Alarm
Resistance
Exhaustion
These are the Three Stages of STRESS.
The worst part is I already reached the "E" Stage" a few weeks ago...Fingers majorly Crossed!
eek.
7:37pm 6 November 2009
In a way...
We are a little like fortune tellers....from the body alone we can tell what a person's health problems are or what is going to cause patients problems in the future...in this way Chinese Medicine has a significant advantage to conventional biomedicine which can only act when the problem manifests in a big way...by then, is it too late? In any case I like the whole preventative medicine approach and looking after one's health...
7:27pm 5 November 2009
7:27pm 5 November 2009
On the home stretch...
Just one last one to go- struggling to apply myself...to be honest, COMPLETELY BUGGERED and have been for the last couple of weeks. LOL I manifested in hysterics mid-week, and yesterday after a tough exam my b'day twin caught up to that stage...now we are just both...EXHAUSTED. But still have one more to go...
and then finally, FINALLY, one year I can just unwind on my birthday...THANK GOD!
In any case I think I gave up some time ago on being part of the academic elite...all I really care about now is graduation...and being a good practitioner and having a successful business...
5 November 2009 3:21pm
and then finally, FINALLY, one year I can just unwind on my birthday...THANK GOD!
In any case I think I gave up some time ago on being part of the academic elite...all I really care about now is graduation...and being a good practitioner and having a successful business...
5 November 2009 3:21pm
Queen of Dru...Herbs!
I just realised I'm starting to collate a pretty sizeable collection now...I have a stock of at least 50 raw herbs and 20 patents...lol and that's just for my self use!
I think I have enough to start dispensing though *lol.
9:01pm 30 october 2009
I think I have enough to start dispensing though *lol.
9:01pm 30 october 2009
It's looking good...
did 4 treatments today- all very successful...actually the first patient said straight after treatment: "do you practice privately at all?"
*gushes with pride inside* ;)
6:42pm 29 october 2009
*gushes with pride inside* ;)
6:42pm 29 october 2009
So Busy...
it's NUTS! and it's especially nuts considering how much time I'm spending recreationally...I guess it is just proportionate to counterbalace ill-effects of elevated stress levels- in any case...between all of it I'm not getting a whole lot of sleep or rest here(!)
7:26am thursday 29 october 2009
7:26am thursday 29 october 2009
Searing Pain...
This tooth/jaw pain is really quite crippling- it is so intense the pain is overwhelming...so THANK GOD for my needles...it takes quite a bit in order to jab them in self...but thank god I did cos now my brain can actually do what it needs to do without being incapacitated and overwhelmed by pain sensation...
Heard of so many cases of really horrible dental pain lately- I think we trust dentists and doctors too freely...really they can cause a lot of health problems...that is why I like TCM...it is so gentle and effective working with your body...you really don't get these massive negative consequences...no matter how bad the practitioner is...at the worst you just don't get much better but at least you don't get...WORSE! :-p
8:36pm 20 October 2009
Heard of so many cases of really horrible dental pain lately- I think we trust dentists and doctors too freely...really they can cause a lot of health problems...that is why I like TCM...it is so gentle and effective working with your body...you really don't get these massive negative consequences...no matter how bad the practitioner is...at the worst you just don't get much better but at least you don't get...WORSE! :-p
8:36pm 20 October 2009
When all you wanna do is...
sleep or else cry in despair...go eat chocolate! ;)
Then turn up the music real loud...
and somehow, you get a second wind...
to keep climbing up over the mountain, despite it being all misty, cold and icy and wet and slippery.
9:11pm 18 october 2009
Then turn up the music real loud...
and somehow, you get a second wind...
to keep climbing up over the mountain, despite it being all misty, cold and icy and wet and slippery.
9:11pm 18 october 2009
Running on Empty...
I am so glad I can drug myself...have no idea how I would manage without...flat, FLAT out :P
but at least for the first time ever I will actually be freeeeee to celebrate my birthday! :)
1:26pm 17 october 2009
but at least for the first time ever I will actually be freeeeee to celebrate my birthday! :)
1:26pm 17 october 2009
Intuitive Healer
I've heard this phrase thrown around a bit...I'd have to say I claim it too!
Just cos I realise in an academic context I suck! And I'm SO GLAD I don't have to be an academic!
That's cos I realised, a lot of what I do, is very intuitive. Hence if you try and get me to explain or articulate, suddenly my brain hurts...cos really when I practice I sort of almost bypass that bit which = brain or logic. I'm sure that foundation knowledge factors in, but when I choose points for example, a large part of the determination occurs past the level of conscious thought.
Best reason I can always give for "why this and not that?"
Just cos I felt like it :)
Apart from that, I'm freakin' exhausted.
10:59pm 15 October 2009
Just cos I realise in an academic context I suck! And I'm SO GLAD I don't have to be an academic!
That's cos I realised, a lot of what I do, is very intuitive. Hence if you try and get me to explain or articulate, suddenly my brain hurts...cos really when I practice I sort of almost bypass that bit which = brain or logic. I'm sure that foundation knowledge factors in, but when I choose points for example, a large part of the determination occurs past the level of conscious thought.
Best reason I can always give for "why this and not that?"
Just cos I felt like it :)
Apart from that, I'm freakin' exhausted.
10:59pm 15 October 2009
TCM: It's in my blood!
This is my conspiracy theory. I've just always seemed to have this knack for TCM that sort of defies logic. I put it down to my "other" kind of ability possibly a skill something along the lines of "intuition" plus "healing hands". In any case it's just like this latent power I always had that once I discovered TCM it was the key that fit the lock...
Had amazing success with a rather complex presentation today-the immediate results and feedback I got was amazing- my favourite kind of puzzle- eg complex presentation manifesting as a multitude of symptoms of all different systems. No kidding the patient reported relief and improvement of pretty well all her symptoms which was about 7 different things. Very encouraging. Rarely do I get the chance to treat such interesting cases cos for the most part everybody around is really very healthy.
