Alternative Healing Report

What has and hasn't worked on the road to recovery.

The stretch goal for the indiegogo campaign was to raise funds for alternative Japanese healing techniques, and I have indeed tried some out. Some success, some failure, and as always, constant healing and self discovery!

Onsen bathing-Success!!! Onsen is the Japanese word for hot springs, and the best ones use real hot spring water that has strange properties. The craziest one I went to was in Kamiyama. The water was very slippery and oily, and had kind of a green tint, but it did wonders to heal pain in both my wrist tendons, and in my aching feet and knees. Definitely gonna keep this up once I get home.

Energy stone massage- Failure. I tried this out a couple times. I believe its called onreiishi, which crudely tranlates to charged energy stones. They put ki-charged stones all over you and rub them around a bit. It had no effect on my right arm, but it actually made my left worse for a bit, so throw that one on the junk pile.

Japanese style ayurvedic therapy- Inconclusive. The way I translate this is eating mindfully and healthfully with a variety of spices and fresh ingredients. It tastes good, and it certainly isn't hurting. Many people have said that a major component of controlling tendon inflammation is watching your diet and avoiding processed foods and sugars, and with the cornucopia of traditional Japanese food I've been eating, I've definitely been following those criteria. Will keep doing this regardless of tendon healing.

And finally, a little thing I`d like to call the Shikoku Pilgrimage Cleanse: SMASHING SUCCESS! This is basically what I`m doing anyway: walking about 15 miles a day, drinking a lot of liquids, and sweating in Japanese humidity like a convict on the run. This also incorporates rehabilitation exercises, like holding a holy staff, stretching tendons by doing Buddhist prayers, and climbing your way up 2 to 3 goddamn mountains daily. My hands have basically regained normal function, and I'm getting stronger and more svelte every day, right in time for my wedding! So, in conclusion, the verdict on alternative Japanese healing is: Great Success. Thanks again everyone for helping me reach the indiegogo stretch goal! More healing to come.