Gua Sha – Pronounced gwa sa, the technique uses a massage tool with a blunt edge to loosen scar tissue and improve circulation in the painful area. This traditional Chinese manual therapy is over 2000 years old and is gaining recognition from Western clinicians as a method of quickly decreasing or eliminating pain and improving function associated with chronic injuries like tendonitis, muscle strains, joint sprains, scar tissue adhesions and following surgery when pain persists long after the procedure.
http://www.uhhospitals.org/OurServices/MedicalSpecialtiesNR/PhysicalMedicineRehabilitation/PhysicalTherapy/ManualTherapy/tabid/3734/language/en-US/Default.aspx
Gua Sha is used regularly by practitioners and laymen in health care facilities and homes throughout China. The government in China goes to great lengths and funding to campaign the positive effects of Gua Sha through the use of media to reduce health care costs by making it a priority and decided that Gua Sha was the best way to keep their people in good health.
That alone tells us the merit it upholds. If only our own government would start to support preventative healthcare even somewhat and if insurance companies would start to cover preventative alternative treatments perhaps we could keep health care cost at a minimum and actually become a healthier nation, of course, that is just my opinion on the matter but I believe that understanding and utilizing the energetic nature of healing would greatly enhance our healthcare system and drastically reduce our healthcare costs.
The method of applying Gua Sha involves the layering of Gua Sha oil on the skin. This oil is enhanced either with healing herbs or essential oils chosen to aid the extraction of toxic waste. The skin is then scraped in the area of discomfort or at times on the entire body using a specific Gua Sha tool depending on whether the treatment is for physical or emotional healing. Gua Sha treatments are not painful. As the body is scraped it pushes a build-up of fluid ahead of it, and after it passes, it leaves an indention or vacuum behind which draws toxic fluid out to the skins surface from deep within the tissues, the toxic fluid (Sha), as it floods to the surface is seen as small red, deep purple or green pools of blood and very often is hot on the area that the toxic heat is extracted. Red spots are an indication that toxins are being released. Where the area is deep purple the blood is old and extremely stagnant.
A dark green discoloration is a sign that stagnant blood and toxic chi are being released from the system. Sometimes a clear fluid will draw to the surface in a form that resembles cellulite or goose bumps. Where the skin starts out as a green glow which turns to red during the treatment, is a sign that pain or stagnant chi is being removed. The exposing of the Sha is literally removing disease from deep within the system. In Chinese forms of healing, there are three types of bad chi, the first being dead chi. It is stagnation that has been in the body for a very long time without being released.
The system suffers from oxygen deprivation. Dead chi is very harmful as it can encourage the growth of cancer cells. Remember, cancer is anaerobic and cannot survive where oxygen is plentiful. The second type of bad chi is stagnant. It is caused by conditions such as lack of exercise, chronic heart, liver, kidney, spleen and lung problems and from an overweight state of health.
The stagnant chi is always associated with pain throughout various parts of the body. The third kind of bad chi is toxic chi--where waste products or toxic residue accumulates in the system and when left untreated can result in very serious health problems. Gua Sha creates a suction on the skin that pulls stagnant intercellular fluid to the surface, removing toxic debris, and replacing it with fresh oxygenated, nutrient rich fluid, which in turn accelerates regeneration and revitalizes the region where cancer cells may or already have manifested. Unlike acupuncture, although it is extremely valuable also, Gua Sha can treat not only the meridian system but the entire system.
This is why the Chinese utilize Gua Sha as their foremost treatment in the prevention of disease. Gua Sha can be used to treat, alleviate and heal chronic degenerative diseases, migraines, chronic neck, shoulder and back pain, bone spurs, strains and sprains, menstrual disorders, insomnia, heart disease, hypertension, Vertigo, sinusitis, ear and eye disorders, chronic infections, sciatica, osteo arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, neuralgia, asthma, cysts and tumors, carpal tunnel syndrome, stress, digestive disorders, muscle aches, breast pain, varicose veins, skin disorders, blood disorders and liver, spleen, kidney, bladder, pancreatic stress and much more. If you are suffering from any of the these ailments, then it is time to do something beneficial for yourself and experience Gua Sha and its advantages firsthand by making an appointment with a practitioner that offers this therapy and getting yourself on the road to recovery.
Chronic Disease is extremely prevalent today in our nation. More often than not, individuals everywhere are both sick and tired or experiencing some degree of severe pain either physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. Just in my office alone the amount of circulatory insufficiency and oxidative stress I am seeing on a daily basis greatly concerns me. I am quite impressed with the results that I achieve when I use gua sha. This technique may not apply to every patient and I only perform the procedure when I feel it is necessary. It is, I believe, a vital, restorative therapy that can lead us on the path to DISCOVERING WELLNESS.
http://www.stopthepain.net/practice/adjunct_items.php
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Gwa Sah Massage
A few weeks ago, I mentioned to my landlord that I had a headache...he became very concerned and every time he's seen me since, he has given me suggestions on how to get rid of my headache (which was only that ONE day). He wanted to take me to relax in hot springs, but I didn't feel comfortable doing that with him. Once he suggested a massage, I thought it was a great idea. He told me that his friend's mother does massage and it's walking distance from my house. So, we planned a day to go, and he took me so that he could translate. He told me that it would be a hot stone massage. I was sooo psyched. I've always wanted a hot stone massage. I was ready for bliss.
When we arrived at the ladies house, she sat me down and gave me a 3-page paper about the massage process. It was translated in English, obviously by an online translator. I could not understand most of it, so I just glanced quickly. She opened a book and showed me pictures of a person with scratches on his back. My landlord told me that my back might be black and it might hurt a little. I figured that residue from the stones will make it black, and usually massages can hurt a little. I was still really excited. Then he told me that I would be able to shower, but for three days my back would be black or red (I figured he was mixing up his English words). She led me to the massage room, which wasn't like others I have been to. There was no relaxing music, no dimmed lights, no candle or incense. Just a room with a bed, and a bookshelf full of Buddha statues (like my stepmom's cemetery of angels in the grandfather clock!) I changed into the robe, and layed on the table. She began a fast massage, moving over my muscles in a firm, but fast motion. Everything was good so far. Then began the beating. She took out something that felt like a broken off piece of hard plastic...perhaps from a child's toy. My head was in the hole of the bed, so I could not see what was going on. This is probably a good thing. It felt like she was scraping my skin off my spine. It was extremely painful. My landlord had told me that the scraping will let the bad "chi" out of my body. As she moved the object down my spine, I felt a strange sensation in my legs. Sort of cold, and refreshing. After abusing my spine, she worked on the left and right sides, respectively. This didn't hurt as much as the spine, until she got onto the far sides, where the skin is more sensitive. I winced in pain, but survived the beating thus far. After my back was entirely striped of skin, or so it felt, she began to prepare something that sounded like a machine...then a smooth, hot, round object was whirling over my back giving me the most euphoric feeling after such a hard beating. I glanced toward the table when she returned the object and I saw that it was a wooden ball with an electrical cord. Where can I buy one? It felt wonderful. After the heat, I got another 5 minute massage all over my back. After working on my back, she repeated the entire process on my buttocks. She was pushing so hard, that I had to have her stop. I felt like a baseball bat was striking my cheeks. She asked where it hurt and told me through actions that it was painful because I had something wrong with my legs. Since it hurt, she continued to push harder and harder to try and ease the pain. Oxymoron? It was the pressure that was hurting. My bottom was just FINE before I came in for the massage. She would alternate between cheeks until it did not hurt when she applied pressure. Maybe I had knots in the muscles that I didn't know about. Then it was back to the scrape abuse. She spent most of the time scraping, and the rest going between massage and heat. After about 30 minutes, she had me sit up so I could work on my neck. This was the worst part of the entire experience. She got the scraping tool out and went to town on my neck and shoulders. I clenched in pain and realized I wanted to punch the lady for putting me in so much pain. I thought of all the words I wanted to scream at her. But I remained quiet as I squeezed my eyes and fists trying to endure the pain. As I glanced over my shoulder I saw the culprit that was causing the pain...a small, porcelain, Chinese tea cup. THIS is what was beating the tar out of me. Wow. I could not believe it. Who in the world would think of using a tea cup to scrape your back to heal the negative chi? This is an actual massage technique. I am still trying to find information on Gwa Sah in English. I will have some Taiwanese English teachers help me find something online tomorrow. I would like more information on this. Perhaps some answers as to why I endured this pain.
The entire 45 minutes was considered a "trial run" to see if I liked it. I was charged 300 NT, which is approximately 10 US dollars. If I return for the abusive massage, it will be 300 NT, and if I go only for the relaxing and heat massage, it will be 500 NT. I will never get the Gwa Sah massage again. As you can see in the pictures, I was left looking like a beaten housewife. I would love to get a massage, as long as that stupid little cup isn't allowed in the room.
