Happy Pain

Dear Patient,

One of my beloved teachers, Dr. Li, liked to use the expression “happy pain.” He had bright, sparkling eyes, a soft voice and gentle manner. He’d smile reassuringly and say “happy pain” as he thrust a three-inch long needle into a patient’s gluteus maximus, or twirled and spun a needle on a patient’s scalp so vigorously they swore the needle was scraping their skull. Happy pain—not fun in the moment, but the patient always felt better after the treatment.

We expend much effort trying to avoid pain. We move away from it when sometimes it helps to move closer. Pain leads to all kinds of interesting places: gratitude, empathy, surrender, relief. 

Try embracing happy pain once in a while. You might be glad you did.

Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist