Last Wednesday afternoon I arrived in clinic just as the power went out. Although our consultation room has lots of windows, the treatment room itself gets no natural light and was too dark to work in. Most people in the other offices started to go home — without electricity to power computers and telecommunication devices, the modern office can’t function. However, I don’t need electricity to do acupuncture, so with the help of a colleague, we set up an emergency acupuncture clinic in a nearby room that gets plenty of sunlight.
Within 20 minutes, we were able to set up two “cubicles” with treatment couches, medical screens, chairs and table. It was basic but safe for treating. I managed to treat five patients before it got too dark to do anything. UK Power Network informed us that it couldn’t restore power for another couple of hours, so I reluctantly cancelled my last two patients.
Later on I reflected on that strange day and realised how lucky we are to live somewhere with steady electricity supply and good infrastructure. What happened was such an abnormal occurence in London but it happens regularly in some countries. I also realised what were the absolute minimum requirements for safe acupuncture practice: running hot water and soap for washing hands, a “clean field” for putting down needles and other supplies, and some privacy for patients. And good eyesight for when the light starts to fade!
Within 20 minutes, we were able to set up two “cubicles” with treatment couches, medical screens, chairs and table. It was basic but safe for treating. I managed to treat five patients before it got too dark to do anything. UK Power Network informed us that it couldn’t restore power for another couple of hours, so I reluctantly cancelled my last two patients.
Later on I reflected on that strange day and realised how lucky we are to live somewhere with steady electricity supply and good infrastructure. What happened was such an abnormal occurence in London but it happens regularly in some countries. I also realised what were the absolute minimum requirements for safe acupuncture practice: running hot water and soap for washing hands, a “clean field” for putting down needles and other supplies, and some privacy for patients. And good eyesight for when the light starts to fade!
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