Monday, April 13, 2009
April
Last weekend I finally got the chance to visit Lou Dow...or Green Island. We had the best group to go. We all have similar interests, are easy going, and take our time doing things. I hate those tourist weekends where we are practically running from sight to sight. I want to relax on my weekends. The five of us where: James (Kentucky), Patti (Indiana), me, Tony (Taiwan/Hong Kong/Australia/USA), and Julie (Texas). We met in Taidong and stayed the night at Julie's place. We woke up at 6am so we could catch the 8am ferry to the island. It's about a 50 minute ferry. Julie gets sea sick easily, so we were all hoping the water would be calm. We all slept on the way there...then once we got there, we were picked up by the owner or our hotel. We immediately got on our suits and went to the beach to snorkle. The water was crystal clear and there were so many amazing fish and colorful coral to see! I loved it! After snokling, we had lunch, then went out again later to snorkle while the guys went scuba diving. That evening we drove around the 20km island on scooters and saw so many beautiful sights. After dinner, we went to try out the hot springs. But, they were super crowded and noisy....impossible to relax. We felt like we were taking a bath with 40 strangers, so we left soon after we got there. After tony shouted at the loud asian people in english, we left the filth infested water and went back to the hotel and crashed. Wow, what a day. We were all tired from a fun day, so we crashed early. On Sunday (Easter Sunday) we took our time getting up and having breakfast. Tony had already been up fishing for a few hours and caught a huge needle fish that looked like a cartoon character. After breakfast, we decided we were going to try out our underwater lungs and get a little scuba lesson from Tony, who is a certified instructor who has lived in Australia giving scuba lessons on the GBR. I was scared and figured I wouldn't try, but after Patti tried and loved it, I had to try it out. Tony was very thorough in his instructions and didn't leave any questions unanswered. What a great instructor. I felt save and excited. We were at a dock so the water was very shallow. He held my equipment and messed with the equalizer while I dove, so all I had to focus on was keeping my breathing steady and looking at fish. While he was diving with Patti, they saw a seahorse, something Tony has NEVER seen in all of his diving experience (did I mention he's a Marine Biologist?) So, they were really excited about that. He pointed out a blue eel, a rock fish, and other fish to me, but I saw the seahorse and pointed it out to him once I saw it. How awesome. I'm definitely on to something here...I HAVE to certified and go diving more. I'd love to go to the Great Barrier Reef. I think I'll take my Dad there. He loves diving and deserves a sweet vacation. I know I know...you're thinking I better win the lottery.
After scuba, we all cleaned up and went to lunch. This was the BEST meal ever. I had what was called pork and basil. It was small strips of pork that was stir fried with olive oil, cherry tomatoes, garlic and lots of basil. It was amazing. It was a big plate, but I sure finished it all! I had a long train ride ahead anyway...I probably wouldn't be having dinner. After lunch, we packed our things and prepared to leave the hotel to go back to reality. Sad. The next 6 hours was boring travel: the ferry ride, scootering so fast you'd think we were on The Amazing Race, getting on the train, waiting for a bus, then bussing back to Taibao, and a ten minute walk back to the apartment. So much travel.
It was an awesome weekend and I'm so thankful for Tony and Julie for organizing the little getaway. Tony got a great hotel, figured out all the travel times, and must have done a lot of work to get us there! THANK YOU!
Back to school:
This week is crunch time for the English competition. We have been practicing twice a day and critiquing pronunciation so much! The kids are doing really great and I really think they have a chance to win! They've come a LONG WAY!
I only have 10 weekend left in Taiwan. One will be spent in Thailand, and perhaps I'll make a weekend to Hong Kong. As for the other 8, I'm not sure. I have been to all the big tourist destinations in Taiwan, perhaps I will visit the smaller places and and discover new adventures.
I am very excited for the summer. I have so many plans and so many people to see and catch up with. I miss everyone and everyday, but that missing seems to grow larger and larger as it gets closer. I can't wait to embraced the people I love in the airport terminal on June 26th. I miss hugs more than anything!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Ghetto Cooking
Since I moved into the same building as Emilie, we have had some fun cooking adventures. These are our resources: a hot water machine, a toaster oven, a hot plate, and a pan. We made spaghetti one day by cooking hamburger (a new addition to the super market meat selection) in the pan with some onion and wine, then added a jar of sauce. we took the sauce out and cooked the noodles. It was normal spaghetti, and a very good change of pace from the dumplings and rice we typically eat.
