From Needle to Knife

This narrative explores a unique metamorphosis from a licensed acupuncturist to a colon and rectal surgeon, using the Large Intestine (LI) meridian as a powerful metaphor for professional evolution. Sharing a name with the butterfly genus Vanessa, the author traces her journey across the 20 acupoints of the LI channel. LI 1 (Shangyang) symbolizes the emergence of clinical practice, while LI 4 (Hegu) represents the synthesis of resources needed to pursue medical school.The arduous path through medical training is reflected in points like LI 10 (Shousanli), representing grit, and LI 11 (Quchi), which marks the transition to a surgical residency. The author describes how her surgical identity emerged through the "Window of Heaven" points, eventually reaching LI 20 (Yingxiang), the point of "Welcome Fragrance" and professional accomplishment. Today, she bridges Eastern and Western paradigms, diagnosing via pulses or "poop" and treating patients with the common element of stainless steel—whether through needles or scalpels. This transformation highlights the parallels between the two fields, proving that the perseverance required for meridian mastery is the same required for surgical expertise.