In any case I started wondering about this seeming "gift" of mine...and I really, really believe it's cos of this....TCM is in my blood!!! It turns out my father's grandfather was actually a highly respected Western/Eastern doctor!!! And several of us have noticed that these things do really seem to run in families!!!
friday 9 october 2009 10:21pm
Had amazing success with a rather complex presentation today-the immediate results and feedback I got was amazing- my favourite kind of puzzle- eg complex presentation manifesting as a multitude of symptoms of all different systems. No kidding the patient reported relief and improvement of pretty well all her symptoms which was about 7 different things. Very encouraging. Rarely do I get the chance to treat such interesting cases cos for the most part everybody around is really very healthy.
In any case I started wondering about this seeming "gift" of mine...and I really, really believe it's cos of this....TCM is in my blood!!! It turns out my father's grandfather was actually a highly respected Western/Eastern doctor!!! And several of us have noticed that these things do really seem to run in families!!!
friday 9 october 2009 10:21pm
Seriously, if it weren't for TCM I'd be soooo shit bored!
Cos everything else especially everybody else by comparison seems so boring...(the highlight of interesting people is definitely still through TCM the one or two golden oldies that have fascinating life stories...)
I remember one particularly boring moment stuck with a whole bunch of young girls I had absolutely nothing to converse with about...with time to kill...so I started taking their pulses and giving them "Readings" lol...a guaranteed roll eyes into back of head episode of boredom... salvaged! Everybody entertained ;)
sunday 4 october 2009 9:33pm
I remember one particularly boring moment stuck with a whole bunch of young girls I had absolutely nothing to converse with about...with time to kill...so I started taking their pulses and giving them "Readings" lol...a guaranteed roll eyes into back of head episode of boredom... salvaged! Everybody entertained ;)
sunday 4 october 2009 9:33pm
Talking to myself...a snippet.
"Liu Wei Di Huang Wan."
"Tian Wan Bu Xin Dan."
"Zhi Bai Ba Wei Wan."
"Wow, you can speak CHINESE??!...So exotic!!!"
*lol.
my other sentiment TCM wise this week has been: "I love TCM morning noon and night!"
:-D
12:30am wednesday 23 september 2009
"Tian Wan Bu Xin Dan."
"Zhi Bai Ba Wei Wan."
"Wow, you can speak CHINESE??!...So exotic!!!"
*lol.
my other sentiment TCM wise this week has been: "I love TCM morning noon and night!"
:-D
12:30am wednesday 23 september 2009
"Be Calm"
We had a scary prac exam and lots of people were packing it!!(with stress)....mostly cos they didn't study enough...
So for the ones who were so stressed I could feel their electricity I went and stuck my hand on their head to settle them.
It's a great trick my herbs teacher taught me which is fantastic for hyperactive little kids...it's cos there is a major point on the top of the head which settles the spirit...so yeah, there is a reason why adults like to pat kids on the head...
friday 18 september 2009 6:05pm
So for the ones who were so stressed I could feel their electricity I went and stuck my hand on their head to settle them.
It's a great trick my herbs teacher taught me which is fantastic for hyperactive little kids...it's cos there is a major point on the top of the head which settles the spirit...so yeah, there is a reason why adults like to pat kids on the head...
friday 18 september 2009 6:05pm
BRING IT ON!!!
There is this intractable strongly INTJ doctor intern we know who I always end up butting heads with cos he is very disrespectful of alternative therapies- the kind who dismisses TCM as "unscientific" load of crap...and all benefit is purely due to "placebo effect".
So anyway....as usually happens I say, TCM is something to be experienced...try it and then tell me if it is still crap...to which they always refuse.
In any case, fast forward some time later- doctor intern has suffered an emotional crisis, has matured, has more life experience under his belt...and now, he is open: he wants to give it a shot!
BRING IT ON!! :)
TCM is very good for emotional stagnation and blockage...just need to find time to arrange a meeting- will definitely post update after this encounter has happened :)
sunday 13 september 2009 10:53pm
So anyway....as usually happens I say, TCM is something to be experienced...try it and then tell me if it is still crap...to which they always refuse.
In any case, fast forward some time later- doctor intern has suffered an emotional crisis, has matured, has more life experience under his belt...and now, he is open: he wants to give it a shot!
BRING IT ON!! :)
TCM is very good for emotional stagnation and blockage...just need to find time to arrange a meeting- will definitely post update after this encounter has happened :)
sunday 13 september 2009 10:53pm
If you can steel yourself past the pain...
it sure is handy being able to acupuncture oneself!
I've been really exhausted and battling mucus congesting all in my head and chest for some time now...which has been clogging up my qi from flowing freely...so I kept wanting to just sleep and couldn't think with such a muggy head!
This has been disastrous for productivity with study and being able to really THINK.
So I had to resort to needling myself- a whole lot more difficult when self-done cos you are very aware and anticipatory of that moment of pain....
In any case I thought I'd needle myself then go take a nap since I was getting nowhere with my study...in any case it was so effective that I didn't actually need to take a nap and just whizzed right through to finish up that portion of study in a quarter of the allocated time- just cos my brain could suddenly work really efficiently again!!! COOL....
Very good for those with ADHD and tired all the time tendencies...
saturday 12 september 2009 4:42pm
I've been really exhausted and battling mucus congesting all in my head and chest for some time now...which has been clogging up my qi from flowing freely...so I kept wanting to just sleep and couldn't think with such a muggy head!
This has been disastrous for productivity with study and being able to really THINK.
So I had to resort to needling myself- a whole lot more difficult when self-done cos you are very aware and anticipatory of that moment of pain....
In any case I thought I'd needle myself then go take a nap since I was getting nowhere with my study...in any case it was so effective that I didn't actually need to take a nap and just whizzed right through to finish up that portion of study in a quarter of the allocated time- just cos my brain could suddenly work really efficiently again!!! COOL....
Very good for those with ADHD and tired all the time tendencies...
saturday 12 september 2009 4:42pm
Okay, my stress hormones kicked in...
it just dawned on me that now's just about when I need to go into Lock Down Mode until the semester ends...I was just checking my schedule and realise that the tiny break that I did have is not even a break anymore cos I completely filled that too!!! arghhhhh head down I guess, no more slacking off...need to activate the Self Discipline and PRODUCTIVITY mode!!! And hopefully get very effective resting hours!
