Dear Patient,
Last week, Chinese taikonauts on the Tiangong space station received a special delivery: an acupuncture device designed specifically to use in space.
A video shows the Shenzhou 13 crew floating in zero gravity as they unpack and charge up the device, which uses fitted sleeves to send electrical stimulation to the acupoints. The device was created by researchers to help the taikonauts treat health issues that arise during their time in space, and also prevent long term complications of living in a weightless environment, such as cardiovascular problems and bone mineral loss.
No one knows exactly how old the practice of acupuncture is, but it’s believed to have originated in Asia at least 2,000 years ago. Needles were once fashioned from bits of bone and flint, and now they’re being embedded into wearable devices for space explorers. Ancient medicine, trailblazing into a new realm of human existence.
Ages-old practices and traditions endure for a reason. They’ve carried us through plagues, wars and famine. They adapt to meet the needs of a changing world. And they help us forge pathways into new frontiers.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist
So cool!
This is fascinating! Thanks for sharing!