https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19XRig9Fk4n3Pu6R

or read below if you don’t do Facebook

The plan was to attend the 50th International Veterinary Acupuncture Society – IVAS Congress in Edinburgh followed by a hike along the famous West Highland Way.
Two weeks before the trip, I caught an annoying coughing bug and reached for my collection of herbs and supplements. With the inevitable stress of getting ready, I didn’t quite manage to kick the cough but made sure I was well stocked with ‘emergency supplements’. A last-minute stop on the way to the airport to grab some nasal spray with carrageenan came in handy for the “looong’ flight over (must remember to make up eyedrops next time).

The Congress

The congress was a homecoming of sorts; meeting up with friends that I last saw pre-covid and making lots of new ones too. Long days in air-conditioned rooms meant that the cough didn’t quite go away despite taking Vitamin C, Sang Ju Wan (aka favourite Cold remedy) and ‘homeopathic’ Engystol daily.

The Hike

As it turned out, I lucked it with the weather and manage to start the post conference hike with a week of sunshine forecasted (the first sunny week in five months)! With beautiful weather and fresh air, my cough instantly disappeared.

Sore foot

Unfortunately, it was replaced by a bruised foot tendon which crippled me on the first day! Time for the magic massage oil (thanks Elaine Cebuliak for the base recipe) and ‘homeopathic’ Traumeel. Luckily a scout is always prepared and a corner cut from my sitting mat to use as padding, some tape and a change in boot lacing pattern saw me ready to tackle Day Two at first light.

Gastro

Whether it was the wild foraging of blackberries (+/- dog pee), the donated quiche, the water, the cauliflower dhal dinner or just a combination of the lot; an upset stomach developed. It meant breaking out yet more emergency supplements. This time it was Huang Lian Jie Du Wan (aka Bali belly pills) and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Wan (aka motion sickness pills), dry ginger biscuits; massage oil on acupuncture points (I left my acupuncture zapper at home to save weight). These saved my butt (literally).
By the end of five days, most people I met were hobbling to some degree. My daily ritual of magic massage oil; osteopathic releases at rest breaks (if I forgot, I was crippled for a few kms), more massage oil, multiple Traumeel tablets (thanks Donna Mcsweeney for this tip) and gel; saw me pain-free and blister free (Creeper toe socks are the best) every morning; despite the daily ups, downs and around with my ever so heavy pack (Try carrying a computer tablet and various conference accessories all the way. At least I didn’t have a tent).

In conclusion

So, this long story is not really about the fabulous experiences I had in Scotland (see the amazing pictures) but about the way I was able to keep my fitness going with the help of a few herbs and spices; scouting and outdoor skills

And the take home message from the congress? There were so many gems, but a Tai Chi workshop transformed my ability to hike the dreaded downhills. It’s all about the pelvic tilt