14 February 2014...Happy Velentine's Day from Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Tom and I arrived here on the 11th to en-joy the beauty of this city and its people. And see Tom's son, girlfriend, and their 3-year old and 1-year old daughters!
I am in the midst of reading this fab book God's Hotel: a Doctor, a Hospital, and a Pilgrimage to the Heart of Medicine by Victoria Sweet, MD
Valentine's Day
Heart of Medicine
HMMMM...
This book fascinates me because it chronicles the author's work at Laguna Honda--an old hospital in San Francisco. Her research to understand the work of Hildegrade and premodern medicine. Contrast it with her training and experience in modern medicine. And a bit of the hospital's history!
I am now reading in the book about Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, Dr. Merryman. As I read this book and this chapter, I smile and realize that my intention of October 2007--to be a well-being--has me interacting with Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, Dr. Merryman quite often. And practicing what the author describes as premodern medicine and Hildegard's regime (or set of rules for living).
"Even without a doctor / You have three doctors at hand / Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merryman"
"Even without a doctor / You have three doctors at hand / Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merryman"
Dr. Diet being what Hildegard's patient should and should not eat.
Dr. Quiet being how much exercise, sleep, and rest one should take.
Dr. Merryman being how much sex and what kind of emotions one should allow oneself.
In Hildegard's time, "nothing was bad or good but as it suited the season, the climate, and the person. So she might recommend beer to fatten the anorexic and forbid red wine to the choleric; in spring, fresh green shoots were good, in winter, stews. For the love-sick, distraction; for the scattered and anxious, focus."
This is not to say I don't interact with modern medicine...I just like to balance between the two.
Plus Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merryman prescribes what's good for me! And I am a well patient as a result!
Dr. Quiet being how much exercise, sleep, and rest one should take.
Dr. Merryman being how much sex and what kind of emotions one should allow oneself.
In Hildegard's time, "nothing was bad or good but as it suited the season, the climate, and the person. So she might recommend beer to fatten the anorexic and forbid red wine to the choleric; in spring, fresh green shoots were good, in winter, stews. For the love-sick, distraction; for the scattered and anxious, focus."
This is not to say I don't interact with modern medicine...I just like to balance between the two.
Plus Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merryman prescribes what's good for me! And I am a well patient as a result!
