Posts by Mark Nguyen6

Heh... I suppose these questions might be a bit intense for a single forum—especially one like this. (Mind you, the questions themselves are excellent; please don't take that the wrong way!)

First off, if you don't mind me asking, how old are you?
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1) Personally, I don't really engage in self-motivation. I don't have those megalomaniacal urges to view myself as some sort of creator of everything—certainly not the creator of life itself. Life is already quite rich and wonderful enough that I think any attempt by a person to add to or subtract from it in that sense is unnecessary. At most, I believe we can simply listen to it and try to accept its rhythms. If we do that, the highs and lows usually take care of themselves—and since you really can't have one without the other, it seems somewhat futile to crave the peaks while rejecting the valleys, or vice versa. I'd almost call that kind of resistance a violation of life's natural flow.
As for how to handle daily responsibilities when inspiration inevitably runs dry—well, that's where the Stoics come in. It isn't about some grand philosophy or a magic wand; it’s more about just accepting what needs to be done and getting on with it, even when you least feel like it.

2) Just love. And I don't mean some abstract, Platonic concept here. I mean making it clear through one's actual way of living that they are the priority. There are countless ways to demonstrate that.

PS.
That's a lovely signature.

It’s quite simple, really—having intelligence alone isn't enough to keep a person mentally sound and balanced.

I suppose that unconscious laughter eventually comes back to haunt us, almost like a boomerang.

Joe Biden's notion of antifascism simply doesn't exist.
The idea of antifascism in America—and honestly, throughout the old America too—is a pretty questionable concept.
Back when World War II actually happened, the people living in this region were already drowning in their own internal conflicts; those issues would have bubbled to the surface even without a global conflict (I mean, the 90s showed us what happens without a world war). In that sense, World War II served as nothing more than an ideal catalyst for the local wars that were already simmering under the surface.

Given that context, I suppose talking about antifascism is either somewhat unserious or just a classic smokescreen—meant to protect one's own interests, or perhaps the interests of like-minded individuals (both politically and, I guess, philosophically).

And frankly, it seems quite irrational to go even further by spinning fairy tales about Josip Broz Marshall being some sort of titan or a great antifascist. If you look at these statements and stances, it’s pretty clear which way the wind is blowing. It’s blowing toward defending communism, rather than any actual concept of antifascism, which—in my view—has practically never truly existed in these parts.

Of course it's acceptable.

The general principle here is pretty straightforward: medicine exists to improve quality of life and restore health—period. It isn't meant to serve as a platform for expressing one's own personal moral stances.

Case 1:
A free citizen decides they want to go on a hunger strike—for whatever reason, really—and they face forced hospitalization because their drive toward death has overridden their instinct for survival, which is essentially a psychological condition. That’s a psychiatric matter, naturally.

Case 2:
An individual in custody attempts a hunger strike within a correctional facility: in this instance, forced feeding becomes necessary, primarily because the person is in a state resulting from a violation of established rights—or at least the suspicion of one. In these specific circumstances, the state has already codified its right to limit an individual's liberty, and that right simply needs to be exercised. This is especially true since the state holds responsibility for that person while they are in such an institution, which brings us back to the fundamental duty of medicine. I’ll say it again: medicine isn't a moral playground; it is a very concrete field with clearly defined goals and tasks. This is particularly pronounced within closed institutions.

The government has both the right and the obligation—by its very definition—to act for the well-being of all its citizens. If a citizen is unable to properly assess or pursue their own well-being, the state is obligated to revoke certain rights (much like how we might restrict a driver's license for someone who is blind, or firearm permits for those with mental health issues) and, in turn, take on the responsibility of protecting that person's welfare.

I suppose a person is born first and foremost with something we might call—well, a purpose. Everyone has their own, individually. That purpose remains indifferent to the concepts of good and evil; if you ask Nietzsche, it exists on the far side of good and evil.

The individual in the second post of this thread—my apologies, I can't recall the username—made an excellent point: this is more of a philosophical inquiry, since providing an answer requires us to at least roughly define good and evil, which is already quite a massive undertaking.

Now, if we interpret 'good and evil' as what is socially acceptable or unacceptable—meaning certain civilizational values, the ability to integrate into society, and its standardized moral and ethical views on right versus wrong—then this becomes a legitimate psychological topic centered primarily on individual socialization. In that sense, every person is born with a unique talent for socializing, though whether their personality develops in a fully realized way depends largely on the circumstances they grow up in.

