My practice of Chinese medicine is mostly in the San Mateo County area and San Francisco. San Mateo county boasts of having the second highest educated population in the nation and has many colleges and universities. It follows that the area is a fairly saavy and forward-thinking community, and a nice place to live and practice acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.As far as anyone knows, the original inhabitants of the area were the Ohlone Indians who lived under the large Oaks. I wonder what their native medicine was like. And are there any Ohlone left in the area? Its good to remember and pay respect to the original inhabitants.
According to the History Museum, in both 1880 and 2000, one-third of San Mateo County’s population was born in another country!
The diversity of those who have come to this area made it one of the most culturally rich areas of the country. One of those ethnic groups that had and continues to have such a huge impact is the Asian population. The strength of knowledge and skill of practitioners of the medicine in this area is a direct reflection of these immigrants who brought their information with them.
As far as Chinese medicine, I find that most people in the area are open to it and know someone who has tried it, or might have done it themselves. I believe there are 5 accredited acupuncture schools in the Bay Area now.
I have a lot of history in San Mateo. I used to live across the street from the hospital on 37th avenue. Everyday I would see the young and old going in an out of there. I’d always think about what it would be like if Chinese Medicine were integrated into the system enough so that all those people had access to acupuncture and herbs along with Western medicine. I believe the two are a perfect complement to each other – just take a look at Japans system!
Probably my favorite spot in the area is San Mateo Park. On weekend mornings there is a whole gang of people who meet out there early to do taiji (tai-chi) and qigong exercises. Of course you also have people walking their dog, out for a jog, etc… Its a nice environment.