Tonight we had a beautiful chicken spread. I was so surprised when I found boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the market. Our landlord got a microwave that is under a plastic bag (everything is wrapped in plastic) next to the washing machine, so Emilie suggested we microwave the chicken. I was a little weary about this, so I thought I would try the hot pot. I put some water, salt, garlic, and italian dressing in the pot and boiled it with the chicken breasts. It smelled really good. I was still a little weary. Then, I took the chicken, the stuffing, and the water that I boiled the chicken in, and mixed it all together in a tin pan. We covered it with some foil, and popped it in the toaster. Emilie worked on the instant red skin potatoes while I did all this. Within about ten minutes our dinner was ready...and I have to admit it was pretty darn good. It was no John Strein culinary artwork, but it was a good change up from what I'm used to!
Tonight we had a beautiful chicken spread. I was so surprised when I found boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the market. Our landlord got a microwave that is under a plastic bag (everything is wrapped in plastic) next to the washing machine, so Emilie suggested we microwave the chicken. I was a little weary about this, so I thought I would try the hot pot. I put some water, salt, garlic, and italian dressing in the pot and boiled it with the chicken breasts. It smelled really good. I was still a little weary. Then, I took the chicken, the stuffing, and the water that I boiled the chicken in, and mixed it all together in a tin pan. We covered it with some foil, and popped it in the toaster. Emilie worked on the instant red skin potatoes while I did all this. Within about ten minutes our dinner was ready...and I have to admit it was pretty darn good. It was no John Strein culinary artwork, but it was a good change up from what I'm used to!
Temple Celebrations
In one of my earlier articles I attempted to describe the small city in which I teach and the only unique aspect of this community, the Matzu Temple. Many of my friends and acquaintances have told me about the huge celebration that will take place here in March when droves of people will enter the city to worship the goddess of Matzu. What I did not know or expect was that people would start their trek to our city days in advance and the celebrations that would take place before the "official" event scheduled to take place the third week in March. Since the Chinese New Year (in January), streets leading to the temple have had visitors and worshippers on a daily basis. During my lunch break, I often hear the drums and gongs that are played during temple ceremonies. Occasionally, when walking to 7-11, I am stopped by a mini parade of worshippers, marching “bands” or Buddhist puppet shows.
What I have come to understand is that there is a pilgrimage from one temple in Taidong to the temple in my town, Hsin Kang for the annual Matzu Festival. It takes many days for thousands of people to walk the distance, just to worship Matzu. For two days during the week of March 22nd, school is cancelled for the actual celebration but in reality the merriment begins well in advance of those few days. The reason for the school closure is essentially twofold: the pilgrims will be sleeping on the concrete floors of the school’s classrooms and it provides an opportunity for the students and teachers to participate in the town’s activities. There is a catch for the teachers however; we are required to be in school those days, unless we choose to use our sick days. Also, those two days worth of classes had to be made up in advance during Wednesday afternoons when we typically don’t have classes. As for me, I plan on staying in school those two days to cleaning up my classroom and work on future lesson plans. My Western thinking makes me believe that if it isn’t an “in-service day,” we should be given the day off like the students. But, every day and every class must be accounted for. No "free" days in Taiwan!
I have already attended one of the celebrations associated with this festival. This particular event, highlighted by a parade, was to mark the arrival of “Matzu,” the goddess that protects the people as they leave China for Taiwan. (To understand the significance of this migration from China to the island of Taiwan you have to understand the history of this nation which is beyond the scope of this article. If you are interested, look on the internet concerning the history of Taiwan) Worshipers, townspeople, students, parents, EVERYONE, shopped the shacks set up along the street and bought culinary treats from the numerous vendors while they waited hours for Matzu’s arrival. I never knew three city blocks could accommodate so many people and vendors!
The parade that accompanied this celebration was approximately four blocks in length and culminated at the temple. There were easily as many floats and performing groups as we see at the annual Curwood festival. The cheerleading team I am helping coach was invited to participate in the parade so I got to march with them. We were placed toward the back of the parade and as we got closer to the temple the excitement and celebration heightened. It really was quite electrifying! At the temple there were probably twenty different news crews assigned to capture the celebration for the entire nation. Adjacent to and surrounding the press was a multitude of party goers all cheering and drinking. This was one exciting Chinese celebration!
I have witnessed a few temple celebrations before, so I knew a little of what to expect, but was awestruck when I saw the magnitude of this one. And, this wasn't even the main event! As expected, there were people dressed in giant costumes that were to represent gods or guardians, fireworks, music, an abundance of food, and shopping. As the giant "god" figures approached, I anticipated that one of them would be the much anticipated Matzu. When a little doll came down the road in a small temple-looking box held up with bamboo poles and carried by four old men, I wondered why everyone rushed to touch it. That was Matzu. The older generations believe that if they have the chance to touch Matzu, their year will be blessed. The elder ladies rushed toward her much the feeding frenzy of school of fish while most of the younger participants stood back and quietly showed their appreciation and respect to the goddess less aggressively.
