The Hyggelig Journey

While my professors extolled the virtues of Foucault, I was absorbed in Lacan. While they dissected Freud’s psyche, I drifted through Jung’s vast, symbolic landscapes. And as they championed revolutionary governments, I quietly envisioned a world shaped not by the fervour of ideological battles but by the delicate equilibrium of sociocracy — where decisions emerged not from dominance, but from the resonance of collective wisdom. It wasn’t rebellion. Not the loud, performative kind. I wasn’t the student who slammed books shut in protest or baited professors into futile debates. No, my resistance was quieter, woven into the pauses between lectures, in the knowing glance exchanged with an unspoken kindred spirit, in the silent refusal to let convention dictate curiosity. I didn’t seek to discredit Foucault, nor did I wish to discard Freud entirely (after all, who else could have spun an entire school of thought from the delicate thread of unresolved childhood?). I simply felt ...

Our energy levels are shaped by habits that either fortify or deplete us. Recognising this is essential for sustaining vitality and well-being. Natural elements serve as powerful allies. Sunlight stimulates the production of vitamin D, indispensable for mood regulation. Physical movement enhances circulation and alleviates stress. Meditation quietens the mind and nurtures emotional equilibrium, as does deep breathing. Proper hydration ensures the body functions optimally, warding off fatigue. Restorative sleep is paramount for both physical and mental renewal. Acupuncture revitalises the system and eases tension. Emotional and social well-being are equally vital. Living in the present alleviates anxiety and fosters a deeper sense of contentment. Meaningful relationships provide support and contribute to overall well-being. A nourishing diet supplies the body and mind with high-quality energy. On the other hand, certain habits sap our energy. Persistent fear stifles action, ...

The brilliance of children has always intrigued me. Quick, perceptive — they move through the clinic with an ease that even my own shadow cannot match. They take in every detail, every corner, as if the space were an extension of themselves. And yet, for all their boundless energy, they surrender to treatment with an openness that never ceases to amaze me. They feel the shift in their very skin, in the deep, unspoken language of the body. They arrive unsettled, their small frames weighed down by a world too vast, too demanding. Some are anxious, others irritable, their nervous systems frayed by stimuli too great to bear. But as the treatment unfolds, something changes. Their tension eases, their breath deepens. By the time they rise from the table, they are transformed — lighter, brighter, as if an invisible burden has been lifted. They leave with a spring in their step, their feet barely touching the ground, as if walking on air. Their parents — ah, the parents — watch i...

As an acupuncture physician, I am keen to share emerging research that highlights the profound influence of mental health on longevity. Growing evidence suggests that psychological well-being not only shapes the risk of chronic disease and cognitive decline but also plays a pivotal role in the ageing process. A study in BMJ Mental Health underscores how stress, anxiety, and depression accelerate harmful biological mechanisms, whereas psychological resilience acts as a safeguard against premature ageing. Acupuncture is increasingly recognised as an effective approach to strengthening mental resilience and preserving cognitive function, offering a holistic means of fostering long-term well-being. Research indicates that acupuncture modulates key neural networks involved in emotional processing, mitigates neuroinflammation, and enhances neuroplasticity. A study in Nature Communications found that electroacupuncture prevents astrocytic atrophy in the prefrontal cortex, thereby ...

Acupuncture harmonises the body and mind, fostering mental clarity and emotional maturity. These benefits naturally support three fundamental pillars of human and social progress: understanding the world, self-reflection, and transforming knowledge into action. As a result, acupuncture patients often distinguish themselves in society, developing a broader perspective, making more conscious choices, and maintaining a balanced approach to life. The first pillar centres on expanding knowledge and deepening understanding of the world. Those who actively seek learning overcome limitations and drive transformation. However, stress and emotional burdens can obstruct this process, making it difficult to absorb new information and think critically. This ancient practice alleviates tension, improves mental clarity, and enhances cognitive receptiveness, allowing the mind to fully embrace new ideas and innovations. By fostering a sense of openness, acupuncture helps individuals perceiv...

"Hello, professor." I say it as soon as someone crosses the threshold. I say it without thinking, like breathing. But behind these words, there is time, a journey, a memory. It was at the Hospital do Servidor Público de São Paulo that I first learnt to truly see teachers. They would arrive carrying invisible notebooks — not in their hands, but in their bodies. Their necks bent from years of looking down at lesson plans, their shoulders heavy with the weight of knowledge given away day after day. They would sit before me, their minds full of wisdom, their spines full of pain. And I would listen. And I would learn. Perhaps that is why I never stopped saying "professor." It does not matter who you are or what you do. Life itself is a classroom, and every person, knowingly or not, is a master of something. The body teaches through its aches, silence teaches through its absence, even pain imparts lessons — whether we ask for them or not. And so, the word stay...

You saw it in your hands before you saw it in the patient. The pulse — small, insistent — whispered a secret no one had spoken. There was a tremor in the skin, a shift in the air between you. Before the words, before the symptoms, before diagnosis clothed itself in logic — you already knew. It was not a thought — it was a feeling. Thoughts are slow, they need shaping, but this knowing arrived whole, needing nothing. The meridians do not speak, yet you hear them. The body does not argue; it simply reveals itself, a quiet confession given freely to those who know how to listen. Your fingers rest, light as a breath on the surface, and the needles follow — not merely where they should be, but where they must be. There is no hesitation, no deliberation — only a call, and you answer. Not with reason, not with proof, but with certainty that is older than both. Intuition does not shout, does not ask permission, does not knock at the door. It is a river that already knows its course,...

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), illnesses progress through three stages: energetic, functional, and anatomical. This reflects a growing imbalance in the body, moving from subtle disruptions in energy flow to functional impairments and, eventually, structural damage. However, by recognising and treating these imbalances early, it is possible to restore harmony before they develop into serious conditions. The first stage, known as the energetic phase, presents subtle signs that may not yet be considered symptoms of illness. People may experience unexplained fatigue, emotional fluctuations, or difficulty sleeping — indicating a disturbance in the body’s vital energy, or Qi . At this stage, conventional medical tests often show no abnormalities, yet the person already feels out of balance. TCM sees this as an opportunity for early intervention. Acupuncture, dietary changes, and Qi Gong help restore the smooth flow of energy, preventing minor disharmonies from becoming ...

Unresolved trauma can manifest in many different ways — anxiety, insomnia, chronic tension, or even unexplained physical pain. These symptoms often develop gradually, without an obvious connection to past experiences, making them difficult to recognise as part of a deeper emotional wound. Instead of surfacing as clear memories, trauma frequently lingers in the nervous system, shaping how we react to stress, process emotions, and experience the world. In Tradicional Chinese Medicine, trauma is not seen as a purely psychological issue but as an energetic imbalance that affects the entire body. The mind and body are deeply interconnected, meaning that emotional distress can influence physical health just as much as physical imbalances can impact emotional well-being. Healing from trauma requires an approach that goes beyond intellectual understanding — it must also address the body’s response to past experiences. Acupuncture plays a vital role in this process by helping regula...

Grounding is a practice that involves direct contact between the feet and the ground, such as walking barefoot on grass, soil, or sand. In the West, it is associated with reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and maintaining the body's electrical balance. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this connection with the Earth is linked to the flow of Qi (vital energy), the balance of Yin and Yang, and the strengthening of the meridians. In TCM, Earth is one of the Five Elements and governs the Spleen and Stomach, the organs responsible for digestion, nutrient absorption, and emotional stability. Walking barefoot strengthens this energy, supporting digestive function and mental well-being. In modern society, excess Yang — caused by stress and a hectic routine — is common. Contact with the ground calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and balances energies by introducing more Yin, which is associated with stillness and coolness. Another benefit is the reinforcement of Kidney Qi...

Empathy is often interpreted as the ability to put oneself in another’s place, but this simplistic definition does not capture its depth. Empathy is not merely feeling what another person feels; it is understanding their experience without becoming lost in it. This balance between connection and discernment is essential, particularly in professions that require rational decision-making without emotional burdens clouding judgement. In acupuncture, for instance, the practitioner must attentively listen to the patient’s complaints, grasp emotional nuances, and understand their pain without absorbing it. An acupuncturist who is overwhelmed by a patient’s suffering may lose the clarity needed to determine the most appropriate treatment. Conversely, a lack of empathy results in a cold, mechanical approach, reducing the patient’s trust in the therapeutic process. Neuroscience shows that empathy is not merely an emotional response but also a neurological function. The brain has spe...

In the half-light of the clinic, there is a moment when silence weighs like an ancient secret. The needle touches the skin, and the body responds before the mind, as if it knows something that thought has yet to grasp. Pain, anguish, insomnia — the invisible knots of existence — are all there, woven into the meridians but also into unspoken words. And then, a conversation begins. Not just any conversation, the kind that drifts absent-mindedly between time and urgency. But a deep listening, a thread of thought unravelling precisely where the body seeks relief. Acupuncture opens doors the mind has unknowingly closed, and cognitive therapy steps in to organise the chaos, like someone gently sweeping dry leaves from a garden. Because touching the body is not enough if the mind remains trapped in old labyrinths. Pain is born as much from what happens to us as from what we do with what happens to us. Thoughts weave our emotions, and more often than not, they are what tighten th...

Hygge is a Danish concept that describes the feeling of comfort, cosiness, and well-being found in simple, pleasurable moments. In Brazil, it can be felt in the gentle sway of a hammock on a veranda, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the warm breeze flowing through an open window, or the lush greenery of tropical plants. More than just a lifestyle, hygge is a state of mind that fosters relaxation and emotional balance. I first encountered hygge twenty years ago when one of my best friends, Kasper Nymand , introduced me to the concept. Since then, I have understood how deeply it aligns with the principles of Chinese Medicine, particularly in relation to the balance of Shen (mind), the most subtle manifestation of Qi (vital energy). When Qi becomes scattered or stagnant due to stress, symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and mental fatigue emerge. Creating a welcoming environment and embracing moments of pleasure and rest are essential to restoring this balance and st...

There are certain afflictions in the human spirit that creep in like damp seeping into the walls of an old house, slowly eroding its structure until, one day, it collapses without warning upon its own foundations. Resentment is one such affliction. It feeds on bitterness, thrives in the shadows of unease, and burrows so deeply into the soul that no doctor or apothecary can prescribe an effective remedy. Science, ever diligent in its quest to unravel the body's mysteries, has already shown that rancour is no harmless thing. It seeps into the blood, quickens the pulse, devours sleep, and weighs upon the chest like lead concealed in a traveller’s pocket. Forgiveness, on the other hand, dissolves that burden, soothes the restless tides within, and restores to the face the serenity long lost. But let it be said plainly: to forgive is no careless gesture, nor a favour bestowed upon the offender. To forgive is to unshackle oneself, to sever the chains that bind us to a past ...

As an acupuncture physician practising in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, I face five main challenges that highlight the need for ongoing education about acupuncture. These challenges stem from misconceptions about integrative treatment, unrealistic expectations for immediate results, a limited understanding of acupuncture techniques, the role of hygge in the healing process, and the integration of cognitive therapy. Overcoming them is essential not only for raising awareness but also for building trust and ensuring long-term patient commitment. One of the most common difficulties is explaining what integrative treatment truly means. Many people still view acupuncture as an isolated or even mystical practice, unaware that it is recognised by modern medicine as part of a broader healthcare approach. This misconception can lead to hesitation or scepticism, making clear and effective communication essential. Medical acupuncture is a complete therapeutic system capable of treating a...

As a board certified acupuncture physician, I have observed the profound benefits of acupuncture for emotional clarity. This ancient practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine goes beyond treating physical conditions; it also promotes emotional and mental balance. Emotional clarity is the ability to identify, understand, and express emotions in a healthy way. Recent studies show that it can modulate the relationship between inflammation and depression. Individuals with low emotional clarity and high levels of inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, exhibit more severe symptoms of depression. This highlights the importance of emotional balance in the prevention and treatment of depression. Acupuncture acts on the nervous system, stimulating specific points to release neurotransmitters and hormones that promote well-being. These stimuli help reduce inflammation, regulate the immune system, and positively impact mental health. Additionally, acupunctur...

In the dim light of the clinic, there is a moment when silence weighs like an ancient secret. The needle touches the skin, and the body responds before the mind can catch up — knowing, somehow, what thought has yet to grasp. Pain, anguish, insomnia — the invisible knots of existence — woven not only into the meridians but also into words left unsaid. And then, a conversation begins. Not the kind that drifts between habit and haste, lost in the noise of routine. But a finer listening, a thread of thought unspooling precisely where the body seeks relief. Acupuncture opens doors the mind has closed without noticing. Therapy steps in quietly, tidying the chaos, like sweeping dry leaves without a sound. Because touching the body is not enough if the mind remains trapped in the dim corridors of fear. Pain is not only what happens to us, but what we do with what happens to us. Thoughts stitch themselves into feeling, tightening the knot in the chest, keeping pain captive. And h...

Suddenly, without warning, the mind rises and begins to walk on its own. One step, then another, then a thousand. It moves without direction, yet always in haste. It wants to understand, to predict, to grasp the world in its hands. But the world slips away—as it always does. To think is to exist, they say. But what if thinking too much is a way of not being at all? Overthinking steals the moment, turns the simple into a maze, fills the quiet with noise. And then—the pause. A break in the current. A deep breath, a touch against the skin, a feeling without a name. The fine needle resting on the body, the inhale and exhale, the silence between one thought and the next—that is where life is. It is not about banishing the mind but teaching it to stay. To let it be without devouring. Because in the space between thoughts, life happens.

There is much a doctor can never say. Keeping silent hurts, but it is a necessary exercise when a patient arrives at the clinic seeking more than just a prescription for her illness. It is the part of the vocation that neither university teaches nor the church canonises. This silence is a miracle when one knows how to listen to it. The sacred religiosity of the profession ends here, faced with the sharp wit of a client probing for an answer. If, for every patient who complains about their spouse, I allowed the slightest hint of concession and my expression betrayed even the faintest amen during the consultation, rest assured, I would be sealing the marital grave myself. That’s right—when someone starts complaining, they already have their bags packed, merely awaiting a formal excuse, and nothing serves that purpose better than something straight from the doctor’s mouth to decree the end. But being a companion to silence does not prevent me from muttering a few words of caution here ...

Some people are so accustomed to themselves as they are that abandoning what harms them requires a certain amount of time and effort—something that is not for the therapist to judge. I recall a patient whose chronic pain made the periodic use of medication essential for clinical management. Yet, she was reluctant to rely on it. Her refusal to take any medication stemmed from a fear of becoming dependent on it. She associated it with a previous experience, where it took her far too long to wean herself off an antidepressant she had used daily. However, this was now a reheated emotion. What could have been resolved in a few follow-up appointments—if not the worst of the crisis at least—stretched into a long journey of many interventions. But, given her self-imposed limitations, perhaps that was the time she needed and was capable of allowing herself. The most painful part of humanised listening is knowing that much of what is advised and prescribed will be ignored by the patient. Hel...