Alternative medicine

Sarah's dad was visiting Malaysia with his pastor to seek out possible missionary options and dropped by the school for a visit. Although not a doctor, Sarah's dad, Kidong, is trained in alternative methods of practical medicine. Sarah had twisted her ankle at the end of the school day and so her dad got out his acupuncture needles. With three hairlike needles in the opposite ankle and one is the knee on the same leg as the injury, Sarah's ankle was healed as her dad spun and flicked the needles, stimulating nerves and causing blood to flow.

Kidong only speaks Korean but with Sarah as his interpreter, he asked to check our health. He placed three fingers on the pulse in each wrist and then asked a series of questions. I came out very healthy with possible back problems but Tim didn't fare as well. Kidong told Tim he had a weak intestine, which is true, and that since he didn't digest food very well he would have bowel problems. Kidong asked Tim if he was interested in acupuncture. Being a willing guinea pig, Tim said yes. Kidong placed three needles in Tim's left hand and one in his left knee. It was painful as the needles were spun and Tim winced a couple of times. He said later that he had funny sensations on the left side of his head and in his stomach. Kidong said either the acupuncture works quickly or it doesn't work at all. Another interesting Asian experience!