The cheerleading team was scheduled to perform around 6:30pm, but when our group reached the temple we were told that Matzu was running late and it would be closer to 8:00pm. At 8:00pm the word was that it would be another hour or so. The team finally performed for Matzu in front of her temple at 10:30pm. I couldn’t believe that the schedule ran so far behind, but I seemed to be the only one surprised. Even though I have been in Taiwan now for over seven months, I am still caught off guard when time schedules are seemingly disregarded. As stated in my previous article, this is just part of the culture and everyone just “goes with the flow.” The performance was well received in spite of the fact that cheerleading is not well known or understood as a sport in this part of the world. My town is not only fortunate to have an art-study high school with a cheer team, but also three post-college cheerleading coaches. The team of 50 young men and women practice two times a week and are PAID to perform at events like this. In the end, everyone enjoyed themselves, me included
.
After the performance, most of the students made their way back home but I decided to do a little more observing. There was a group in the parade that caught my eye. It was a collection of marchers of every age, young and old alike, dressed in bright yellow costumes with elaborate face makeup. They were ahead of us in the parade, so as we approached the temple, they were walking in the opposite direction. But, the strange thing was, most of them weren’t walking. Many were being carried, some sitting down looking as if they were about to get sick, and still others just exhibiting a glossy-eyed stare as if "possessed" or drugged. My friend caught me staring at this group and knew I was confused. He graciously told me that these people are believed to have a "gift" that allowed them to communicate with the gods. What I was witnessing were demons leaving their bodies so that their “spiritual ears” would be able to hear more clearly. I’ve heard of exorcism or deliverance before, but I had no idea that Chinese culture had a similar belief. It goes to show that there are some similarities across the religious spectrum.
I look forward to the actual event to take place during the upcoming week. If what I witnessed so far is only the lead up to the main Matzu festival celebration, I can't imagine what it will be like. I will let you know in a subsequent article.
On a separate note, I have less than one hundred days left in Taiwan. I have written many articles for the Argus-Press, and will continue to do so for the next few months. If there are any particular questions you have about the Taiwan culture, living in a different country, or the school system, feel free to email me at kstrein@yahoo.com . I would love to answer reader questions in the next couple articles. Think Spring Owosso!!!!!!!!!!!
What I have come to understand is that there is a pilgrimage from one temple in Taidong to the temple in my town, Hsin Kang for the annual Matzu Festival. It takes many days for thousands of people to walk the distance, just to worship Matzu. For two days during the week of March 22nd, school is cancelled for the actual celebration but in reality the merriment begins well in advance of those few days. The reason for the school closure is essentially twofold: the pilgrims will be sleeping on the concrete floors of the school’s classrooms and it provides an opportunity for the students and teachers to participate in the town’s activities. There is a catch for the teachers however; we are required to be in school those days, unless we choose to use our sick days. Also, those two days worth of classes had to be made up in advance during Wednesday afternoons when we typically don’t have classes. As for me, I plan on staying in school those two days to cleaning up my classroom and work on future lesson plans. My Western thinking makes me believe that if it isn’t an “in-service day,” we should be given the day off like the students. But, every day and every class must be accounted for. No "free" days in Taiwan!
I have already attended one of the celebrations associated with this festival. This particular event, highlighted by a parade, was to mark the arrival of “Matzu,” the goddess that protects the people as they leave China for Taiwan. (To understand the significance of this migration from China to the island of Taiwan you have to understand the history of this nation which is beyond the scope of this article. If you are interested, look on the internet concerning the history of Taiwan) Worshipers, townspeople, students, parents, EVERYONE, shopped the shacks set up along the street and bought culinary treats from the numerous vendors while they waited hours for Matzu’s arrival. I never knew three city blocks could accommodate so many people and vendors!
The parade that accompanied this celebration was approximately four blocks in length and culminated at the temple. There were easily as many floats and performing groups as we see at the annual Curwood festival. The cheerleading team I am helping coach was invited to participate in the parade so I got to march with them. We were placed toward the back of the parade and as we got closer to the temple the excitement and celebration heightened. It really was quite electrifying! At the temple there were probably twenty different news crews assigned to capture the celebration for the entire nation. Adjacent to and surrounding the press was a multitude of party goers all cheering and drinking. This was one exciting Chinese celebration!