5:24pm thursday 10 september 2009
5:24pm thursday 10 september 2009
Herbal Dispensary at Home!
lol I went through all my herbs I have at home just then and realised I have a pretty sizeable collection- for certain conditions I could definitely just start making up little therapeutic or even just tasty teas...it was pretty fun writing a list of all my herbs...what a cool collection.
apart from that I am very excited cos I have a very definite direction of where I'm headed with all of this upon graduation...
I will be SO glad to get outta this damn city...although I will kinda regret not having the opportunity to be a tutor- that could have been fun...nurturing the newbies - I can still remember how hard first year was- such a culture shock and so much information and workload overload especially when I'd left my brain to go rusty from the workforce...
12:00am thursday 10 september 2009
apart from that I am very excited cos I have a very definite direction of where I'm headed with all of this upon graduation...
I will be SO glad to get outta this damn city...although I will kinda regret not having the opportunity to be a tutor- that could have been fun...nurturing the newbies - I can still remember how hard first year was- such a culture shock and so much information and workload overload especially when I'd left my brain to go rusty from the workforce...
12:00am thursday 10 september 2009
I feel "God Awful".
I haven't had one for ages...but when you have a really terrible acupuncture treatment it truly is TERRIBLE!!
Argh I feel like CRAP! Some people definitely do not have the healing vibe :P
6:26pm 21 august 2009
Argh I feel like CRAP! Some people definitely do not have the healing vibe :P
6:26pm 21 august 2009
ESP Fingers!
I'm starting to think I have this gift!
It seems that even before people take their clothes off, my fingers just know exactly the sore spots before I've even palpated or seen the muscle...it's quite strange!
Today I was giving my classmate an impromptu massage in a break in return for the one she gave me...it's like my fingers just have a "sixth sense"...it's quite bizarre...or maybe it is the rapport I have with certain people?
Even when I went to learn reiki some time ago- before we'd been taught how or explained anything about it...I did what came intuitively and the 'patient' got up and said..."WOW, THAT WAS AMAZING" in that kind of capitalised exclamation! And I honestly didn't know cos I hadn't learnt anything yet!
So maybe...maybe that is a gift people who are fated or born to be Healers get :) If I think about it too much my brain just starts spinning with question marks so I'll just think of it as a normal fact of life for the time being! LOL.
5 august 09 718pm
It seems that even before people take their clothes off, my fingers just know exactly the sore spots before I've even palpated or seen the muscle...it's quite strange!
Today I was giving my classmate an impromptu massage in a break in return for the one she gave me...it's like my fingers just have a "sixth sense"...it's quite bizarre...or maybe it is the rapport I have with certain people?
Even when I went to learn reiki some time ago- before we'd been taught how or explained anything about it...I did what came intuitively and the 'patient' got up and said..."WOW, THAT WAS AMAZING" in that kind of capitalised exclamation! And I honestly didn't know cos I hadn't learnt anything yet!
So maybe...maybe that is a gift people who are fated or born to be Healers get :) If I think about it too much my brain just starts spinning with question marks so I'll just think of it as a normal fact of life for the time being! LOL.
5 august 09 718pm
Guinea Pigging Myself!
How fun!...having fun guinea pigging myself with different formulas...I guess that is the only true way to learn...become a druggie-at least temporarily!!
In any case when you're putting together and boiling the raw herbs there is a certain sense of satisfaction...it all feels so natural and of times past!
I'm especially excited to go buy the ingredients and decoct...I figure the body knows...I'll drink a bit just to test for strength/adverse effects...but I'm pretty sure it'll be fine...just I'm pretty sensitive and being of a small build I need to be a bit more cautious...
monday 3 august 2009 9:15am
In any case when you're putting together and boiling the raw herbs there is a certain sense of satisfaction...it all feels so natural and of times past!
I'm especially excited to go buy the ingredients and decoct...I figure the body knows...I'll drink a bit just to test for strength/adverse effects...but I'm pretty sure it'll be fine...just I'm pretty sensitive and being of a small build I need to be a bit more cautious...
monday 3 august 2009 9:15am
A Balanced Lifestyle
This is my goal for this semester...along with staying healthy, productive, on top of things and not stressed...a picture of groundedness...let's see if I can do it!
1:11am MONDAY 27 JULY 2009
1:11am MONDAY 27 JULY 2009
I smell like weed.
Somebody really needs to invent a moxa de-stinker!
Oh well at least I'm not too self conscious so I'm not aware if people are staring at me cos they think I'm a massive weed head.
In any case, it was suggested to me by a superior that I am suited to specializing in the psycho-emotional -oooooh! Damn, I knew I should have just done that Psych degree the first time round! It ended up catching up with me anyhow LOL!
11:20pm 30 june 2009
Oh well at least I'm not too self conscious so I'm not aware if people are staring at me cos they think I'm a massive weed head.
In any case, it was suggested to me by a superior that I am suited to specializing in the psycho-emotional -oooooh! Damn, I knew I should have just done that Psych degree the first time round! It ended up catching up with me anyhow LOL!
11:20pm 30 june 2009
DONE! Happy Days!
Sheesh in the 23 years of my life or so that I have devoted to formal education...THAT, for some strange reason, was the most difficult project/assignment EVER!
And so very very insidious...at the outset it looked suprisingly straight forward and simple...yet, once we actually tried to do it, it became a laborious, agonizing and surprisingly mind boggling task...further complicated by a lack of available resources to the English speaker.
Anyhow...another one down...only 3 more to go before I can say Bye Bye to The Student Life!!
LATER, folks! :-D
friday 12 june 9:26am
And so very very insidious...at the outset it looked suprisingly straight forward and simple...yet, once we actually tried to do it, it became a laborious, agonizing and surprisingly mind boggling task...further complicated by a lack of available resources to the English speaker.
Anyhow...another one down...only 3 more to go before I can say Bye Bye to The Student Life!!
LATER, folks! :-D
friday 12 june 9:26am
Due to Treatment or not?
One of my treatments from 2 or 3 weeks ago who suffers pcos, oligomenorrhoea/amenorrhoea FINALLY got her period...wondering if it had anything to do with the treatment or just eventuated as a matter of course? Something I'm definitely interested to get more experience in treating cos when these things span such huge time periods(MONTHS) it is really hard to tell unless you have several years worth of case observations under your belt...
found this energy healing resource really cool in terms of acupoint prescriptions for enneagram types...e.g.
