I prefer to look at today as a resurgence of trepanation...

instead of what it really was. A few shots in the head.

Today I went to the doctor, and after multiple shots and a handful of gauze later, I began thinking about early medicine.

About 5,000 years ago, this process would have been seen as some sort of release for me. Trepanation...or making holes in the head...was viewed in various contexts. It's main purposes were to relieve pressure on the brain, cure headaches, or even to release evil spirits.

Now, I know my venture to the doctor did not leave me with holes through my skull, as this practice would have. However, when something is taken out of your body, it is interesting to think about the symbolism behind that. Maybe what was taken out were manifestations of negative thoughts. Maybe they were accumulations of stress. Maybe they were regrets that all found the same place to lie. Maybe this is the medicine talking.

But it is interesting to feel yourself free of tangible things that have made your body their home. What has been taken out, I am not sure. I wish they represented things within me I want to rid myself of: selfishness, impatience, negativity. I know believing that is some sort of ancient medicine hogwash, but maybe thinking it will change my overall attitude.