233 – Tuina

Tuina had over 3,500 years of history, and like many traditional forms of medical practice, was often questioned for its lack of evidence-based studies. However, tuina, along with bonesetting, was a natural way for humans to alleviate pain since prehistoric times.

Many ancient civilizations, from the ancient Egyptians to Mayans, had developed practices of bone setting and tuina based on instincts and repeated practices over centuries of experimentation. Such practice eventually evolved into chiropractic.

Li Yun had used Zuowang on several famous chiropractor’s livestream, but it wasn’t as common as surgical livestream. A livestream for traditional bonesetting was non-existent, making it much more difficult to learn than acupuncture and TCM prescriptions. Bonesetters also faced greater liability and risk in permanently damaging the body if they didn’t know what they were doing. Poison could be pumped out, but nerve and joint damage had a long-lasting effect on the quality of life.

“Can I give you a massage?” Li Yun asked. With enough practice on Rouxi, he could stimulate meridians without acupuncture needles.

Dr. Vetter didn’t mind. A massage sounded pleasant at the moment. As she continued sitting on her wheelchair, Li Yun worked from the back of her neck, kneading the column to unloosen the tangled knots of nerve from the medulla. His other hand kneaded downward toward the lumbar area.

In response, Dr. Vetter bent her neck to the side, the knot dissipated, and her body felt far better than any spa treatment she had received previously. After fifteen minutes, she was disappointed that Li Yun had stopped his movement.

“You should schedule appointments with a physical therapist,” Li Yun recommended. “Within a few weeks, you should be able to walk properly.”

“Really doctor? Is it that simple?” Asked Dr. Vetter. She felt amazing, but who knew how long the feeling will last.

“Whenever you feel any sort of pain, please contact Dr. Mayland for assistance,” said Li Yun. “My company is creating a collaborative agreement with WHG. I estimate in another month, they should be able to acquire the medicine for clinical trials.”

“Clinical trial?” Dr. Vetter wasn’t aware of the medicine she used just still in the clinical trial.

“You don’t have to be alarmed, the tea you took is a modified remedy specifically for you,” said Li Yun. “Huifu is more potent, but it should be able to help you manage your pain if it comes back. There’s 50% chance that your pain will resurface next month, so please take care of your health.”

Dr. Vetter looked at Dr. Mayland’s contact information and was reassured that Blackhead Institute was spearheading the cooperation. Although Li Yun sounded reliable, it was no match for an organization with a strong research history.

Dr. Vetter invited Li Yun and Rouxi to lunch, and all five arrived at a fine restaurant. It happened to be the best restaurant in the city.

“Hm… The food looks interesting!” Rouxi said as she looked at the menu.

“Meilin, I heard from Beibei that your show features a lot of restaurants,” said Nali as they waited for their food to arrive.

“It does, but only try to stream twice a week these days,” said Rouxi. “Too busy with my thesis.” 

“You’re a streamer?” Nick wasn’t old, but he was unfamiliar with the popularity of online personalities.

Rouxi nodded and explained to them the requirement of regularly streaming. Aside from eating out, she had to research the cuisine she was going to eat prior to arriving at the restaurant. She did not naturally know about the ingredients, and had to research them ahead of time. Due to her constant research, she was knowledgeable about most types of food.

“I’m actually not as knowledgeable as Yun,” Rouxi said, showcasing her boyfriend. “He’s going to be on a cooking show soon.”

“No way!” Nali almost grasped. She remembered Li Yun eating a head of lettuce with some meat and bread pieces as an intern. There was some variety, but most of the food Li Yun ate was bland. The only purpose was to fill his stomach with enough energy to move.

Rouxi nodded. “I know, it’s really unbelievable, but he’s really good at determining what type of ingredients are used.”

“What sort of cooking show?” asked Dr. Vetter.

“It’s the one where they bring in amateur chefs to cook,” said Rouxi.

“How far in the competition did you get to?” Nali asked.

“I’m not allowed to say,” Li Yun responded.

“When is it going to air?”

“Around the second week of July.” The producer shared the air date with him a few days ago, and they were beginning to advertise it as the last season of the series.

“I’m quite a food connoisseur myself,” Nick said, feeling a bit left out.

Nali nodded. “Nick is a foodie. When we have a department outing, he’s usually the one that recommends the food.”

“What’s the most interesting restaurant you have been to?” asked Rouxi.

“Probably the local restaurants along the cape,” said Nick. “The seafood is one of the most heavenly and freshest in the world. If you two still have time, you should consider driving out there.”

“Unfortunately, we are leaving tomorrow for Maple City,” said Rouxi.

“Meilin, you have probably been to a lot more restaurants, which was the most exciting?” asked Nali.

“There’s this new restaurant in Magic City called the GammaRay,” said Rouxi. “It’s super bizarre and the chef there loves avant-garde art, so all the placement of the table, chair, and dishes are designed like a theatrical stage. In order to eat a meal, you also have to solve puzzles. The entire dining experience requires a good portion of the day to finish the 24-courses.”

“24-courses?” Nick couldn’t believe his ears.

“Wow, that sounds exciting,” said Nali at the same time. “Yun, have you been there?”

“It was before we dated,” said Rouxi. “The restaurant only has 10 seats, and it’s booked out for months.”

Li Yun remained silent, he had never been there, but the Chef Pirout was at the finale of Greatest Chef. He would rather not spoil the show.