In Bhutan, hot spring is locally known as Tshachu and the medicinal or mineral spring water as Menchu. There is another kind of water known as Drupchhu (holy spring water). Spiritually, it is believed that tshachu, drubchu and smenchu owe their origin to the good wishes and blessings of Buddhas and Boddhisattavas. Hence, most of these types of water are found in the areas of gNyes (sacred sites). Tshachu is the most popular one among the Bhutanese. In some countries, hot springs are commonly used for recreation and relaxation; in Bhutan hot spring soaking is mainly used for balenotheraputic purposes as a therapy for treating diseases.[1] [2] [3] [4]
Mindful of the health benefits that tshachu deliver to the Bhutanese people, the Institute of Traditional Medicine Services documented and classified the tshachu according to the therapeutic properties described in the ancient gSo-ba Rig-pa textbook. According to this textbook, tshachu contain a combination of rdo-sol (coal), mu-zi (sulphur) and rdo-sho (limestone). Because of the presence of these minerals most of the tshachu have medicinal value. In 2007, Wangchuk and Dorji first reported on the history and spiritual benefits of tshachus in Bhutan and also provided a list of popular tshachus. In 2011, Wangchuk gave detailed explanation and description of different types of tshachu, drubchu and smenchu in his book chapter on 'An Indigenous Panacea of Bhutan' written for the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bhutan, Paro Museum. In 2014, Wangdi and Wangdi described a list of tshachus and drubchus, which are provided below.