A.
In the third part of the poster project, I visited the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles, where I gained insights in the following ideas: the history of Chinese in Monterey Park, acupuncture, and the abacus.
Various writings and materials at the Museum provide information about Chinese history in Monterey Park.
Acupuncture, a healing technique that utilizes fine needles inserted into points of the body, was first accepted officially as a medical practice in California in 1976.
The abacus was invented to do mathematical calculations in China and it is still used by shops in Asia and Chinese American communities in North America.
B.
Presently, Monterey Park is one of the cities in the United States that accommodates the largest population of Chinese Americans.
For instance, the migration of Chinese to the United States, and specifically to Monterey Park started in 1965 following the passage of Immigration and Nationality Act. The act allowed Asians especially those with skills to come to the United States.
As a result, many Chinese migrated to the United States with the majority settling in Monterey Park. As their population increased, their influence increased too.
In fact, in 1983, Lily Lee Chen became the first Chinese American woman to become mayor in the continental United States of America.
Monterey Park boasts a thriving Chinese American community whose culture permeates to the core of the city. Many Chinese people have said that living in Monterey Park feels no different from living back in Taiwan because there are so many Chinese people and Chinese stores, restaurants and establishments.
C.
Abacus otherwise known as the Suan Pan is a simple, inexpensive, and powerful and the oldest calculator invented in China around A.D 1200.
The versions of the tool varied from one culture to another. In the Chinese abacus, the upper deck with two beads is known as heaven and the bottom deck with five beads is known as earth. The beads are moved up and down during calculation
Abacus was found to be more effective in doing division, addition, and subtraction. Abacus was widely used in trade during the past civilizations.
There are similarities in the Roman abacus and the Chinese abacus which suggest that one could have inspired the other and that both empires had a trade relationship with each other.
In general, though used in many countries in the past civilizations, the use of abacus has declined and been replaced with the modern day calculator. The abacus is now considered to be a cultural symbol rather than a calculating tool in China.
D.
Though the concept of acupuncture was mainly considered a Chinese method of treatment, the concept has been embraced widely in many countries. It has been accepted as a medical practice in the United States.
The technique was first recognized as a medical practice in California in 1976 and there are more than 6500 acupuncturists in the United States presently.
Acupuncture relies on the stimulation of the circulation of primary energy, also known as Qi, to encourage the flow of energy from areas with excessive Qi to areas without Qi.
However, there are inconsistencies in the recommendations about acupuncture with regards to the treatment of pain.
Based on research studies, unrelated factors to acupuncture needling such as expectation and belief play important roles in the beneficial effects of acupuncture on pain.
E.
In conclusion, the visit to the Chinese American Museum gave me many insights into my cultural background. In particular, I gained many insights into the historical aspects of the Chinese people and culture about abacus, acupuncture, and Chinese population in Monterey Park.
Concerning the Chinese population in Monterey Park, I learned that immigration of Chinese into Monterey Park started in 1965 as a result of the passage of Immigration and Nationality Act.
I also learned that abacus originated from China many years ago and it is now a cultural symbol of China.
Lastly, I learned that the concept of acupuncture is widely embraced presently.
This experience has given me a greater understanding and a better perspective of the Chinese American culture.
Work Cited
"Acupuncture: In Depth | NCCIH". NCCIH. N.p., 2008. Web. 13 Apr. 2016.
Origins: The Birth and Rise of Chinese American Communities in Los Angeles. N.d. The Chinese American Museum, Los Angeles.
Sun Wing Wo General Store and Herb Shop. N.d. The Chinese American Museum, Los Angeles.
