The Untold Truth About Acupuncture in Bhutan

In yesterday’s paper of TheBhutanese, I read a news report about the popularity of the ancient Chinese art of healing called "Acupuncture". The paper reports that this form of therapy is the most popular among patients seeking treatment and relief at the Traditional Medicine Hospital in Thimphu.

I have been greatly gladdened by the news report that acupuncture is bringing relief and cure to many of my fellow Bhutanese. And yet, I am disgusted at the same time that the people at the Traditional Medicine Hospital did not see it fit to give credit where due.

Acupuncture did not come to Bhutan by accident – whole lot of people worked hard and selflessly to bring this form of treatment to Bhutan. World famous acupuncturists like Dr. Yu and her famous teacher Dr. Lin closed their private practices in the US to travel to Bhutan and give treatment and train the Dungtshos in Bhutan. They gave up personal income and shut down lucrative private practices – to be among the Bhutanese so that they may be rid of pain and suffering. If the people a the Traditional Medicine Hospital had even an iota of decency – which obviously they don't - they should have recognized and honored the selfless doctors for heir charity and spirit of giving.

In addition to the good doctors, they should have also recognized our Club’s role in the introduction of a method of cure that is now bringing relief and cure to many Bhutanese. Year after year, for two continuous years, and in collaboration with the Traditional Medicine Hospital the Rotary Club of Thimphu worked hard and invested time and resources to bring acupuncture to Bhutan. Dr. Yu donated more than US$ 6,792.00 worth of equipment to the Traditional Medicine Hospital – for treatment by acupuncture. The Rotary Club of Thimphu has donated US$3,000.00 worth of acupuncture needles – because the hospital did not have the financial means to buy them.

In fact the Rotary Club of Thimphu was instrumental in legalizing acupuncture as a form of treatment in the country. Before that, it was deemed illegal.

In the following links you can read the full story of how acupuncture came to Bhutan.

https://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2016/09/rotary-club-of-thimphus-service-project.html

https://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-rotray-club-of-thimphus-project-of.html

https://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2017/12/service-above-self-rotary-club-of.html

http://www.rotarybhutan.org/rotary-club-of-thimphu-conducts-treatment-of-migraine-by-acupuncture-project-ii-2017/