For those of you who don't know, I was diagnosed with "mild asthma" recently and I think it's an irritation that has developed since I came to Hong Kong last summer.  Maybe it was lack of rest on top of having a cold on top of stressful point in my life, but never the less, I cough and have a little more crud than I feel is "normal." I laugh at the idea of anything normal though.  What even is that?!

Since I am in China, and have a medical background in nursing, I am very curious about their traditional medicine.  I have a friend at ELIC / Hong Kong named Anita who has had some success with this type of treatment, so I figured what's the harm in trying some of these natural remedies instead of always taking an inhaler and a few pills each day.  

What's my diagnosis you may ask? Well the thing I appreciate is that the FIRST thing the Chinese doctor will think about is your environment.  What's wrong w/ my environment? Dust mites.  Possibly.  The first step is to wrap my mattress in saran wrap- the mattress i have here has to be very old and yucky so I can see how that might help.  I feel "gunkier" when I wake up, so that would logically point to something in my bedroom, in the states and here, and we all have dust mites (eewwww!!) So maybe that's my allergy?  So allergy/mild asthma remains my diagnosis... one that probably will never go away (but can pray for the miracle of that) and the challenge is to manage the environment so that there is the least amount irritant possible. 

The best part of the visit was this conversation we had as she was writing my prescription so that my "chi" will no longer be blocked- that's my other diagnosis. (Explanation of that is a whole 'nother blog for a whole 'nother day.)

DR: "Are you a vegetarian?"
ME: "NO..."
ANITA:  "What does that mean that you are putting in her medicine?"
DR: "Some insect!"

Above you see the packet of powder that I mix with hot water and drink twice a day.  Tastes like dirt.  I will go for follow up on Monday and we'll see what's next. It takes some time to tweak it but I am quite fascinated by how this could possibly help me feel better.  I'm sure I will have more to share on this topic after Monday.  Also, as with any relationship, please think of Anita and I as there have already been some light/life-giving conversations with this doctor, and for that purpose, trying a little insect and whatever-else-mixture is worth it. 

...I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 1 Cor 9:22-23

5 comments

1. Unknown on 2:07 PM

   Love the scripture you quoted at the end. Appreciate your heart for the people here. Will be praying for the doctor and your ministry to her. May God bring you healing as well.

    
2. Ericka B. Jackson on 2:09 PM

   HAHA! I love it! In all seriousness though, that stuff (chinese medicine) really does work! I traveled India with a Chinese friend who had all sorts of 'remedies' and they ended up being GREAT!
   
   Been there though with the asthma - be careful if you're on ADVAIR as an inhaler. If you are please shoot me a message- I have a life-long side effect from it b/c no one warned me about it. You may already know how to avoid it but if not I will let you know!
   
   Love you and love this funny update! :)

    
3. Ericka B. Jackson on 2:11 PM

   ps - I got healed from my asthma! Just a little encouragement. I will say a prayer for you...NOW! ;)

    
4. Chickie on 7:26 PM

   Katie...saying a prayer for your athsma. And one for your mother, as she may be worried both about your athsma, and your new insect habit. 'Love your blog and your sweet heart.
   
   The Stevens Family
   Knoxville, TN

    
5. Hank and Anna Uzzell on 4:57 AM

   love you katie! so sorry to hear about the new diagnosis:(