The Hyggelig Journey

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...

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...