1223am tuesday 9 june 2009
found this energy healing resource really cool in terms of acupoint prescriptions for enneagram types...e.g.
1223am tuesday 9 june 2009
A life of self-neglect
wow I am so not used to the luxury of more than 6 hours sleep that now I keep getting up before 6am!
I realised during semester life is so much like a pressure cooker and that blogging etc is all just a means to let off this steam...once on holidays I think the blogging and spending so much time on the net distracting becomes rather redundant...good thing too- will be nice to have a "real life" again!
Any case just under a week to go to hand in my final paper. I guess I should get started. The earlier it's done the earlier I can "have a life"!
p.s since this blog is 'documentary' I have to note that the exams this year were so stressful I ended up buying THREE pairs of shoes directly after the final one...I think it is almost like the overindulgence is a weak attempt to compensate for all the self neglect that goes on for the entire semester...sleep deprivation, meal deprivation, house deprivation...everything basically when you so lack spare time it's existential minimalism...you are functioning in such a rigid hectic schedule...all moments of spare time are not actually spare time but "in-between" moments ie 20 spare minutes popped up cos your class finished early or whatever. It's pretty sad. But the student existence will end...and I guess it'll be a little sad but also a WHOLE LOTTA RELIEF when it actually does!
621am friday 5 june 2009
I realised during semester life is so much like a pressure cooker and that blogging etc is all just a means to let off this steam...once on holidays I think the blogging and spending so much time on the net distracting becomes rather redundant...good thing too- will be nice to have a "real life" again!
Any case just under a week to go to hand in my final paper. I guess I should get started. The earlier it's done the earlier I can "have a life"!
p.s since this blog is 'documentary' I have to note that the exams this year were so stressful I ended up buying THREE pairs of shoes directly after the final one...I think it is almost like the overindulgence is a weak attempt to compensate for all the self neglect that goes on for the entire semester...sleep deprivation, meal deprivation, house deprivation...everything basically when you so lack spare time it's existential minimalism...you are functioning in such a rigid hectic schedule...all moments of spare time are not actually spare time but "in-between" moments ie 20 spare minutes popped up cos your class finished early or whatever. It's pretty sad. But the student existence will end...and I guess it'll be a little sad but also a WHOLE LOTTA RELIEF when it actually does!
621am friday 5 june 2009
The Grass is not always Greener...
Suffocated in moxa fumes, which is probably illegal but university funding can't seem to provide adequate ventilation in any of our treatment areas-the smoke was so concentrated it made security personnel come knocking with the question..."What's with all the smell of GRASS?"
friday 29 may 2009 331pm
friday 29 may 2009 331pm
Poke-a-holic
So... my grades are going down the chute, I'm barely doing any study but I'm getting lots of practice treating...ironically other classmates especially ones who negatively magnetize/empathically take on their patient's ailments...with very positive feedback :)
I also haven't picked up problems from giving treatments of late so fingers crossed I might actually have built up a stronger auric barrier...or am now better able to maintain my boundaries...
I might actually being able to do this as a job after all!
6:08pm 26 may 2009
I also haven't picked up problems from giving treatments of late so fingers crossed I might actually have built up a stronger auric barrier...or am now better able to maintain my boundaries...
I might actually being able to do this as a job after all!
6:08pm 26 may 2009
The Bi-annual Burn Out.
Stage 1 for 2009 of the Bi-Annual Burn out. The same time each year where everything gets so stressful, demands are high and you're so exhausted and have hit a wall. So you do what any rational person does and throw some kind of necessary tantrum, have a peak transient "crisis", let off some pent up energy and then it's gone. After a whole lot of swearing and booze, you actually feel good again...
all you really needed to do was let yourself loose from that chain that ties you to your desk, rest your weary eyes from the glare of that screen, go out and breathe fresh air and find some real live mates to rant with...
Sane again! Too easy! Nevertheless an inevitable bi-annual ritual...
monday 25 may 2009 10:47pm
all you really needed to do was let yourself loose from that chain that ties you to your desk, rest your weary eyes from the glare of that screen, go out and breathe fresh air and find some real live mates to rant with...
Sane again! Too easy! Nevertheless an inevitable bi-annual ritual...
monday 25 may 2009 10:47pm
A small confession.
It was me, it was me who poured the water into the contaminated waste bag!!
That was cos if I hadn't, the entire bag would have gone up in flames and a whole lot worse!
LOL, the joy of acclimatizing to new products.
It's always just too much fun around here...I'm kinda getting bored with treating for food stagnation type complaints though...it must be all the stress in the city...for relatively healthy people that is one of the first problems that will surface.
I guess it's also the modern time poor diet is pretty crap too.
24 may 2009 8:00pm
That was cos if I hadn't, the entire bag would have gone up in flames and a whole lot worse!
LOL, the joy of acclimatizing to new products.
It's always just too much fun around here...I'm kinda getting bored with treating for food stagnation type complaints though...it must be all the stress in the city...for relatively healthy people that is one of the first problems that will surface.
I guess it's also the modern time poor diet is pretty crap too.
24 may 2009 8:00pm
Conclusion: I'm definitely some kind of Masochist!
Why oh why do I always leave everything to THE LAST MINUTE??! I don't know perhaps I'm some kind of adrenalin junkie, perhaps the student life is so monotonous I appreciate the last minute thrill and challenge? Or maybe I just like a reason to stay up in the wee hours and enjoy the peace and quiet while everybody is sleeping? Or maybe I just am really that undisciplined that until a situation becomes dire I will have no qualms with procrastinating with idle pursuits...
Who knows, whatever the case, it's gonna be another late night for me! LOL
tuesday 19 may 2009 11:12pm
Who knows, whatever the case, it's gonna be another late night for me! LOL
tuesday 19 may 2009 11:12pm
Just don't care.
An interesting phenomenon washed over myself and colleagues...we're tired. And we had had enough. So we took the ENTIRE weekend off...ah, Sanity...BALANCE.
Feels good :)
monday 18 may 6.55pm
Feels good :)
monday 18 may 6.55pm
It's almost perverted.
My addiction that is.
I feel kinda guilty how excited I get when one of my classmates gets sick...immediately my eyes turn big as flying saucers and I feel a sense of gluttinous greed...cos I see that as a great learning opportunity and chance to "have fun" treating!
