This afternoon I finally visited the auto‐repair and car‐wash shop near my neighborhood—its owner is an old friend from Hubei, and his business has been booming these past years. Last Friday he messaged me on Momo: his lower back was killing him, and he wanted to know if moxibustion could help. I told him, “Give it a try and you’ll see.” He was in Shenzhen at the time and eager to get my moxa sticks. I promised to bring them when I returned to Guangzhou.
On Sunday I showed up at his shop with a moxibustion belt, moxa sticks, and a desiccant jar. I taught him how to apply it, and we had a conversation like this:
He: “I’m in so much pain! I’m only born in ’77 but I’ve already got hypertension, digestive issues, and this relentless backache. I can’t even go out to eat—every dinner invitation I decline. I’ve stopped eating meat because the slightest wrong bite gives me terrible stomach upset. I’m exhausted.”
Me: “With regular moxibustion you can find relief, and over time it can resolve chronic discomfort. I used to struggle with ulcerative colitis myself—I stuck with it for years and now I’m fine.”
He: “Can you still drink alcohol? Eat cold or spicy food?”
Me: “Sure. I love strong spirits—60‑degree baijiu—and I also enjoy red wine. I rarely touch beer. I eat seafood and spicy dishes without issue now.”
He (eyes widening): “That’s amazing! Digestive inflammation is so hard to manage. I feel so limited and worn out.”
Me: “Yes, chronic gut inflammation can be very stubborn. Doctors told me it’s never fully “fixed,” but it’s agonizing to live with. When no one could help me, I started learning self‑care and stuck to it.”
He: “Do I need to do moxibustion every day? I’m so busy—and it smells strong, the smoke is a hassle.”
Me: “True, it has its drawbacks, but for chronic issues like ours there really aren’t any magic pills. We have to invest in daily rituals because years of ignoring our health catch up to us.”
He: “It’s such a pain. I’ve tried everything else.”
Me: “Exactly. Health can’t be bought with money—you have to nurture your body yourself.”
He: “Yeah… I have money, but there’s nothing I can eat without risking my stomach. I feel stuck.”
Me: “If your pain is bad enough, commit to daily moxibustion. Use the belt around your abdomen and lower back in rotation. Right now you need it every single day.”
He: “What’s my condition? Look at my complexion and tell me.”
Me: “You have weak digestion and excess dampness—your digestive meridians are cold and blocked.”
He (touching his belly): “My stomach really feels icy.”
Me: “You need long‑term moxibustion on any cold or sore areas. Avoid damp foods—like mango or pineapple—to help your system dry out.”
He: “I just don’t have time for all that.”
Me: “Besides the belt on your abdomen, also moxa the Triple‑Warmer meridian on the back of your hands. When I was ill, I realized stress and irritability were a big part of my problem. After moxibustion on that meridian, my digestion improved—I had more natural relief and felt so much lighter.”
He: “I’m exactly the same. My belly gets bloated even when I don’t overeat. I get so tense when staff at work disappoint me—it makes my stomach knot up.”
Me: “That’s why warming that area opens your qi flow and calms your mood.”
He (brightening): “Got it. Hey, did your husband end up buying that Mercedes van? That car looked great.”
Me: “No—we decided it’s more of a commercial vehicle. Our current car suits family life better.”
He: “But it looked so nice! Isn’t that why you should treat yourself?”
Me (laughing): “Maybe another time.”
My Reflection: After all that, he’s still chasing material things. His physical suffering hasn’t yet made him realize how vital his own wellbeing is. Right now he has money and can’t enjoy a proper meal. If he keeps neglecting his health, what good is the nicest car? You need energy to drive.
He loves cars, but if he loved his body as much as his automobile, he wouldn’t be in this situation. Cars need regular maintenance—and so do we. If his pain reaches a tipping point, he’ll begin to understand.
We came south to seek opportunity—and yes, we’ve earned more than back home—but at the cost of our health. When we pause to celebrate, we discover we can’t even enjoy a good meal. Life’s simple pleasures slip away.
We can’t choose between wealth and health—they both matter. True contentment comes from balance. Material desire is endlessly insatiable, but when your body and mind are well, even seasonal vegetables taste like a blessing, and the sight of a blooming kapok tree or fresh green grass can move you.
Only after losing health do you realize how precious it is. If you awaken before it’s gone, you’ll cherish every moment—and others will envy your vitality. Will you envy others, or will they envy you? The choice is yours.