However, when it comes to the ultimate questions of a person's good and evil, psychology can't really tell us anything at all. Personally, I’d go so far as to say even philosophy falls short here. Perhaps only theology offers any real answers. And theology suggests there is such a thing as predestination regarding one's traits—that certain people are chosen for one path or the other. Usually, these individuals serve as sorts of 'channels,' or instruments for collective events. As for everyone else, we are left with varying degrees of freedom (though, more often than not, a smaller 😬 ))

As said:I've been wondering myself—how does acupuncture actually work on its own? I mean, does it genuinely help curb hunger, or maybe give the metabolism a bit of a nudge—or is it something else entirely?

Here is something that sounds serious enough to go along with a woman's title—I guess.

ukoliko slučajno link ne radi, kopiram tekst ovdje:

Acupuncture—it’s an interesting topic, isn't it? I suppose there is a certain level of intrigue surrounding it, though perhaps it’s more about how people perceive its effectiveness versus traditional Western medicine. I’ve always felt that while some might be skeptical, there is a certain logic to the way it’s practiced—even if we don't fully grasp the underlying mechanics just yet. It seems like a very deliberate approach to wellness, much like how one might carefully manage their health through specialized care at a private general practice. Maybe it’s just my way of looking at things, but I find the idea of balancing the body's energy quite compelling, even if it feels a bit unconventional to some.

General medicine—it’s such a broad field, isn't it? I suppose one could argue that it serves as the very backbone of our healthcare system here in the States. It covers so much ground, from routine check-ups to managing those nagging, long-term issues that just won't quit. Maybe it's a bit too generalized for some, but I've always felt there is something quite vital about having that one steady point of contact—a private general practice, for instance—where someone actually knows your history. It’s more than just treating symptoms; it's about that continuous, steady oversight. I guess you could say it's the foundation upon which everything else is built.
December 1999

Written by: Dr. Vesna gorički Pernek, specialist in private general practice and acupuncture—
Gerontologist, Private General Practice, 17 Radić Street, Los Angeles, Tel. 555-0199

If you’ve found yourself exhausted by those endless, failed diet cycles—just one repetitive, futile loop after another—perhaps it might be wise to wait. I suppose there is some value in watching for a more psychologically favorable moment—kind of like waiting for a sign—to signal that it is truly time for a fresh start.

Obesity—which, I suppose, touches almost every corner of American society today—is really just one symptom of a much larger issue regarding poor nutrition. The whole point of eating isn't merely to fill our stomachs or satisfy some fleeting sense of hunger, nor is it strictly about the numbers on a scale. In many ways, what we eat is simultaneously the cause, the consequence, and a direct reflection of our overall health and lifestyle. It seems quite clear that an unbalanced diet—combined with vitamin deficiencies, high stress levels, and a lack of physical activity—creates the perfect storm for weight gain. We’ve known for a long time that excess weight brings a host of complications—things like joint degeneration, gallstones, blood clots, cardiovascular issues, and even skin problems. It’s all interconnected, I guess. Anyone who has ever tried to stick to a diet knows those frustrating moments where you feel like you're just spinning your wheels, starting over for the umpteenth time. If you find yourself exhausted by these endless, unsuccessful cycles of dieting, perhaps it’s best to wait for a moment when you feel psychologically ready—a sign that it might actually be time for a true fresh start. The motivation can come from anywhere: a desire for better health, wanting to look better, or simply a need for change. Ultimately, losing weight is a metamorphosis—and one that requires some real preparation.

Spring is arguably the best time of year to kickstart a new diet—it just feels right. After a long winter of limited options and that constant, nagging craving for heavy, comforting meals, the sudden influx of fresh fruits and vegetables at the local farmers' markets offers such a refreshing change of pace. I suppose there’s something about the way nature begins to wake up and renew itself that naturally makes us want to hit the reset button on our own bodies, too. So, you've made the call—the decision is final, and you're starting tomorrow. It’s a big step, though—and honestly, a pretty bold one. You’ll likely need some serious support from your family to stay on track, and I’d suggest keeping a close eye on things with a doctor, too—just to be safe. Remember, you aren't just embarking on a bit of an uncertain adventure; your goal isn't merely to drop a few pounds. More importantly, it's about reshaping your entire relationship with food so you don't end up feeling like a slave to your cravings ever again.

