Reverse Culture Shock

I have been meaning to write another entry for weeks and here I am back in Oregon, well, at least my body is back, the rest of me has not completely arrived. 


I left off the blog at Charco Redondo. From there, Rico and I spent a few days at the coast relaxing. I spent a couple of those days continuing to deal with the altitude sickness which got re-ignited by the flame of heat and humidity. I was dizzy and nauseas for a couple of days. Although I felt awful I reminded myself that it was better to feel awful in paradise than other places. The coast of Oaxaca is paradise - blue waters, pristine beaches, surfers, not crowded. It was a perfect place to do some self healing. 


Oaxaca Acu Project


I learned a lot through this project. It began with the name The Oaxaca Acupuncture Project and is now shortened to just Acu. This is partially due to the shift in the longer-term ideas for this project and it's expansion beyond acupuncture to include more acupressure. 


In Charco Redondo my thoughts around teaching acupressure were confirmed. My biggest concern around this project has been the needles. I have promised to continue to supply needles to the Promotores for one year and then evaluate. I will be able to see who has been using them, how many treatments have been given, and where they want to go with this. One of the best uses of this is for Post Traumatic Stress. There was an earthquake in Mexico the day we returned to Oaxaca City. The pueblos in the Siera Norte have experienced flooding and landslides. If they are cut off for extended times the way they were last year, they will only have a limited number of needles to use to support their pueblos. At least the pueblos on the coast are much easier to access. 


2013 Project


My plan for next winter is to return and teach workshops in acupressure. This is something that the promotores can teach to their pueblos. Everyone can learn how to do first aid acupressure, pain relief, basic self care. It won't be limited to the promotores treating others, the promotores can learn and teach others. It can be easily integrated into what they already do.

I spoke with Lauro about this and he likes the idea. 


This may or may not be integrated into the tour that I will most likely lead next February. It will be similar to the tour last year and will be open to anyone, not just "healers". The way that I am currently envisioning it is that we will have a healing exchange - we will learn from the indigenous healers of Oaxaca. Traditions such as limpias, herbs including hiking and identifying herbs and making products. We will have a temazcal, a traditional sweatlodge. And we will visit some of the communities and do servicework. This will depend on who is in our traveling community - the healers can do healing work - acupuncture, massage, tuning forks, etc. musicians could play music. Others could help in the community gardens. Sharing our knowledge and skills with each other everyone can benefit, grow and make new relationships. 


The plan is evolving and I hope to have it in place by June. If anyone who is reading this is interested, please email me and I will put you on a list to keep you informed. 


I will post on here when Rico puts videos on youtube and I will also give other follow up information so check back on here occasionally. 


Thank you for your support of this project! It has already changed and improved many people's lives!