Like many of my classmates, I had always been attracted to Chinese medicine. I have always been exposed, as well as had access to acupuncture and herbs. As a professional violinist, I developed tendonitis and carpal tunnel in my wrists and shoulders. Western medicine seemed to dull the pain, but I felt that my body wasn't really healed. Acupuncture and herbs helped during the the process to recovery. I have turned turned to acupuncture for relief from allergies, anxiety and stress, and shingles. Recently, I had the opportunity to study nursing at Johns Hopkins but when it was time to start school, I realized that the principles of western medicine did not resonate with me. My sister and cousin, who are both acupuncturists, urged me to to look into alternative medicine. Although western and eastern medicine should not be completely independent from each other, I chose to study acupuncture because the body has natural healing capabilities, which we easily forget. I don't know very much about physics, so I'll try to keep an open mind. I enjoy it so far, judging from our last class. I was not interested in science in high school since I attended boarding schools which focused on an arts education, and went to conservatories for college. Time "slowing down" or "speeding up" is something that we have all felt. For me, whenever there was a musical performance of some sort, rehearsals, and even practicing, getting into "the zone" created a distortion of time. I could clearly see my fingers land on the fingerboard and hear individual notes in a very fast passage--practicing this occurred on a daily basis--I think that great stress or extreme focus allows us to lose our perception of time.
The articles we read in class were interesting. I like the idea that galaxies are created by black holes. This idea confused me in class, so I went online and found some articles which explained it in more simple terms. I like how the total mass of stars in galaxies corresponds directly to the size of a their black holes. I have a feeling that as class goes on I will be amused/fascinated by the articles we read, as well as feel overwhelmed since physics is so complex. looking forward to next week!
I find it interesting that your family studied Acupuncture yet you were going in a different direction. However you still ended up here.:) How did you feel about Acupuncture before and during the time your family "urged" you to look into alternative medicine? What do you think really brought you to study TCM? And does it just feel right?Im curious because I didn't have a family influence and I feel that is a strong positive benefit to your outlook on things.I also like the info you found out about black holes. Its like the black hole is a womb that births an exact replica of itself but in light/star adding to the consistent theme of balance in this world. Awesome
ReplyDeleteLily, I like how you did more research about black holes- a subject I am still confused about. I wonder how exactly the hole pulls into itself, and what physical content is pulled in and then emerges as a galaxy and stars? A very curious subject! We'll hopefully be finding out more about this in the coming weeks.
ReplyDeleteI had a similar positive experience with Chinese medicine years ago. I fell down a flight of stairs and fractured my tailbone. The only thing doctors could do for me was to prescribe painkillers. Instead, I went to see an acupuncturist in Cupertino. 5 consecutive sessions and it never bothered me again.
ReplyDeleteI am quite impressed that you read up on the blackholes right after class! I will have to ask you all about it tomorrow when I see you!