Taking the waters.

But it is not anything Jane Austen would recognise.

I have had a change of program, but its a good one. Lum therapy is a herbal bath treatment unique to Tibetan medicine. Done properly the treatments are taken twice a day over seven days. It was something I was trying to fit in because it would be beneficial to a health issue I have, and because after studying it, it is always good to experience it.

So thanks to the kindness of Dr Nida and Dr Majik, instead of going up into the mountains with the group for a few days, I am staying here in Mahlo and taking the Lum for 4 days. I don't mind the change, I have done the herb trip with Dr Majik before, and with such a large group and the fact that the weather has turned and its cold and rainy, actually its quite good! There are a few of the Italians who have stayed due to altitude issues and one other lady who is quite unwell, so it's good to have someone keep an eye on her too.

The bath is murky like strong strong tea that was brewed quite a few days ago and the water is very hot. This morning it took me a full ten minutes to fully get in, and for the first day I must not stay in for more than half an hour or submerge more than waist height.

I had heard it makes you tired, that is an understatement! Hits you like a ton of bricks more like. After I got out they brought some medicine for me, then hot water and some tsampa to eat. And then I slept for an hour like a log. I needed to go back to the hotel before the second session, but for the rest of the days, I will stay there in between times. I have a bed and a bath that are mine for the duration. This afternoon was a slightly longer soak, and think an early night will be a fine thing.

The last few days have been great but hectic. Dr NIda's sister hosted us all for lunch yesterday. These are feasts on a large scale, and such hospitality! Of course every time Dr Nida is in one place for more than a minute, people appear for consultations. So every spare minute has been spent helping him. I have done more bloodletting in the last few days than I thought possible. And wet cupping, and dry cupping, moxa and ku nye. Every time I look up there is a long line waiting. Some of the other students are also helping, its wonderful.

The women in particular are often not in good shape, they work so very hard and it comes out in their bodies. They are all so very grateful.

Another good thing about staying in Mahlo for a few days is the internet cafe is very close to the hotel, unlike Xining. I am laughing here, its after school time and the place is heaving with young boys playing on-line games and daring each other to say hello to me.

Dr Majik is awesome, you have heard this refrain before I know, but still - apart from being a wonderful physician and a true master of herbs, he is very very kind. He took a lot of pictures on our herb trip in 2007, and this morning presented me with a packet of photos, he had gone through them all and picked out the ones I was in and had them printed for me. He did this some time between our dinner at about 9.30 last night (after our clinic had finished) and 8.30 this morning when I came to the bath house.

Amdo girl signing off for now

Comments

[prs]

Sounds like a good idea, a week in and out of the bath, just need a few books and you would be in heaven :)
Glad to hear you are well and enjoying your work. Just take some time to look after yourself as well.
prs

[Alex]

Tibetan bath medicine? I'll have to tell Sarah about that, she'll never do anything else! lol. You getting all the teenage nerd boys in Tibet a bit exicted are you? Too bad you didn't bring your rosy shirt with you ;)

Miss you xoxo