Another First

It might seem funny to make a big deal out of "firsts" since pretty much every day here in Korea is filled with them. But this is a recent one of mine I wanted to share.

The magic hallway to the clinic!

Acupuncture in Korea - Long story short I ended up with a stiff neck. Most likely from carrying my family's weekly groceries on my back and in my arms in the subway and on the bus! A colleague sent me to an acupuncturist near school. The thing about going new places here are the wonderful directions you get. None of us know the names of streets or actual addresses so directions sound more like this, "Get off the bus near the Jeongja subway station and walk toward the Dunkin Donuts. Turn right and look for the hallway between the Korean food restaurant and the Pharmacy. Go to the fifth floor. There should be a sign" It is always amazing when you actually make it to the
                                                         place you were hoping to find.

The door. Sign, yes. English, no!

I was warned that this practitioner practiced a "Chinese-style" that tends to be a bit rougher than what I am used to. Man was I glad for the warning. This doctor didn't lightly tap the needles (stainless steel, LARGE, and reusable!) into my body, but rather threw them in a rapid succession of darts.

Snuck this one too. Inside the clinic, drawers filled with traditional herbs.

I had to sneak this picture while the nurses were out of the room.

Left to sit and veg I took it all in and was so glad to be there for the experience. Once the needles came out I got to experience cupping for the first time. It was unique, a bit painful, and left me feeling like it "worked."









Day one felt fine. But when I went back the second day and the cups went back on the same spots...yikes. A couple hurt so bad. A week and a half later my neck feels great and I only have two yellow bruises on my left shoulder!