Yes I truly get my kicks. Treating people and being able to solve their health issues really turns me on...it's like major brain candy...Brain Chocolate even! Tickles me in all the right places ;)
I can't believe from where I am fuelling this enthusiasm from- the past 3 days I have had a total of 12 hours sleep...cumulative! Talk about...dedication :p In any case one thing's for certain...I am THE most MISERABLE student- studying is a total arse and I suck at it. However.
I LOOOOVE practical application giving treatments- solving the puzzles- and judging from my track record to date, I'm not half bad at it either ;)
Definitely going to set up these hols...so excited can't wait! Also going to try and get back into the whole qi exercise aspect with Tai Chi this weekend since I finally found a local teacher...should be good :)
6:54pm friday 15 may 2009
I feel kinda guilty how excited I get when one of my classmates gets sick...immediately my eyes turn big as flying saucers and I feel a sense of gluttinous greed...cos I see that as a great learning opportunity and chance to "have fun" treating!
Yes I truly get my kicks. Treating people and being able to solve their health issues really turns me on...it's like major brain candy...Brain Chocolate even! Tickles me in all the right places ;)
I can't believe from where I am fuelling this enthusiasm from- the past 3 days I have had a total of 12 hours sleep...cumulative! Talk about...dedication :p In any case one thing's for certain...I am THE most MISERABLE student- studying is a total arse and I suck at it. However.
I LOOOOVE practical application giving treatments- solving the puzzles- and judging from my track record to date, I'm not half bad at it either ;)
Definitely going to set up these hols...so excited can't wait! Also going to try and get back into the whole qi exercise aspect with Tai Chi this weekend since I finally found a local teacher...should be good :)
6:54pm friday 15 may 2009
Being Hammered.
It's 12:23am. This lifestyle is gruelling. I'm in a paralysed state of stress. I know this is a contradiction but I am- in calm stress. ie I've not kicked into action yet cos I'm still trying to find the drive to get off the starting line...I'm still reeling from burn out and exhaustion from the past week and my brain is still recovering having been stretched to the max. But at least I'm still awake (courtesy of afternoon siesta) and going to do some intellectual reading on channel theory which will hopefully be absorbed during sleep so that I can just spit out an essay in it's entirety tomorrow. If there's one thing I've learnt- sleep is all a brain really needs to really do amazing knowledge consolidation. Too bad I'm not getting any, cos my shut eye is full of wacky and vivid dreams...which I'm sure mean something that would be more clear if I recorded them and read back over them in the future...but I don't want to tax myself anymore than what is essential right now.
12:30am sunday 10 may 2009
12:30am sunday 10 may 2009
The Poo Specialist!
Haha, I have inadvertently become a "poo" specialist with resounding success in my treatments given for constipation and digestive issues...
I actually really love treating constipation for that reason...cos it's one where when your treatment works...you get definitive feedback in a timely fashion! LOL
And besides, it's amazing how many people feel so much anxiety when they're not "regular" so it's nice to be able to provide not only physical but also psycho-emotional relief ;)
Staying on topic somewhat lol...I'm somewhat "in the shits" having frittered away what little spare time I do have and left EVERYTHING TO THE LAST MINUTE! arghhhh the next 6, 7 days are going to be stretched to max and STRESSY trying to start and complete all the assessments! Maybe my subconscious likes the adrenalin rush of living on the edge :p
9:31pm friday 8 may 2009
I actually really love treating constipation for that reason...cos it's one where when your treatment works...you get definitive feedback in a timely fashion! LOL
And besides, it's amazing how many people feel so much anxiety when they're not "regular" so it's nice to be able to provide not only physical but also psycho-emotional relief ;)
Staying on topic somewhat lol...I'm somewhat "in the shits" having frittered away what little spare time I do have and left EVERYTHING TO THE LAST MINUTE! arghhhh the next 6, 7 days are going to be stretched to max and STRESSY trying to start and complete all the assessments! Maybe my subconscious likes the adrenalin rush of living on the edge :p
9:31pm friday 8 may 2009
When can I start working already?!!
One of my my age school buddies in a younger year was telling me today how she didn't realise that you had to study on par with "selling your soul" otherwise...as she tragically learnt...you FAIL! LOL I turned to her and said...why are you being so sadistic?...you're married...why don't you just go make babies? LOL, yes sheer "at the end of one's cramming tether" makes one go all...flippant! :p
12:00am thursday 7 may
12:00am thursday 7 may
I am one sucky student.
For sure I like learning...But STUDYING is another matter altogether! It sure doesn't come naturally to me and most of the time I feel like making myself do it is like someone has grabbed me by my ankles dragging me and dumping me in my study chair and TIED ME TO MY DESK! (something not dissimilar was done in the past when I've had someone to crack the whip! LOL) So I just sit there and try and wriggle out of my bonds and usual don't end up being too productive :p
So I've been especially bad the last 2 weeks or so...doing anything and everything but. You'd think I'd have learnt my lesson from the last entry but no....I've still managed to procrastinate everything to the last minute and have a heck of a lot to cram and absorb in a heck of a short time.
No wonder my head hurts :p
5:15pm tuesday 5 may 2009
So I've been especially bad the last 2 weeks or so...doing anything and everything but. You'd think I'd have learnt my lesson from the last entry but no....I've still managed to procrastinate everything to the last minute and have a heck of a lot to cram and absorb in a heck of a short time.
No wonder my head hurts :p
5:15pm tuesday 5 may 2009
Resting on one's laurels: Z crashes out bigtime!
So.
I looked at the paper. SHITE. SHITE. SHITE. Staring at blank pages with absolutely no way to crap my way out of it.
Hmmm Lesson learnt. Being TOO RELAXED is not a clever approach to exams. A bit of stress is the best way for me at least, cos otherwise you just don't care enough.
But the recent news is, I found out I got on the merit list for the second and likely last year running. Not a small effort by any means. So (especially cos it seems like the last time) I am going to give myself a reward of a *pair of new shoes*...cos an award ceremony calls for nice shoes ;)
LOL. Excuses, excuses.
This girl needs a big SMACK! Going to unwind with yoga and then throw myself back in the ring to meet another lion :p - this one I will go back to my usual "stress" approach me thinks! *siiiigh* :(
I looked at the paper. SHITE. SHITE. SHITE. Staring at blank pages with absolutely no way to crap my way out of it.
Hmmm Lesson learnt. Being TOO RELAXED is not a clever approach to exams. A bit of stress is the best way for me at least, cos otherwise you just don't care enough.
But the recent news is, I found out I got on the merit list for the second and likely last year running. Not a small effort by any means. So (especially cos it seems like the last time) I am going to give myself a reward of a *pair of new shoes*...cos an award ceremony calls for nice shoes ;)
LOL. Excuses, excuses.
This girl needs a big SMACK! Going to unwind with yoga and then throw myself back in the ring to meet another lion :p - this one I will go back to my usual "stress" approach me thinks! *siiiigh* :(
Why students eat so many sweeties...
...Do you KNOW how many calories get burnt having to flex your brain so hard?!!! :p
yarghhhhhh. Will be a late one...burning the midnight oil...cramming!
tuesday 28 april 10:09pm
yarghhhhhh. Will be a late one...burning the midnight oil...cramming!
tuesday 28 april 10:09pm
Handy Tip for a cold where you can't stop sneezing.
I caught a cold. A cold cold. Perhaps it was due to waiting 20 minutes underclothed in the chilly winds (which incidentally did bring our earliest snowfall since 1996!) Due to my greedy cravings, I missed at least 8 of my own buses waiting for the one that would take me to...Pastizzi :)!
Or perhaps it was spending several hours in an enclosed library full of other people's sniffles. Or maybe it was the rich butteriness from the pastizzi pastry or the sticky sugar of all that chocolate glugginess making my throat a welcoming breeding ground for opportunistic germs.
Whatever the case, when the cold manifests as non stop violent sneezing, I realised even with TCM skills, you're not in any state to be able to treat yourself...that would be too much effort!
So. I ended up discovering an easier variation for how to relieve the chills and non-stop sneezing and involuntary evacuating of the entire contents of your nasal and sinus cavities...and the best part, it's something any person can do...
Get a hairdryer! And aim the warm air over the back of your neck from the bottom right up to just under the head for a few minutes. Trust me, it will relieve your symptoms especially stop the sneezing :)
Now just have to rug up, get plenty of rest and plenty of Vit C and go off the chocolate for a few days...bah humbug.
monday 26 april 2009 9:56am
Or perhaps it was spending several hours in an enclosed library full of other people's sniffles. Or maybe it was the rich butteriness from the pastizzi pastry or the sticky sugar of all that chocolate glugginess making my throat a welcoming breeding ground for opportunistic germs.
Whatever the case, when the cold manifests as non stop violent sneezing, I realised even with TCM skills, you're not in any state to be able to treat yourself...that would be too much effort!
So. I ended up discovering an easier variation for how to relieve the chills and non-stop sneezing and involuntary evacuating of the entire contents of your nasal and sinus cavities...and the best part, it's something any person can do...
Get a hairdryer! And aim the warm air over the back of your neck from the bottom right up to just under the head for a few minutes. Trust me, it will relieve your symptoms especially stop the sneezing :)
Now just have to rug up, get plenty of rest and plenty of Vit C and go off the chocolate for a few days...bah humbug.
monday 26 april 2009 9:56am
All Therapists should have therapists.
Another said:"We always give much more than we get". Story of my life. I'm SO TIRED OF GIVING!!!
My classmates had her first massage shift today and by the end of the day she burst out "I AM SO.OVER.MASSAGE!"
Can't say I disagree...who said I can be a workaholic...screw that, I'm back to my part-time work lifestyle aspirations...those damn little suckers (patients and sick ones) just SUCK YOU DRY of mainly ENERGY but often also good vibes...and you're doing well if you don't come back with some empathic ailment :p
The other issue that has been plaguing me this week is the fact that EVERYTHING COSTS...we are such a selfish Taker society. It gets sad for us small percentage of Giver Types in the Big City. If everybody were even HALF as unselfish and considerate of others as we, wouldn't the city just be such a Much Nicer Place?
I know when you give you should do so freely, without any expectation of anything in return...however past this now...for me it comes down to an issue of FAIRNESS. Of course I know life and the world isn't fair...but don't I just wish it were!!!
I guess this desire for fairness just shows how big a concern EQUALITY is for me at this stage of my life...Rant Over...at least in this blog LOL
friday 17 april 10:23am
My classmates had her first massage shift today and by the end of the day she burst out "I AM SO.OVER.MASSAGE!"
Can't say I disagree...who said I can be a workaholic...screw that, I'm back to my part-time work lifestyle aspirations...those damn little suckers (patients and sick ones) just SUCK YOU DRY of mainly ENERGY but often also good vibes...and you're doing well if you don't come back with some empathic ailment :p
The other issue that has been plaguing me this week is the fact that EVERYTHING COSTS...we are such a selfish Taker society. It gets sad for us small percentage of Giver Types in the Big City. If everybody were even HALF as unselfish and considerate of others as we, wouldn't the city just be such a Much Nicer Place?
I know when you give you should do so freely, without any expectation of anything in return...however past this now...for me it comes down to an issue of FAIRNESS. Of course I know life and the world isn't fair...but don't I just wish it were!!!
I guess this desire for fairness just shows how big a concern EQUALITY is for me at this stage of my life...Rant Over...at least in this blog LOL
friday 17 april 10:23am
This is pretty "sad"...LOL
I realised I've been fully sucked down the black hole and I don't think I'll ever come back out! Basically for many of us our "job" is all consuming. And everyone outside the TCM world that is not spiritually inclined is pretty much another ALF(Alien Life Form). I don't even feel the need to associate with people outside "the family"...there's just something - we all have an understanding yet it is also a "passion" that totally infiltrates your whole being and it is not something you can just "switch off"...it is pretty much 24-7 with you- even in our leisure time we're still giving treatments, dietary advice...heads are ticking overtime trying to work out a diagnosis for that person on the bus coughing up their insides...it actually...turns us on! :)
This thought occurred to me when I found myself checking my phone every two minutes in eager anticipation for an update on patient status...suddenly, the most exciting potential in my day was to know whether my patient had had a bowel movement yet after the treatment!!!*LOL
Yeah, it's sad. Lucky most of us find it a "calling" and it's one that we're truly passionate about!
