Meditation as Medicine
Tibetan Self-Healing Workshop Series (Class 4)
with Bryan Watrous DACM, LAc. and Julia Mariko Shannon, M.Ed.
February 8th 2026, 2 - 5pm
Meditation as Medicine is a monthly series of in-person introductory workshops based on the teachings of Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, world-renowned traditional Tibetan physician and lineage holder of the Yuthok Nyinthig, the unique spiritual healing tradition of Tibetan Medicine (Sowa Rigpa). This series invites participants to explore their own constitutional typology and learn to apply customized Tibetan self-healing practices, including meditation, movement, breath, sound, and the healing properties of plants and herbs found in the Medicine Buddha’s Botanical Garden, Tanaduk.
Meditation as Medicine explores multiple methods of meditation to give participants a range of meditative experiences, each with unique benefits. Based on the fundamental self- healing principle of balancing the inner elements of Wind, Fire, and Earth & Water, each workshop includes guided instruction and group practice of meditative and nature-based healing methods. Meditation as Medicine is designed for those curious about learning which meditative and self-care practices might be the best fit for their individual body-mind typology. Through these practices, participants will gain tools to increase self-awareness and promote inner balance by working with the inner elements to calm, detoxify, and energize.
The workshops will take place inside the beautiful Yuthok Ling Temple and outdoors in the Tanaduk Garden at Pure Land Farms, as weather permits.
Open to all, including both experienced practitioners and those completely new to meditation and Tibetan Medicine (Sowa Rigpa).
Participants may drop in for a single workshop or subscribe to the entire series.
An optional supplemental text by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Let Meditation be thy Medicine, is available for purchase from Sky Press or in-person at Pure Land Farms.
February 8th Program Details
Workshop 4: Energizing Inner Earth & Water to Unblock Mind and Body
Intro to the Earth and Water Element – Tanaduk Garden
What is the inner Earth & Water element? How does it increase confusion and apathy?
Diet and lifestyle tips for balancing Earth & Water to reduce lethargy and stagnation
Earth and Water pacifying foods and herbs: warming and energizing foods and drinks
Earth and Water pacifying tea tasting
Soothing Warm Salt Compress Therapy – Yuthok Ling Temple
Warm Salt Compress making
Earth and Water mantra practice
Warm Salt Compress application
Guided Meditation – Tanaduk Garden
Tibetan Nejang Exercise 24 – Tibetan yoga movement to vigorously awaken the body-mind
Guided group meditation: Circumambulation Walking Meditation Practice with Medicine Buddha Mantra to activate the body-mind and connect with self-healing energy
FACILITATORS
Dr. Bryan Watrous is a doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, with over 20 years of clinical practice. He is a Sowa Rigpa Tibetan Medicine practitioner and Ngakpa, ordained, non-monastic Tibetan Tantric Buddhist. Bryan is the clinical assistant of Dr. Nida Chenagtsang and the resident doctor at Pure Land Farms, Topanga.
Julia Mariko Shannon is a student of Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, completed a certificate in Sowa Rigpa Counseling from the Sowa Rigpa Institute of Tibetan Medicine, and holds a Master of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.