I try to keep up with information from the Surgeon General as much as possible, but admittedly I don't read everything that's released. When I saw headlines that said Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Hallegere Murthy wrote a departing letter titled My Parting Prescription For America that spoke about lifestyle and community, I was drawn to read it, and I'm so glad I did. It's a lovely read.
It's very difficult to sum up what he shared in that letter, but basically Dr. Murthy suggests that the emphasis of chasing success, wealth and fame that has permeated throughout American society is not as great of a path to wellness as focusing on relationships, service and purpose, all of which can lead to creating a healthy community. From an East Asian medical perspective, I agree completely.
One of the fundamental substances that make up who we are is Qi, defined as a vital life source. Qi comes in many forms, including air and food. It can also come from our environment.
Think of it this way. Imagine someone in your life that you always feel great when you spend time with them. Maybe they make you laugh or you feel uplifted after seeing them. That person is spreading wonderful, loving Qi and it's affecting you in a positive way.
Now think of someone in your life that drags you down. Maybe they constantly complain or are quick to snap. Maybe you don't feel great after seeing them. That person's Qi is also affecting you....but don't forget that your Qi can also affect them.
In that sense, what Dr. Murthy is recommending is as a society we each choose community, which requires embracing the core virtue of love (love is an excellent form of Qi), over the pursuit of wealth and material things. I understand that in his piece he's ultimately suggesting a path towards unity within our country, but it's worth noting that in my experience of treating patients that those who choose community regularly, whether it's participating in a hiking club or a team sport or volunteering for a local organization, and who show up with a loving Qi overall tend to have healthier Qi. It's my experience that in general (absolutely there are exceptions) that those with loving Qi tend to improve quickly with acupuncture when they need support.
I highly encourage you to read this letter from Dr. Murthy. Though it's 32 pages long, some pages are blank and it's not a dense read. It's not full of studies and statistics. Rather, it's a simple message said quite eloquently.
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