This is a photo of Andrew after a session at his co-teacher's husband's Traditional Korean Medicine Clinic. This procedure, called 부항 (buhang - pronounced boo-hong), is intended to relieve muscle soreness/stiffness/pain/etc. and help to cleanse the body of toxins and impurities. Koreans also employ this procedure to treat colds, flues and other respiratory illnesses. Buhang involves Chinese tea cups and an open flame to create suction. The cup is held upside down over the flame to heat the glass and collect the heated air. Once sufficiently heated, it is immediately applied to the skin. As the warm air inside the cup cools and contracts, it creates a suction that pulls the skin into the cup. Andrew's prescribed session was 25 cups for 20 minutes. The whole procedure was done while he was laying on a heated bed/table set at 30 degrees Celsius (86°F) and under a row of orange, glowing heat lamps, like the fries at Burger King. The heat and sweating is to further aid in flushing toxins from the body.
After Andrew's Buhang session, he was essentially unable to do anything for a few days without pain. Wearing clothes was painful enough, so sitting back in chairs and sleeping were out of the question. According to the doctor, Andrew's buhang marks were so severe and sensitive because his skin (that of white people) is "weak like baby!"
Needless to say, Andrew will continue to visit Dr. Kim's clinic for more traditional treatments. Stay tuned!
No comments:
Post a Comment