Yeah I'm a Nerd. Aren't we all?
8 april 2009 8:34pm
This thought occurred to me when I found myself checking my phone every two minutes in eager anticipation for an update on patient status...suddenly, the most exciting potential in my day was to know whether my patient had had a bowel movement yet after the treatment!!!*LOL
Yeah, it's sad. Lucky most of us find it a "calling" and it's one that we're truly passionate about!
Yeah I'm a Nerd. Aren't we all?
8 april 2009 8:34pm
My First Ever(Own) Patients :)
It was a great day. I think this TCM gig must really be my "thing". Cos I had Tuina Massage clinic today (I HATE massage and touchy feely stuff) but I still managed to really enjoy my day (although admittedly I needed to keep eating every chance I got just to have enough energy).
And my patients even booked in to come back to me!..So even though I think my skills are somewhat average (being so petite and low energy doesn't exactly help) and my knowledge of muscles is pretty Shite, I mustn't have sucked too bad! :)
LOL.
On a practical note I also didn't get TOO drained. I found washing my hands and face between patients really helpful, although the final patient who came with migraine, stress and loads of neck and shoulder tension did leave me with a bit of an Empathic headache :P But at least I made her migraine go away :-) (it would have been less effort required with acupuncture though...)
It's pretty exciting having your OWN patients...suddenly all your slaving over studies HAS A PURPOSE. I think I might be able to live the dream of kick ass healer in a coastal community yet...the only thing was I only planned to work part time...I could potentially see myself being a workaholic if I became really healthy with more energy capacity... it's a pretty gratifying career path when you get results and people appreciate your efforts! :-D
6:50pm 2 april 2009
And my patients even booked in to come back to me!..So even though I think my skills are somewhat average (being so petite and low energy doesn't exactly help) and my knowledge of muscles is pretty Shite, I mustn't have sucked too bad! :)
LOL.
On a practical note I also didn't get TOO drained. I found washing my hands and face between patients really helpful, although the final patient who came with migraine, stress and loads of neck and shoulder tension did leave me with a bit of an Empathic headache :P But at least I made her migraine go away :-) (it would have been less effort required with acupuncture though...)
It's pretty exciting having your OWN patients...suddenly all your slaving over studies HAS A PURPOSE. I think I might be able to live the dream of kick ass healer in a coastal community yet...the only thing was I only planned to work part time...I could potentially see myself being a workaholic if I became really healthy with more energy capacity... it's a pretty gratifying career path when you get results and people appreciate your efforts! :-D
6:50pm 2 april 2009
Pain...and Progress.
Are these two ever mutually exclusive?
I think they could be but obviously not yet for me in terms of my TCM career!
Today the needling technique we did was REALLY painful in the hands of amateurs. I didn't escape a slight haematoma on my right leg...with all my colourful bumps and bruises I'm really not a good advertisement for guinea pig acupuncturism!
The other theme today's classes brought up for me is Who can you trust? and made me think about the "optimal practitioner"...Because today the conscientious but anxious novice gave me a lot of pain and haematoma.
Two weeks ago it was the brash overconfident novice who gave me pain and haematoma.
And then I realised, the only novice I trust to acupuncture is someone in the middle like myself. Because we are cautious and restrained enough to not be too hasty and careless, compassionate enough to listen to and monitor the patient and not comfortable causing pain/discomfort but also confident enough in our own ability to not get jingly nerves and stuff up out of fear and anxiety.
So I was kinda pleased about that...also that I did my first FIRE NEEDLE - tungsten lit red hot-into the muscle- and didn't stuff up!
Typically on the first go, the average novice freaks out lets go of the needle and it stays in the skin sizzling...
In any case I think because I had been in so much pain prior, my body was totally saturated in adrenalin from the cold sweat I had worked up so I was totally alert and focused on the task at hand...but now...totally exhausted...Ready for BED! Sleeeeeeeep :-)
9.17pm 27 march 2009
I think they could be but obviously not yet for me in terms of my TCM career!
Today the needling technique we did was REALLY painful in the hands of amateurs. I didn't escape a slight haematoma on my right leg...with all my colourful bumps and bruises I'm really not a good advertisement for guinea pig acupuncturism!
The other theme today's classes brought up for me is Who can you trust? and made me think about the "optimal practitioner"...Because today the conscientious but anxious novice gave me a lot of pain and haematoma.
Two weeks ago it was the brash overconfident novice who gave me pain and haematoma.
And then I realised, the only novice I trust to acupuncture is someone in the middle like myself. Because we are cautious and restrained enough to not be too hasty and careless, compassionate enough to listen to and monitor the patient and not comfortable causing pain/discomfort but also confident enough in our own ability to not get jingly nerves and stuff up out of fear and anxiety.
So I was kinda pleased about that...also that I did my first FIRE NEEDLE - tungsten lit red hot-into the muscle- and didn't stuff up!
Typically on the first go, the average novice freaks out lets go of the needle and it stays in the skin sizzling...
In any case I think because I had been in so much pain prior, my body was totally saturated in adrenalin from the cold sweat I had worked up so I was totally alert and focused on the task at hand...but now...totally exhausted...Ready for BED! Sleeeeeeeep :-)
9.17pm 27 march 2009
*Starstruck*
In some fortuitous stroke of Luck I managed to score a one on one consult with one of the foremost scholars in my area IN THE WORLD.
So Exciting!!!
You know how there are some people you meet and they make such an impression?
I am truly inspired and Thank God cos this Studying Gig is not that easy for someone of my undisciplined, easily worn out and lazy, always want to "have fun" nature to pull off!
saturday 21 march 7:28pm
So Exciting!!!
You know how there are some people you meet and they make such an impression?
I am truly inspired and Thank God cos this Studying Gig is not that easy for someone of my undisciplined, easily worn out and lazy, always want to "have fun" nature to pull off!
saturday 21 march 7:28pm
The "Amateur" Practitioner
Today my guinea pig, ahem...patient...said to me after I had needled her:
"I can't feel anything, is the needle in yet?"
