In the spring of 483 BC, a French diplomat named Lucius Quintus found himself in the heart of ancient China, a land of mystery and wonder. He had come bearing gifts and goodwill, seeking to establish diplomatic ties between his distant homeland and the flourishing Middle Kingdom. Little did he know that he soon would require ancient healing from a Chinese medicine master.
As Lucius settled into the opulent quarters prepared for him within the Forbidden City, he marveled at the intricate architecture and the palpable sense of history that permeated the air. However, the journey had taken its toll on him. Fatigue and stress had weakened his immune system, and soon, he was afflicted with a painful ailment that would haunt him throughout his stay.
Shingles – Blistering Skin Fire
His host knew immediately that Lucius was suffering from “blistering skin fire.” Today, we recognize this cognition shingles, and we know it is caused by the reactivation of the herpes zoster virus. Initially, Lucius experienced tingling and burning sensations on his left torso. Soon afterward, a red, painful rash emerged, progressing to fluid-filled blisters.
The affected area was incredibly sensitive to touch, and the rash followed a dermatomal pattern, resembling a band from back to front. In addition to these skin manifestations, he suffered from a low fever, constant headache, and debilitating fatigue.
Days turned into nights of excruciating pain, each passing moment a reminder of his frailty. Lucius, determined to maintain his diplomatic composure, concealed his suffering as best he could. Yet, the constant agony was etched upon his face, betraying the brave facade he presented to the world.
News of the diplomat’s condition reached the ears of Emperor Wu of the Zhou Dynasty, a wise and benevolent ruler known for his keen interest in the well-being of his subjects, be they citizens of the empire or esteemed guests. Moved by compassion, he summoned his most trusted acupuncturist, Master Li Xian, a man revered throughout the kingdom for his miraculous ancient healing abilities.
Master Li Xian, Acupuncturist
Master Li Xian, a humble yet wise man, approached the emperor with grace and respect. “Your Majesty,” he began, “how may I be of service?”
Emperor Wu gestured towards Lucius’s quarters. “There is a guest in need, a foreign diplomat suffering greatly from blistering skin fire. I implore you, Master Li Xian, to use your skills to heal him.”
Without hesitation, Master Li Xian bowed deeply. “I am at your service, Your Majesty”.
Guided by the emperor’s servants, Master Li Xian entered Lucius’s chambers, where the diplomat lay writhing in pain. With gentle hands, the acupuncturist examined the afflicted areas and assessed the severity of the ailment.
He began to work, meticulously placing thin, silver needles at precise points along Lucius’s meridians. Though initially apprehensive, the diplomat soon felt a wave of coolness and relief wash over him. It was as if a healing energy flowed through his veins, soothing the torment that had plagued him for so long. With each passing session, Lucius’s strength returned. The shingles, once a relentless adversary, began to retreat under the skilled hands of Master Li Xian.
Ancient Healing
Two weeks passed, and Lucius emerged from his ordeal transformed. He walked tall, his face radiant with gratitude and a newfound respect for Chinese medicine’s wisdom. His mission, once weighed down by suffering, now carried a profound sense of purpose and appreciation.
On the day of his departure, Lucius sought an audience with Emperor Wu. With deep sincerity, he expressed his heartfelt thanks.
“Your Majesty, I came to China as a diplomat, but I leave as a friend and admirer. Your kingdom’s wisdom in matters of healing has touched my heart in ways words cannot express. I shall carry the legacy of Master Li Xian’s skill and your benevolence back to my homeland, and I am confident that it will forge a bond between our nations that time shall not erode.”
Emperor Wu, touched by Lucius’s words, clasped the diplomat’s hand in a gesture of solidarity. “Safe travels, dear friend. May the legacy of healing and friendship endure through the ages.”
And so, Lucius Quintus returned to his homeland not only as a diplomat but as a living testament to the power of compassion, ancient healing, and the enduring bonds forged between nations. The tale of his redemption and the remarkable acupuncturist of Emperor Wu echoed through the annals of history, reminding all of the profound impact that kindness and wisdom can have on the world.
Modern Application of Ancient Healing
At Raleigh Acupuncture, we treat over one hundred health conditions, including shingles. While the names of diseases may change over the centuries, acupuncture’s ancient healing effects endure. Most of the Western medicine we receive today in hospitals and doctor offices was created within the past decade or two (think surgeries, pharmaceuticals). We are not used to medical techniques that have stood the test of time for 2500 years. These therapies are available to you today.
Of course, there have been improvements in safety over time. Lucius, our French diplomat, received treatment with large silver needles, probably shared with others. Today, all needles are sterile, single-use, and hair-thin. Acupuncture is the safest medicine on the planet. The only adverse effect is the occasional harmless bruise.
Next Steps
If you find yourself with a stubborn health condition that’s not responding to Western treatment, or you are bothered by the adverse effects of a medication, consider acupuncture. This ancient healing modality may be able to ease or cure your condition better than the modern equivalent.
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