I have witnessed a few temple celebrations before, so I knew a little of what to expect, but was awestruck when I saw the magnitude of this one. And, this wasn't even the main event! As expected, there were people dressed in giant costumes that were to represent gods or guardians, fireworks, music, an abundance of food, and shopping. As the giant "god" figures approached, I anticipated that one of them would be the much anticipated Matzu. When a little doll came down the road in a small temple-looking box held up with bamboo poles and carried by four old men, I wondered why everyone rushed to touch it. That was Matzu. The older generations believe that if they have the chance to touch Matzu, their year will be blessed. The elder ladies rushed toward her much the feeding frenzy of school of fish while most of the younger participants stood back and quietly showed their appreciation and respect to the goddess less aggressively.
The cheerleading team was scheduled to perform around 6:30pm, but when our group reached the temple we were told that Matzu was running late and it would be closer to 8:00pm. At 8:00pm the word was that it would be another hour or so. The team finally performed for Matzu in front of her temple at 10:30pm. I couldn’t believe that the schedule ran so far behind, but I seemed to be the only one surprised. Even though I have been in Taiwan now for over seven months, I am still caught off guard when time schedules are seemingly disregarded. As stated in my previous article, this is just part of the culture and everyone just “goes with the flow.” The performance was well received in spite of the fact that cheerleading is not well known or understood as a sport in this part of the world. My town is not only fortunate to have an art-study high school with a cheer team, but also three post-college cheerleading coaches. The team of 50 young men and women practice two times a week and are PAID to perform at events like this. In the end, everyone enjoyed themselves, me included
.
After the performance, most of the students made their way back home but I decided to do a little more observing. There was a group in the parade that caught my eye. It was a collection of marchers of every age, young and old alike, dressed in bright yellow costumes with elaborate face makeup. They were ahead of us in the parade, so as we approached the temple, they were walking in the opposite direction. But, the strange thing was, most of them weren’t walking. Many were being carried, some sitting down looking as if they were about to get sick, and still others just exhibiting a glossy-eyed stare as if "possessed" or drugged. My friend caught me staring at this group and knew I was confused. He graciously told me that these people are believed to have a "gift" that allowed them to communicate with the gods. What I was witnessing were demons leaving their bodies so that their “spiritual ears” would be able to hear more clearly. I’ve heard of exorcism or deliverance before, but I had no idea that Chinese culture had a similar belief. It goes to show that there are some similarities across the religious spectrum.
I look forward to the actual event to take place during the upcoming week. If what I witnessed so far is only the lead up to the main Matzu festival celebration, I can't imagine what it will be like. I will let you know in a subsequent article.
On a separate note, I have less than one hundred days left in Taiwan. I have written many articles for the Argus-Press, and will continue to do so for the next few months. If there are any particular questions you have about the Taiwan culture, living in a different country, or the school system, feel free to email me at kstrein@yahoo.com . I would love to answer reader questions in the next couple articles. Think Spring Owosso!!!!!!!!!!!
Different kind of shock
Before moving to Taiwan in August of 2008, I knew very little about the Taiwanese culture; but have since learned a great deal. It is a fascinating country with a culture very different from ours. I expected to experience a bit of culture shock but had clue as to what form it would take. Obviously, I knew there would be a language barrier, differences in food, religion and customs, but nothing really prepares you to be immersed into a foreign culture and experience the obvious as well as the subtle differences in culture. I have been in Taiwan now for over seven months and I am still learning about the ways of the Taiwanese people.
When anyone travels to a foreign country as a tourist you experience, for the most part, the superficial aspects of the culture. That is what I did for the first several months in this intriguing country. I was overloaded with the different culture I experienced yet little did I know there was so much more that was totally going over my head. I would like to share with you some of the more subtle aspects of the Taiwanese culture that I have only lately come to appreciate. Additionally, I am going to reveal some things that I have learned about myself as a result of this experience.
First, I need to confess that because there is a lack of English speaking friends, I am experiencing a bit of social deprivation. I miss everyday, ordinary conversation! By nature I am a social person. I enjoy talking, going out with my friends on the weekends and making plans for small “road” trips. The social life of Taiwanese young adults is drastically different from their American counterparts. Primarily, it revolves around family. At my school, most of the younger teachers with whom I might normally socialize, go back to their parents’ house for the weekend, and rarely go out. I was shocked at how these young adults are still so very much tied both emotionally and socially to their extended families. I don’t want to be misunderstood here. I am certainly all for family and family values but I am also for independence and having a broad spectrum of family AND friends with whom to socialize. The social circle of the Taiwanese does not extent far beyond family connections.
