So continuing along
my list production campaign here, and given the food poisoning bout that I waged yesterday, I thought it best to think about the medical and first-aid set up. One of the keys to the medical situation for me is that I am not a big follower of "Western" medicine. I have just never responded well to it and have had a tremendous amount more success with "alternative", "Eastern", or homeopathic remedies. On a daily basis I do acupressure and
Chi Gung exercises to help strengthen the immune and other regulatory systems of the body. Me getting into these practices has a lot to do with a decent amount of allergies/sensitivities that I have. Foods, chemicals, pollutants, etc. I am allergic to most antibiotics, and pretty much all Western medicines not only contain medicine, but are also full of chemicals and preservatives which just put more of a strain on my body than they seem to do good.
I should also say though that I never get sick in terms of the flu, colds, or things of this sort and am generally
very healthy comparatively. I had quite some time ago been diagnosed with
Fibromyalgia, but must admit that I feel this diagnosis is a 'Western' attempt to quantify what in the East would be classified as blockages to the bodies system of transporting energy, which in turn weakens the body and its immune system. I find that if I exercise, do chi gung, and eat and sleep properly, that I never have any problems. The only time issues arise is if I have put undue stress on my body, exercised too much or too hard, eaten non-'natural' foods, am mentally/psychologically stressed, or don't get much sleep. Basically, I take care of myself and I don't have issues. I had been working too hard over the last couple days, running a lot, swimming, splitting wood, and had some drinks. If I do not do these things, even food poisoning wouldn't be so acute in my opinion/experience.
The dilemma here is this though: I am going to Africa, and all the 'travel specialists' are going to talk about vaccinations, malaria medicines, and the such, yet all of these things will actually hamper
my immune system. My first aid kit will consist of band-aids and such, but will also hopefully have a quick reference card for all the body's
meridians (energy pathways), as well as acupressure points for specific ailments, and
Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) options. This is what I have found the most success with. I know that most people in 'the West' quickly stick up their noses at these practices, but China and Asia are the most populated areas of the world, and have been following these practices for millennia... it can't be all that absurd then can it?
Below is my "to be considered" list:
