Now that my very first day of Acupuncture school is under my belt, I look forward to the next three years of my education with a few broader questions taking shape.
During that first class my TCM cohorts embarked on a miniature debate about, basically, integration of TCM as appropriation. It seems that several fall readily on the side of traditionalism, believing that the integration of TCM, especially a sloppy integration, into Western medical practice does a disservice to the principles that our system of medicine is founded on. Basically, an all or nothing idea. Several others in the class seem to still be considering these questions.
Personally, I am happily undecided in this issue. It fits in nicely with the themes of this journey to becoming a healer that Ive been on. In considering this question- traditionalism vs integration, Im reminded of other seemingly polar relationships Ive encountered- physical vs. psycho-spiritual, energetic vs. biological, forceful vs. non-forcing, etc.
I think Rebecca Rupp's article in the Guardian paints the picture of these dichotomous ideas in a beautiful dance. Speaking about the formation of our star, the Sun, our planet Earth, and indeed, ourselves she spins a tail of elements, metaphorical and periodical flying, spinning, and joining together in space. She says, "We are the stuff of stars." Which to me harkens one of the most woo-woo statements Ive heard certain hippies make. But the statement that Rupp is making is a literal one! Now, depending on who you are, the truth of this may strike you as incredible, or even divine, or you may find its truth to be whats makes it so banal. That one statement, and Rupp's pontifications around it, illustrate the duality I find bouncing back and forth in every worthwhile thing I know and do.
Its a duality I hope to see wrestling, back and forth, as I continue on this journey toward becoming a healer.
Hi Eliza, welcome to the school and to our environment of debate! It's fun to take on sides, and try to work out ideas, especially the ones that are shaping the future course of our medicine. Because it's an educational environment, taking a side doesn't necessarily mean that you are wedded to it. It's a lens to work on the issue, or topic. Our minds are likely to change, I'd say it's readily encouraged here.
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