...Is that testimony to Skill...or Skill? haha ;)
LOL, I think I should use this anecdote to spruik my services for the future cos I realise I am a horrible social networker and with all of the few people I know left in Sydney, all refuse to stray from the medical "establishment"...so I was getting some anxiety about how I am going to get my patient quota next year without the help of random strangers walking in off the street and hopefully coming back!
So many people wrongly fear acupuncture cos they are "scared of needles" but really...it doesn't need to HURT! And typically, people only fear what they don't understand.
In any case the year has gotten off to a flying start with it's usual fair share of dramas... but it does seem a tad more 'manageable' than the horror that last year was.
One of the things that plagued me a little in the first week was being Daunted by Fear at the huge task ahead of me... The extent of my goal includes moving away to some rural/scenic community where I know nobody and opening up shop. At first this was going to be after some internship with a mentor but after being HIT HARD by the financial crisis, there is a little pressure to open up shop and start practising to earn money ASAP.
So yeah good incentive I guess to stay motivated, study hard and try and learn and hone my skills as much as possible in the next two years which I know will fly by with how busy it gets. Apart from that I've decided to try and "brave" a trip to the Motherland of TCM...China...Beijing to be precise. Despite being shit scared about my Lungs and Delicate constitution in general and how I will fare with the pollution, dirt and greasy food there, I think it's important for my professional development to get some clinical experience in the target environment. So yeah...also needing to produce some cash to try and get there since unfortunately not like Singapore who give their top students $20 000 help, there is no such thing as financial scholarships even if you have an HD average :p
Besides that I also managed to attend a great seminar on treating psycho-emotional disorders where the speaker was absolutely a kindred spirit in terms of values and approach to life(and even was part of a hippie commune in his 20s LOL!) I met more senior students and fresh graduates which was really good opportunity to get a better idea of what my future is likely to look like. The funniest part was that there is a perception that I am more advanced than I am which was quite flattering...even one of my teachers asked me two years in a row..."how come you're still here...haven't you graduated yet? Oh sorry...I always thought you were in final year!"
Haha...nice to have fake credibility...LOL
Apart from that, what else...we have a "real" medicine subject with a "real" doctor which is kinda interesting...if anything though everytime, it just reminds me how glad I am that I am in TCM rather than succumb to the pressure of studying (western) "medicine" which all typical education, status and wealth obsessed Asian parents aspire for their kids.
In any case we had to do a basic physical health check up using those "ear things" and "eye things" etc...although it was pretty cool looking at ear drums and optic nerves I really didn't appreciate how close you need to get which means that the patient ends up breathing all over you! Ewww....GERMS! LOL...No wonder I love herbal practice best...nobody has to invade my personal bubble and the touchiest feeliest it ever gets is feeling pulses across a table. Also, I can't help but feel like some kind of *Magical Alchemist* mixing up "magical potions" amidst a room filled with faraway scents and bottles filled with exotic substances such as dried scorpions...Dabbling in Herbs...wow, what a turn on! LOL
And it is so much more convenient to "self-medicate" than to try and needle oneself which definitely tests even the most coordinated persons at the best of times!!
friday 6 march 2009 6:34pm
"I can't feel anything, is the needle in yet?"
...Is that testimony to Skill...or Skill? haha ;)
LOL, I think I should use this anecdote to spruik my services for the future cos I realise I am a horrible social networker and with all of the few people I know left in Sydney, all refuse to stray from the medical "establishment"...so I was getting some anxiety about how I am going to get my patient quota next year without the help of random strangers walking in off the street and hopefully coming back!
So many people wrongly fear acupuncture cos they are "scared of needles" but really...it doesn't need to HURT! And typically, people only fear what they don't understand.
In any case the year has gotten off to a flying start with it's usual fair share of dramas... but it does seem a tad more 'manageable' than the horror that last year was.
One of the things that plagued me a little in the first week was being Daunted by Fear at the huge task ahead of me... The extent of my goal includes moving away to some rural/scenic community where I know nobody and opening up shop. At first this was going to be after some internship with a mentor but after being HIT HARD by the financial crisis, there is a little pressure to open up shop and start practising to earn money ASAP.
So yeah good incentive I guess to stay motivated, study hard and try and learn and hone my skills as much as possible in the next two years which I know will fly by with how busy it gets. Apart from that I've decided to try and "brave" a trip to the Motherland of TCM...China...Beijing to be precise. Despite being shit scared about my Lungs and Delicate constitution in general and how I will fare with the pollution, dirt and greasy food there, I think it's important for my professional development to get some clinical experience in the target environment. So yeah...also needing to produce some cash to try and get there since unfortunately not like Singapore who give their top students $20 000 help, there is no such thing as financial scholarships even if you have an HD average :p
Besides that I also managed to attend a great seminar on treating psycho-emotional disorders where the speaker was absolutely a kindred spirit in terms of values and approach to life(and even was part of a hippie commune in his 20s LOL!) I met more senior students and fresh graduates which was really good opportunity to get a better idea of what my future is likely to look like. The funniest part was that there is a perception that I am more advanced than I am which was quite flattering...even one of my teachers asked me two years in a row..."how come you're still here...haven't you graduated yet? Oh sorry...I always thought you were in final year!"
Haha...nice to have fake credibility...LOL
Apart from that, what else...we have a "real" medicine subject with a "real" doctor which is kinda interesting...if anything though everytime, it just reminds me how glad I am that I am in TCM rather than succumb to the pressure of studying (western) "medicine" which all typical education, status and wealth obsessed Asian parents aspire for their kids.
In any case we had to do a basic physical health check up using those "ear things" and "eye things" etc...although it was pretty cool looking at ear drums and optic nerves I really didn't appreciate how close you need to get which means that the patient ends up breathing all over you! Ewww....GERMS! LOL...No wonder I love herbal practice best...nobody has to invade my personal bubble and the touchiest feeliest it ever gets is feeling pulses across a table. Also, I can't help but feel like some kind of *Magical Alchemist* mixing up "magical potions" amidst a room filled with faraway scents and bottles filled with exotic substances such as dried scorpions...Dabbling in Herbs...wow, what a turn on! LOL
And it is so much more convenient to "self-medicate" than to try and needle oneself which definitely tests even the most coordinated persons at the best of times!!
friday 6 march 2009 6:34pm
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About This Blog...
- greenjade
- share the thrills (and hopefully no spills) of a mature age student back to school to become a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).