Lum Medicinal Bathing of Sowa Rigpa
The first Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa is a traditional healing practice deeply rooted in the knowledge and practices concerning life, health, and illness prevention and treatment among the Tibetan people in China.
It is an essential element of Tibetan medicine, also known as Sowa Rigpa, which is an ancient healing system that combines herbal medicine, diet, lifestyle, and external therapies.
Lum healing bath has a history of more than 1000 years (Ref.1.a). It was first introduced by Yuthog Yonten Gonpo (Ref.1) , a renowned Tibetan physician and spiritual leader who compiled the Four Tantras, the fundamental text of Tibetan medicine. Influenced by the Bon religion and Tibetan Buddhism, Lum embodies folk experiences in illness prevention and treatment, and reflects the transmission of traditional knowledge represented by the Gyud zhi treatise (the Four Tantras) in present-day health practice.
Bearers and practitioners include farmers, herdsmen and urban residents in Tibetan areas, with the Manpa (physician), Lum Jorkhan (pharmacist) and Manyok (assistant) bearing special responsibilities for its transmission (Ref.1.b). The practice gained popularity and became an integral part of Tibetan culture and healthcare system.
Throughout history, the Lum medicinal bathing has been passed down through generations and has become an integral part of Tibetan medicine. Today, it continues to be practiced in various regions of China with Tibetan populations, serving as a valuable therapeutic modality and cultural heritage. Its effectiveness and holistic approach to health have gained recognition beyond the Tibetan community, attracting individuals seeking alternative and traditional healing methods.
The bathing process involves the preparation of medicinal water using various herbs and minerals, which are boiled together to extract their healing properties. The resulting decoction is then added to a large wooden tub filled with hot water. The person receiving the bath, known as the bather, immerses themselves in the tub and undergoes a series of therapeutic activities, including massage, scrubbing, and exposure to herbal steam.
The Lum medicinal bathing aims to balance the body’s energies and promote overall well-being. It is believed to enhance blood circulation, alleviate pain, relax muscles, improve skin conditions, and strengthen the immune system. The herbal ingredients used in the bath are carefully selected based on their specific medicinal properties and the individual’s health condition.
Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa, as an element of the traditional Tibetan culture, can be a part of tourism activities. Tourism often incorporates elements of local culture, traditions, and practices, and Lum medicinal bathing has the potential to attract tourists seeking authentic experiences and holistic wellness practices.
In the Ref.2 , it is mentioned that Tibetan opera, Gesar, and Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa have been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This recognition highlights the significance of Lum medicinal bathing as an important cultural practice. When tourists visit Tibet, they can learn about and experience Lum medicinal bathing as a form of traditional Tibetan medicine.
To improve the utilization of Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa in tourism, the following measures can be considered:
- Awareness and Promotion: Tourism authorities can raise awareness about Lum medicinal bathing through marketing campaigns, promotional materials, and online platforms. Highlighting the unique healing properties and cultural significance of this practice can attract tourists interested in wellness tourism.
2) Training and Certification: Providing training programs for local practitioners and ensuring their certification can enhance the authenticity and quality of Lum medicinal bathing experiences offered to tourists. This can involve educating practitioners on customer service, hygiene standards, and maintaining cultural integrity.
3) Integration with Tourism Infrastructure: Incorporating Lum medicinal bathing experiences within existing tourism infrastructure, such as wellness retreats, spa centers, or traditional medicine clinics, can provide tourists with convenient access to these practices while maintaining cultural authenticity.
4) Cultural Exchanges and Workshops: Organizing cultural exchanges and workshops where tourists can actively participate in Lum medicinal bathing rituals under the guidance of experienced practitioners can deepen their understanding and appreciation of this traditional practice.
5) Collaboration with Local Communities: Engaging local communities and practitioners in the development and promotion of Lum medicinal bathing tourism can ensure that the benefits are shared equitably, fostering sustainable tourism practices and supporting local livelihoods.
By implementing these measures, Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa can be effectively integrated into tourism activities, offering visitors an enriching cultural experience while preserving and promoting this valuable element of Tibetan heritage.
On the positive side, tourism can contribute to the preservation and promotion of this cultural heritage. According to Ref. 3, over the past decade, more than 400 million yuan has been invested in the protection of intangible cultural heritage in Tibet, including the Lum medicinal bathing. The establishment of intangible cultural heritage tourist attractions (Ref 3) further highlights the efforts to showcase and raise awareness about this practice. Additionally, the inclusion of the Lum medicinal bathing on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (Ref 4) provides international recognition and support.
Economically, tourism can bring benefits to the local community. The growth of the culture industry in Tibet has resulted in an output of 6.9 billion yuan over the past decade (Ref 3). This indicates the economic potential associated with cultural tourism, including the Lum medicinal bathing experience. The influx of tourists can lead to increased revenue generation and employment opportunities for the local population.
However, there are also challenges associated with tourism. The commercialization of the practice can dilute its authenticity and cultural significance (Ref 5). Care must be taken to ensure that the traditional knowledge and practices of the Lum medicinal bathing are preserved and respected in the face of growing tourist interest.
Moreover, the sustainability of the practice should be considered. The increase in tourist arrivals may put pressure on the natural resources required for the Lum medicinal bathing, such as hot springs and geothermal resources (Ref 5). Proper management and regulation are necessary to ensure the sustainable use of these resources to avoid their degradation and depletion.
In conclusion, while tourism can bring recognition and economic benefits to the Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa, there is a need for careful management to protect its authenticity and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. By striking a balance between tourism development and cultural preservation, the practice can continue to thrive as an important part of the Tibetan cultural heritage.
Kubilay Tokbay
References:
Ref.1 -
Wang, J. (2021). The Silk Roads and Geopolitics in Heritage. ResearchGate.
(PDF) The Silk Roads and Geopolitics in Heritage (researchgate.net)
And
Ref.1.a — https://www.bjreview.com.cn/Nation/201901/t20190108_800153742.html
Ref.2 –
SCIO briefing on economic and social development of Tibet autonomous region | english.scio.gov.cn. (n.d.). English.scio.gov.cn. http://english.scio.gov.cn/pressroom/2021-06/05/content_77550767_4.htm
Ref.3 -
Output of Tibet’s culture industry grows fourfold over decade. (n.d.). English.www.gov.cn. http://english.www.gov.cn/news/topnews/202210/09/content_WS6342d711c6d0a757729e0fb9.html
Ref.4 –
China’s Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage — Xinhua | English.news.cn. (n.d.). http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-11/28/c_137637836.htm
Ref.5 –
Letter from Lhasa: Indulge in healing touch of Tibetan medicinal bath. (n.d.). https://english.news.cn/20230415/b121058453154a50a1572772e1f42390/c.html
