Chapter 902 - 904: Core Strength
"Back in our days, we lacked material resources and even more so spiritual ones. So as long as a book had words, no matter what it was about, I could find it interesting enough to read for a while. One day, quite by chance, I came across a book titled ’Acupuncture Introduction Book’. I had nothing else to do at the time, so I started researching it myself. Initially, I practiced on my own body. I learned pretty fast, and found acupuncture points very accurately, often hitting the mark with a single attempt."
"Once I got comfortable practicing on myself, I began practicing on others. Back then, I never thought about what would happen if I accidentally hurt someone. My mind was full of how to do better. So, one day, an incident occurred, but luckily it wasn’t anything serious, otherwise, I wouldn’t be sitting here today."
The students below couldn’t help but burst into laughter hearing how humorously Hu Jingtang recounted his story. They found Hu Jingtang’s stories quite interesting, especially when he talked about his past as if narrating an ancient tale.
"One day I pulled in a friend of mine to practice my acupuncture skills. I originally intended to needle his ’Jingming Point’, going one and a half inches deep, to treat his shortsightedness. However, when removing the needle, I didn’t control the force well, and he instantly turned into a national treasure giant panda. Since then, every time he saw me, he’d steer clear, fearing I’d turn him into something else."
"After that, I became more cautious. Previously, learning acupuncture and practicing on others was just for fun. But after that incident, I realized this was no joking matter. A little carelessness could claim a life. Later on, I specifically visited an old Chinese Medicine doctor, apprenticed under him, and started systematically learning Chinese Medicine."
"Although I had been exposed to Chinese Medicine quite early and learned quite a bit, it was all superficial, a mix of trivial stuff. So, you medical students must hold a reverent attitude toward learning your profession, and feel a greater sense of reverence toward life."
"Doctor and teacher these two professions, are very sacred. Of course, I’m not looking down on other professions. These two professions, one saves lives and protects them, the other passes knowledge and enriches their spirit. Today, I’m honored to be a teacher, sharing with you my life experiences. It’s truly an honor," said Hu Jingtang.
Lin Mu, hearing Hu Jingtang, was reminded of his own early days learning acupuncture. The only advantage he had was his grandfather’s guidance. For any important acupuncture points, his grandfather would carefully demonstrate first, then let Xiao Yifei try on his own body.
As he became a bit more skilled, Xiao Yifei took every chance to practice on others. Grandfather once described Xiao Yifei as "like a mad bull, eyes red, holding a needle, practically about to go into a Deviation, pouncing on anyone he saw, ready to grab an arm and needle it." In short, Xiao Yifei had started learning acupuncture quite early, initially just for fun. Thanks to his grandfather’s guidance, he got better and better. Xiao Yifei was immensely grateful for his grandfather’s great support.
Hu Jingtang spoke for nearly two hours, from the secrets of mastering Chinese Medicine, to what books to read, to the employment path for Chinese Medicine students. He talked in great detail, and Xiao Yifei thought this lecture was truly worth attending.