September 2023 Still Point

Submitted by: ICOM

Author: Anthony Guidotti, OMS-II

Title: Harvesting Osteopathic Wisdom from the Mid-Autumn Festival

The symphony of clinking silverware and clattering pots and pans, accompanied by the fervent hum of Mandarin conversations shattered the tranquility of a serene September morning. A mixture of irritation and curiosity clouded my half-awake mind as I reluctantly dressed and made my way down the dormitory hall prepared to confront the source of this untimely disturbance. To my surprise, the culprits were 15 Chinese host-mothers who had graciously volunteered to immerse us, the American students studying abroad, in the rich traditions of their culture. This morning, we would learn the delicate art of crafting traditional Chinese dumplings in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

This festival is a cherished holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth moon cycle, which in 2023 happens to be September 29th. It is a harmonious convergence of traditions that echo across Asia, reflecting the diverse and rich cultures of the continent. It’s not just a festival; it’s a symbol of unity, gratitude, and the shared human spirit. Even if it remains less known in American culture, this holiday is one of the most celebrated holidays on the planet with over one billion people celebrating around the globe.

This festival is a time to honor the moon, which in ancient times, was believed to yield a good harvest. Now, it is a time to express gratitude for the blessings of life and to share these joys with loved ones. The festival is a time to celebrate nature and the interconnectedness of all life forms as well as a time to give thanks to one’s abundance. Families will also pay homage to their ancestors by lighting incense and offering moon cake sacrifices at the ancestral sacred grounds.

Since my enlightening encounter in China, I have made a tradition of hosting my own Mid-Autumn Festival each year. It is a humble endeavor to share the beauty of diverse cultures with friends and now, fellow medical students. It is about creating small, meaningful connections and mutual respect for the vast array of cultures that enrich our world with unique flavors and stories. I hope this tradition contributes, even just a little, to shaping a future in medicine where cultural competency is a cornerstone for more genuine and profound connections with patients from all kinds of backgrounds.

Exploring and embracing diverse cultures allow us to perceive health and well-being through varied, enlightening lenses. My journey across Asia significantly shaped my osteopathic perspective, introducing me to ancient philosophies and practices that resonate with the principles of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. OMT is structured around five models: the neurological, the metabolic-nutritional, the behavioral-biopsychosocial, the respiratory-circulatory, and the biomechanical structural model, each offering insights into the intricacies of somatic dysfunction.

Millennia before the advent of osteopathy and the teachings of A. T. Still, ancient Chinese philosophies had already explored similar concepts through the study of Qigong, emphasizing the importance of Qi, the life force or energy flow, as a vital component of holistic health. Viewing OMT through the prism of Qigong allows us to appreciate the harmonious interconnection of body, mind, and spirit, and to integrate this holistic balance as a guiding principle in our practice.

Understanding and valuing the essence of Qi can be crucial in establishing profound and respectful connections with our patients, particularly those of Asian heritage. It enables us to incorporate these diverse, rich perspectives into our healthcare approach, enhancing our ability to relate to and assist our patients in a manner that is culturally resonant and meaningful to them.

Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival is not merely a cultural experience; it is a journey into the heart of diverse traditions and values. It intertwines strands of cultural understanding and holistic care into the essence of osteopathic medicine. This celebration is a conduit through which we can foster deeper, more meaningful relationships with our patients and enrich our practice with the varied, harmonious wisdom of the world, allowing us to approach healthcare with a more inclusive, empathetic, and integrative mindset.