In Sowa-Rigpa, there are five external therapies, which are Venesection, Moxibustion, Compression Therapy, Medicinal Bath and External Application.
Compression Therapy is the best among these external therapies. There are a variety of compression therapies like massage and compression (Horgi -Maetsa).
In Horgi-Maetsa, a tiny bolus is prepared of ‘Carum Carvi’ (Go-sNyod)and ‘Myristica Fragrens Nuntmug’ (Dzva-ti) and then dipped in pre-heated mustard oil, in accordance with Sowa-Rigpa. It is then used to apply heat compress on the rlung point or for various issues like insomnia, tinnitus, knee pain, cold kidney and waist, cervical problems, stress and abdominal distension etc.
‘Carum Carvi’ & ‘Myristica Fragrens
Bolus dipped into heated Mustard
Horgi-Maetse applied to shoulder pain
Post-Therapeutic care:-
After performing Horgi-Maetsa, sprinkle roasted pea powder and then rub the area with cotton or towel to clean the body and to prevent excessive badh-kan (phlegm). Cleanse the face, mouth, hands and legs with warm water.
Zang-bum
Zang-bum (copper cupping) is used as one of the external treatment methods in Sowa-Rigpa medicine. The function of the cupping is to alleviate acute or chronic pain and improving blood circulation in the channels of body as well as reducing stress.
Benefits of Zang- bum: Zang-bum cups can be made of many different materials. The copper cupping releases more tension and stress of emotional and mental imbalance. And it is very good for upper and lower-back pain, lumbar problem, sciatica, neck and shoulder pain, coughing, asthma, and menstrual cramps etc. It may be a little uncomfortable while the cups are being put on, because of suction by the cups on the skin. The cups may leave reddish or purplish bruises on the skin, but it will disappear in a few days. Zang - bum should not be used to skin ulcers, during pregnancy or on severe allergic skin etc.
Zang-Bum
