is relatively toxin-free. In gSo.ba-Rig.pa, herbs are used to treat illness to restore this balance. For example herbs that deal with energy or movement are used to achieve rlung equillibrium. Herbs that treat digestion, assimilation, absorption, and metabolism balance the mkhris.pa, and those herbs used to treat structure and musculoskeletal system (the "glue" that holds the body together) disorders restore bad kan balance.

Therapy procedures of ‘Les Nga’ practised at National Traditional Medicine Hospital.

The Traditional primary purification and detoxification treatment is known as Les Nga. It means the "five therapies". The five therapeutic means of eliminating toxins from the body are Emesis, Purgation, Nasal irrigation, Enema and Bloodletting. These series of five therapies help remove deep rooted stress and illness causing toxins from the body while balancing the three somatic humors. The Les Nga procedures along with its pre-treatments as specified in gSo-ba rig-pa, when provided in the right time and season can help an individual to lead a better life even at an old age. It is suggested that when one undergoes Les Nga therapy for three times annually, in the right seasons, it expels the toxins, revitalizes the body tissues and prevents the body from falling prey to various diseases and keeps an individual healthy during old age. There is a tendency for the rLung to get aggravated in old age and all therapies that are administered should be to prevent the rLung. Les Nga offers one of the most comprehensive methods of removing toxins from the body. They seek to reverse the direction of the diseases. This cleansing process is achieved through several protocols such as special diets, oilation therapy, steam therapy and cleansing therapies. Towards the therapy’s end, special attention is given to purgation, blood donating, or enema therapy. These therapies can help alleviate pain and diseases in human beings and hence may be established in NTMH for the benefit of all citizens.