If you have been following my articles, you know I have done a fair amount of traveling but still there are many weekends spent alone with not much to do. Having only a handful of people with which I can communicate make for a very lonely and long few days. I had to realize that these people have their own lives and cannot be there for me every time that I need them. I am dealing with the loneliness in the best way possible, but in the same breathe, I will be glad to be back on American soil and in the midst of a familiar culture and language.
Another subtle aspect of the culture I've come to experience is that, by and large, the Taiwanese people are not planners, at least not nearly to the extent of most Western cultures. For example, it was not until two weeks into the semester that teachers were given a semester calendar with important dates for the upcoming months. Teaching supplies and curriculum were distributed in a likewise manner. Though I had a week of office hours to prepare for the coming semester, I had no materials with which to prepare. Luckily, the first day for students was only a half day. This gave me time to prepare at least for the first week. These types of occurrences are more the norm than an isolated incident. Not one of the Taiwanese teachers was alarmed at this nor were they concerned. Deadlines are flexible. It has been my experience that this sort of thing would not be tolerated in the USA. As an American, I look at this as procrastinating, or irresponsible, but that is to view this culture thru my culture and experience. I am still working on patience, tolerance and the ability to perform many tasks without the benefit of advanced planning.
The next major culture difference that I’ve noticed is how parents relate to their adult children. In prior articles, I have mentioned how children typically live with their parents until they are married and frequently after. Multigenerational homes abound in Taiwan. Not only do they live with their parents, but children are taken care of to an extent that we would view as childlike. A child can be well into his/her thirties, living at home and have a “curfew” similar to a middle school student in the States. Additionally, the parents will make a majority of the decisions for this young adult as well. It is so different than the way most Western parents raise their children. Most parents I know want to prepare their children to become independent and able to make good choices on their own. I do not see that philosophy here in Taiwan. There must be an age where the parent feels comfortable “letting go” of their children but, as of yet, I haven’t figured out where that age might be………….30…..35…..40?
Now that I look back on it and appreciate what was just described above, I think the administration at my school was probably shocked that their new English teacher was so young. All the concern and wanting to know where I was going and when I would be back etc. was not necessarily driven by professional hospitality but, rather, by their sense that I needed parental-like protection. I think that is why the principal has treated me so differently from the other two foreign teachers, whom are both in their 40’s. It took me this long to figure it out. Because I am young and a first year teacher, she either decided or was appointed the job of being my surrogate parent, at least while I was in the school setting.
Recently I decided to move out of my host family setting and get my own place. To be honest, part of that decision was around the very issue I just discussed: independence. The principal was not at all comfortable with my decision and tried to convince me otherwise. Once I made it clear I want my own place for the next semester she became very active in the process of finding me an apartment. She eventually took me to look at several places in Hsin Kang, but none of them were up to my satisfaction. On my own, I found a new apartment complex that had a furnished apartment for rent in a neighboring town. At first, the principal would not allow me to move to a different town because there is a commute, and that is dangerous. I explained to her that I liked the apartment and have chosen to live there. During the entire next week she came up with several reasons for me to not take that apartment. I finally had to explain to her that a commute is normal in my culture, and I have been driving long enough to be as safe as the next driver. This was a challenge for me, because I appreciate her concern, but I also needed to be firm and stand my ground. When I told her that children often leave home after graduating high school or college, she was very shocked and I got the impression that she felt American parents did not care as much for their children as they did. It was then the proverbial “light bulb” went on for me: she was trying to be the parent she thought I needed. Since this incident, she consults me everyday to make sure that everything is going well and I am getting enough sleep. I am not used to someone wanting to know my whereabouts and such details, but, again, I appreciate her concerns.
When preparing my heart for the year in Taiwan, I considered what I thought would be my biggest challenges: being away from home, different overall living standards, strange foods and the language barrier. I did not consider these smaller aspects that come up during everyday life. I knew that our two cultures differed greatly from one another, but having now been embedded into this culture, I am amazed at how much they actually diverge. I guess, subconsciously, I expected people to be the same, just eating different food and speaking a different language. Such is the naivety of 23 year old!
When anyone travels to a foreign country as a tourist you experience, for the most part, the superficial aspects of the culture. That is what I did for the first several months in this intriguing country. I was overloaded with the different culture I experienced yet little did I know there was so much more that was totally going over my head. I would like to share with you some of the more subtle aspects of the Taiwanese culture that I have only lately come to appreciate. Additionally, I am going to reveal some things that I have learned about myself as a result of this experience.
