The Chabahil clinic picked up some serious steam during our third week. We had 26 brand new patients (11 of them male), 70% of whom returned multiple times for continued treatment. Over the course of the week we delivered a total of 118 treatments (including many patients who have been coming to clinic for a few weeks now). I'd like to introduce you to a couple of our patients, Saroj and Bishnu.
Saroj
Saroj first came to clinic three weeks ago reporting a constant severe headache, muscle twitches, scapula pain, insomnia, frequent urination (he suffers from diabetes insipidus) and a dry mouth. His headache and muscle twitches were significantly reduced after the first treatment, and the next day he reported better sleep (waking to void but able to return to sleep). Since then he's come to clinic everyday, most days waiting for me at the Clinic when I arrive in the morning. His pain, muscle twitches and insomnia have been completely alleviated and his headaches continue to be reduced and are bearable with daily treatments and his herbal formula. Progress on his frequent urination has been up and down, it is a knotty disease that we're treating. This week we focused on his dry mouth, which he was a concern for him and hadn't changed. With input from Khadijah, Eric Baker and Mitch Harris, by Thursday we saw results in real time and he continued to report increased salivation Friday morning.
Bishnu
Bishnu is a lovely human who came to clinic two weeks ago reporting pain behind the knees. Though she didn't include it in her chief complaints, it was clear that she was severely congested nasally and has lymph drainage issues with scrofula of the neck and swelling near her left lymphatic duct. We have been focusing on this in clinic and have taught her lymph drainage massage techniques which she is practicing daily. It's a slow burn, but her facial complexion and shen (countenance) has brightened daily. It is such a joy to partner with her and Saroj in healing.
Concerning self-care this week, I committed to an online peer-group embarking on a 21-day guided meditation. Our host (Lera from PCOM) sends us daily affirmations, journaling exercises, and recorded guided meditations. While the focus is a little too centered on financial prosperity for my tastes and needs, the affirmations are applicable and modifiable, and the practice and accountability are very helpful (daily Qi Gong is easy for me; meditation is not). Such a blessing.
I finished off the week (Friday evening) with my new ritual of attending the open jam at Ramsterdam. Great to greet friends and make new ones while enjoying live bluegrass and gypsy swing.
Sunday and Monday are national holidays here (clinic is closed), so I took the opportunity to make a short pilgrimage. Very early Saturday morning I took a four-hour bus ride to the mountain village of Chanauta (population 300), the site of Mindful Medicine Worldwide's homebase in Nepal. The village was founded a mere 50 years ago by a farmer who generously donated land to a British medical doctor looking to build a free clinic for nearby villages. In other words, the village was founded on benevolent health care. The grandson of that generous farmer is Hasta Pandit, MMW's Nepali partner and my host for the weekend. Most MMW volunteers work in the Chanauta clinic (destroyed in the earthquake and recently rebuilt). Present political forces have forced the clinic to close, which is why I am working in Kathmandu. The clinic plans to reopen in the Nepali new year (late April, after I'm gone).
Mindful Medicine Worldwide Chanauta Clinic
Chanauta from across the river
The visit to Chanauta was inspiring and rejuvenating. I took several small hikes through the mountains, was greeted by random villagers (and offered fresh, warm buffalo milk) and enjoyed getting to know Hasta. I felt compelled to return to Kathmandu on Sunday (as opposed to Monday), so after morning Qi Gong by a stream, some hiking and a meal I took a six hour bumpy and crowded bus ride back to the city. I stood for the majority of the ride (no seats available), and while listening to the Purple Mountains record and taking in the majesty of the Himalayas, it struck me that "I am here!". All of the expectation and preparation has come to fulfillment. I am overwhelmed with gratefulness to Linda for dreaming this dream with me and the sacrifices she has made (being a single hard-working mom) to make this happen. And also to you for your support, contributions and encouragement.
Early Monday morning Linda and I decided that the risk of her and Eve being quarantined upon their return to the US (d/t possible exposure to coronavirus) was too high to continue with our plan of them coming to visit. Linda has already had to miss several days of work recently as Eve has been sick, would need to miss more work to come to Nepal, and faces the possibility of CPS shutting down schools due to coronavirus. All three of us are deeply disappointed but are at peace with the decision. I actually had the realization on the bus ride yesterday that I could complete this trip alone. I already miss them a great deal but I am resting in abundant provisions of peace.
Thanks for reading. Do yourself a favor and (re)listen to Young MC's "Roll with the Punches". Linda and I had a good laugh over it, you will too.
Namaste.
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