“Oriental” Medicine
I put “oriental” in quotes because of its prejudiced meaning. It is an inaccurate way of viewing the Eastern part of the world. Orientalism lumped all of Asia and parts of the Middle East into one and depicted the region as backward, strange, and inferior to the Western world. I would argue, those same opinions of the East are still in effect today. I read this book by Edward Said when I was a sophomore at university - http://www.english.emory.edu/Bahri/Orientalism.html - It’s interesting to think about.
I’m insulted when people refer to me as “Oriental.” I’m not a salad dressing at Applebees. I’m Asian, and more specifically, Korean. I don’t know why the term “oriental” is still in use and why even Asians use it… I should do some more research regarding this issue. Maybe if I go to grad school for something, I can do my entire thesis on this.
Anyway, today I went to the Jaseng Clinic, which specializes in spinal problems and TMJ disorder. Since 2002, I’ve had problems with my spine and jaw due to some injuries. In the states I went to the chiropractor and did massage therapy. Nothing helped long term. Since coming to Korea, I’ve received no treatment, and I was starting to feel a lot of muscle tension and pain again. I read in Seoul Magazine about Jaseng and I was really interested. I always wanted to try accupuncture therapy!
When I got to the clinic, the doctor asked me about my problems and where the pain was, etc. Then he sent me to have some X-rays of my neck. He then told me what I already know - my neck has no curve, it’s totally straight (your neck is supposed to be curved like a C). Then he did the accupuncture. I laid on a table face down. He inserted six needles in my neck, two needles in my upper back, and two needles on each side of my jaw. Then I laid there for 10 minutes. I was a bit nervous before the procedure. What would it feel like? But getting a shot hurts a lot worse! Accupuncture just felt like little pinches. Afterward, my muscles felt so relaxed. I had the same feeling of coming out of an hour-long massage.
Then I was sent to another room where they did electric therapy on my muscles. I laid face down on a table again and had to hold a metal rod to ground the electric current. Then the technician used what kind of looked like ultrasound equipment to massage my upper back, neck and shoulders. It was nice and warm from the electricity. Then he put these cups on my back which sent electric pulses through my muscles, which is supposed to help pain management.
That was all. I was hoping they would do a spinal adjustment, but I was happy to have a lot of muscle tension relieved. I’m supposed to go once a week for treatment and the doctor will monitor my progress and improvement.
I felt bad not being able to speak any Korean. The women at the reception desk and the nurses were embarrassed that they couldn’t communicate well in English, but I was equally ashamed that I couldn’t use Korean. The doctor was able to communicate fine. Everyone kept asking, “Can you speak any Korean?” Of course, they look at me and wonder why English I coming out of my mouth. It’s definitely an interesting experience and makes me empathize with those living in the States who can’t speak English. I know what it’s like to have people look at me with impatience and even seem angry that I can’t communicate in their language.
That’s all for now… We’ll see how my treatment goes!