There is an ancient approach to healing known as acupuncture—essentially treating internal ailments through external means. Its origins are often traced back to a legend about a warrior who was struck by an arrow; once the arrow was removed and the wound healed, it was discovered that a completely different illness elsewhere in his body had vanished as well. The term itself actually has Latin roots—*acus* meaning needle and *pungere* meaning to pierce—and it refers to this ancient Chinese method of using needles inserted into specific points on the skin to facilitate healing.

It’s fascinating to look back at ancient history—as far back as 2800 B.C.E., actually—when you consider that the Huang di neo Jing was already being discussed. This foundational text is attributed to the Yellow emperor (who reigned from roughly 2698 to 2596 B.C.E.), and he is essentially credited with authoring the very first written medical treatise. The work itself is structured as a series of dialogues between the emperor and his physician—it's quite an interesting format, I suppose—and it is divided into two distinct parts:

"Simple Questions" — this covers the core principles of general practice and...

"Magic Doors"—it’s a piece where he dives into all sorts of different therapeutic approaches—things like herbal acupuncture, energy healing, and even surgery.

It was actually missionaries who first introduced acupuncture to the West back in the late 16th century—at least, that’s my understanding. By 1682, we were already seeing the first doctoral dissertations on the subject being defended in London. However, if we are looking for the most influential figure in making this known to the Western world, it would likely be George Soulie de Morant. He was a diplomat who became so deeply immersed in studying acupuncture that the Chinese actually honored him with the title of "physician teacher." His efforts eventually paved the way for the establishment of an international acupuncture society in Paris back in 1946. Fast forward to 1979, and the World Health Organization officially recognized acupuncture as a legitimate medical method—even putting together a specific list of conditions it can effectively treat. This includes things like sinusitis, constipation, headaches, migraines, and various types of neuralgia, as well as musculoskeletal pain and even certain dependencies, such as obesity or smoking habits.

How does acupuncture actually work?

Scientific research into the mechanics behind acupuncture really kicked off about 30 years ago. I suppose, to truly grasp how traditional and modern theories intersect, one needs to understand what’s actually happening during a session. There are essentially two types of sensations—subjective and objective:

- subjective — this includes pain (which, I should add, depends heavily on the skill of the practitioner) and the De Qi phenomenon (that deep sensation of fullness, tingling, or pressure),

- objective — things like analgesia (pain relief), sedation (calming effects), homeostasis (maintaining metabolic balance), and various psychological effects.

Regarding more recent scientific theories, we might look at the endorphin release theory. Endorphins are essentially natural neuropeptides that bind to pain receptors in the brain, providing a very potent analgesic effect. It seems that stimulating specific acupuncture points triggers the release of this hormone, which is likely why acupuncture is quite successful in treating various pain syndromes.

Various acupuncture techniques

The very first needles used in China were made of stone, followed later by bone and bamboo. As metallurgy advanced, metal needles began to be manufactured and utilized. Nowadays, thin stainless steel needles and different alloys are the standard. With the evolution of technique, there is an increasing shift toward single-use needles, which, thankfully, helps eliminate the risk of spreading infectious diseases.

We can categorize the techniques as follows:

- thermopuncture, or moxibustion — this involves using dried moxa leaves to emit heat onto specific parts or points of the body,

- electroacupuncture — which is essentially deep electrical stimulation delivered through the inserted needles,

- Voll’s electropuncture — a method performed using a device known as an EAV organometer, used for both diagnosis and therapy,

- laser acupuncture — this relies on the action of laser light; it is a sterile, non-invasive, and painless method, and it tends to shorten treatment time to about 15 minutes.

So, how does acupuncture help us?

In Chinese tradition, it is believed that energy flows constantly through the human body, referred to as CHI, or vital energy. This energy is perpetually being generated, though it can be depleted by daily physical activity or built up through nutrition. The goal of acupuncture, I believe, is to balance this energy by stimulating certain acupoints.

Acupuncture can help reduce appetite, regulate metabolism and—perhaps most importantly—prevents feelings of weakness, dizziness, or low mood.