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.
Happy Pain
Happy Pain
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.