Over-Medicated vs. Under-Spiritualized.
I just dread being sick in Taiwan.
It’s not because of the annoyances and inconveniences of being sick itself. Not the colds, the vomiting, or the runs that seem to sprint more than jog.
While it’s been taught to me (and generally agreed upon by many at home) that any of the above require thorough rest, fluids, and a supporting diet; the Taiwanese believe that a trip to the doctor will have you back on your feet in no time. That is, they believe that there is a pill to cure every symptom. There is no acknowledgement that the body just needs time to recover.
This morning I found myself in that unfortunate cold/flu state, having to make a phone call to the school, telling them that I had no place teaching today. (Nevermind the spread of illness, which isn’t considered.) It’s now 12:32pm and I’ve been ‘encouraged’ by two teachers at school to see a doctor. One of them just asserted that if I would like to have a ‘happy weekend’, then I should go see a doctor straight away!
I am certain that the journey to the doctor by scooter, chaotic and uncomfortable, would undo all of the recovering of this morning’s sleep-in. I can already predict his diagnosis (‘it’s a virus’!) and prescribe myself the necessary drugs, of which are stockpiled in my cabinet (a decongestant and painkiller for the aches!).
I feel sad that doctors here essentially act as catalysts to get you back to work again. Sickness seems not to be accepted as credible, and the Taiwanese will arrive at work in a half-dead state, as if to gain some sort of pride from it.
Why is it that work here takes precedence over all others? I can’t find the sensibility in it, yet I don’t want to dismiss this as nonsense. I just plainly do not understand them.
Or perhaps they just like to support their doctors. (I like Dr. Chao, I have his collector’s card. Who’s your favourite?)
Surely they must comprehend a little more than they let on about health? Have they come so far materially in the past 25 years that their education has not caught up to their standard of living?
I’ve tried to explain the differences in treating viruses and infections to them; and furthermore, to elaborate on the possible complications of suppressing symptoms. I hate to use such pompous language, but this is common knowledge across the seas!
That said, they seem to, on the whole, understand the necessity of spirituality – whereas many of us in the west can’t measure this quantitatively, so we tend to dismiss it.
The challenges of living in one and believing the other!
Sniffingly, Laura.
Tags: Taiwan Living
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