2021-04-13
I fine tuned the TCM herbal compounds during the last 3 weeks. The last two weeks I was away, so I skipped one week of acupuncture treatment. For these two weeks I did not play any instruments at all. Upon return my level of playing was only minimally impaired.
Today, after the treatment I was able to play through 3 hours of clavichord repertoire, and on the horn I was able to tackle two Telemann Flute Fantasias (#2&3). I managed to get the lower register under control, down to F3. Lips and tongue are still a bit sluggish, so the speed in the fast movements is about 20% slower than I was able to play back in October.
I am trying out spacing acupuncture treatments two weeks apart again.
In consideration of the possibility of releasing more dopamine when playing enjoyable music, I am mindful of avoiding any activity that could cause stress or displeasure. In the past weeks I think I was quite successful in this respect. The positive side effect is that it makes life quite pleasant. Considering my history of living for the better part of five decades with anhedonia, dysthymia and severe depression, this is quite an achievement. “Look ma, no drugs!” and possibly a bonus release of dopamine (could it be this simple?).
This raises another question: Is there a connection between prolonged depressions and developing Parkinson’s?
Reflections 