The system of medicine referred to as Sowa Rigpa is practiced in many countries today, yet it owes its origins and development to ancient Tibet. Sowa Rigpa is known nowadays as Tibetan medicine or Sorig (Tib. gso ba - healing; rig pa - science). After early influences from Central Asia, Sorig was further refined through intensive cultural and scientific exchange with India, China, Persia and other neighboring countries.
The medical philosophy remained closely related to the teachings of the Buddha, whereas the medical practice absorbed influences from different cultures.