First, I need to confess that because there is a lack of English speaking friends, I am experiencing a bit of social deprivation. I miss everyday, ordinary conversation! By nature I am a social person. I enjoy talking, going out with my friends on the weekends and making plans for small “road” trips. The social life of Taiwanese young adults is drastically different from their American counterparts. Primarily, it revolves around family. At my school, most of the younger teachers with whom I might normally socialize, go back to their parents’ house for the weekend, and rarely go out. I was shocked at how these young adults are still so very much tied both emotionally and socially to their extended families. I don’t want to be misunderstood here. I am certainly all for family and family values but I am also for independence and having a broad spectrum of family AND friends with whom to socialize. The social circle of the Taiwanese does not extent far beyond family connections.
If you have been following my articles, you know I have done a fair amount of traveling but still there are many weekends spent alone with not much to do. Having only a handful of people with which I can communicate make for a very lonely and long few days. I had to realize that these people have their own lives and cannot be there for me every time that I need them. I am dealing with the loneliness in the best way possible, but in the same breathe, I will be glad to be back on American soil and in the midst of a familiar culture and language.
Another subtle aspect of the culture I've come to experience is that, by and large, the Taiwanese people are not planners, at least not nearly to the extent of most Western cultures. For example, it was not until two weeks into the semester that teachers were given a semester calendar with important dates for the upcoming months. Teaching supplies and curriculum were distributed in a likewise manner. Though I had a week of office hours to prepare for the coming semester, I had no materials with which to prepare. Luckily, the first day for students was only a half day. This gave me time to prepare at least for the first week. These types of occurrences are more the norm than an isolated incident. Not one of the Taiwanese teachers was alarmed at this nor were they concerned. Deadlines are flexible. It has been my experience that this sort of thing would not be tolerated in the USA. As an American, I look at this as procrastinating, or irresponsible, but that is to view this culture thru my culture and experience. I am still working on patience, tolerance and the ability to perform many tasks without the benefit of advanced planning.
The next major culture difference that I’ve noticed is how parents relate to their adult children. In prior articles, I have mentioned how children typically live with their parents until they are married and frequently after. Multigenerational homes abound in Taiwan. Not only do they live with their parents, but children are taken care of to an extent that we would view as childlike. A child can be well into his/her thirties, living at home and have a “curfew” similar to a middle school student in the States. Additionally, the parents will make a majority of the decisions for this young adult as well. It is so different than the way most Western parents raise their children. Most parents I know want to prepare their children to become independent and able to make good choices on their own. I do not see that philosophy here in Taiwan. There must be an age where the parent feels comfortable “letting go” of their children but, as of yet, I haven’t figured out where that age might be………….30…..35…..40?
Now that I look back on it and appreciate what was just described above, I think the administration at my school was probably shocked that their new English teacher was so young. All the concern and wanting to know where I was going and when I would be back etc. was not necessarily driven by professional hospitality but, rather, by their sense that I needed parental-like protection. I think that is why the principal has treated me so differently from the other two foreign teachers, whom are both in their 40’s. It took me this long to figure it out. Because I am young and a first year teacher, she either decided or was appointed the job of being my surrogate parent, at least while I was in the school setting.
Recently I decided to move out of my host family setting and get my own place. To be honest, part of that decision was around the very issue I just discussed: independence. The principal was not at all comfortable with my decision and tried to convince me otherwise. Once I made it clear I want my own place for the next semester she became very active in the process of finding me an apartment. She eventually took me to look at several places in Hsin Kang, but none of them were up to my satisfaction. On my own, I found a new apartment complex that had a furnished apartment for rent in a neighboring town. At first, the principal would not allow me to move to a different town because there is a commute, and that is dangerous. I explained to her that I liked the apartment and have chosen to live there. During the entire next week she came up with several reasons for me to not take that apartment. I finally had to explain to her that a commute is normal in my culture, and I have been driving long enough to be as safe as the next driver. This was a challenge for me, because I appreciate her concern, but I also needed to be firm and stand my ground. When I told her that children often leave home after graduating high school or college, she was very shocked and I got the impression that she felt American parents did not care as much for their children as they did. It was then the proverbial “light bulb” went on for me: she was trying to be the parent she thought I needed. Since this incident, she consults me everyday to make sure that everything is going well and I am getting enough sleep. I am not used to someone wanting to know my whereabouts and such details, but, again, I appreciate her concerns.
When preparing my heart for the year in Taiwan, I considered what I thought would be my biggest challenges: being away from home, different overall living standards, strange foods and the language barrier. I did not consider these smaller aspects that come up during everyday life. I knew that our two cultures differed greatly from one another, but having now been embedded into this culture, I am amazed at how much they actually diverge. I guess, subconsciously, I expected people to be the same, just eating different food and speaking a different language. Such is the naivety of 23 year old!
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