Center for Chinese Medicine

Hi everyone,

Greetings from Ko Samui, Thailand!

Since the last email I’ve gone out now 9 times so far into different communities in the Chiang Mai and Ching Rai region of northern Thailand. This volunteer mobile medical group is associated with CMU, and I feel very fortunate to have been asked to join and be a part of it under the tutelage of a doctor (surgeon) who later in life took up the study of Chinese medicine and started the mobile team.

The mobile medical group arrives in groups of volunteers of all stripes – M.D.’s, Acupuncturists, PTs, Nurses, EMT’S and I think surgeons, and always someone to provide haircuts if needed. There is a natural camaraderie between the Thais that is kind of wonderful, very easy interactions between all the medical personnel and the locals,

The first time we went out was on my birthday, which also was the birthday of an 85-year old head monk at the wat (monastery) we visited in Chiang Mai. As is usual, the friendly Thais make it a festival like scene with religious offerings, food, medical services for those who needed it.

So I had the good fortune of having this wonderful experience of being part of the Thai team and ‘making merit’ (really what else would I want to do on my birthday anyway but help these smiling people?).

At that outing we worked mostly on guests – but other times we’ve worked on monks (young and old), tribespeople, and local people nearby. Especially in the remote hilly regions of Chiang Dao or Chiang Rai where we spent the night (and once river rafted). There I found stunningly beautiful countryside and always good hospitality, There’s an ease and actual civil society aspect here that we in the US sadly just do not have.

Also many of the young Thai acupuncturists and the older doctor were very well trained and talented, as well as another ‘farang’ from Chile who joined us. So I learned and refined new skills as well.

A very positive experience for sure. But after a few months of that the dreaded “smoke season” of Chiang Mai was approaching, and I did my time with that last year. It seems February is the time to take a break from the North, for those of us who are mobile enough to do so.

So I went to Penang, Malaysia – where I have not been since 1992 – for a week in mid-February. Penang is just a great place to visit and I could go on for awhile about that! But I’ll just say I was there for the tail end of the week of the Dragon New Year celebration and it was very fun.

After that week I entered back into Thailand and returned to the island of Ko Samui, where I was for a few months last year. It’s well touristed but also more ‘local’ and simple along the quiet West coast of the island, near Lipa Noi where there are many retreat centers as well.

Yes, I’m  living in SE Asia right now, but my home is still in Oregon so:

I will be back in Ashland from May 13th through June ☺️

Definitely to  enjoy the beautiful still smoke-free and cool’ish weather, see friends and connect, and also go to a couple of wedding. And of course see clients 🙂

It’s been going well from abroad doing Zoom lifestyle and herbal consultations (and fulfillment through drop shipping).. 

In person of course, it’s even better because we’ll have the opportunity to check in, and I plan on seeing just one person per hour.  We can take time to feel pulses, do acupuncture, and take a deep look at any herbs or formulas.

I am hoping to help particularly my long-term clients in the short amount of time I am there. I won’t be able to take insurance except possibly Medicare Advantage.’

Changing Seasons

The Spring is about supporting the rebound energy coming out of Winter.. In addition to a problem/condition we do acupuncture to ‘Regulate the Liver’ in order to shrug off emotional stagnation, It’s a busy year ahead, and want to be able to really handle the surging often overwhelming energy of this Dragon 2024 year. I think many of you know its a little crazy out there.

The Summer Southern Oregon is time to think ahead about staying hydrated, even moistening the body at a deep ‘Yin” level, as well as supporting the Lungs from Dryness and Heat. Chinese tonic herbs are very good for this and for overcoming fatigue as well.

Thank you for giving me the privilege of working with so many of you 🙏🏼

Wishing you all the best,

Ken