A Gentle Touch
Lecturer Jamie Russell has begun a new life in
Singapore. Anxious to stop smoking, he receives
acupuncture. Mr Lo, the practitioner, explains how
the needles help direct the body’s life force or chi. The
treatment is a success and Jamie enjoys improved
health and energy. Curious to learn more, Jamie
requests acupuncture lessons, but Mr Lo is shocked
when Jamie wants to use it to raise his intelligence
and refuses to teach him. The ambitious Jamie teaches
himself acupressure and notices how effortless his work
becomes, but he places huge demands on his students.
Jamie begins outdoor Tai Chi exercises. One day a lorry
overturns, trapping the driver. His tutor, Master Tong,
lifts the vehicle clear of the driver. Jamie is fascinated.
Master Tong explains that there are two sides to the
chi – the strong and the gentle – but a balance must be
kept. Jamie uses acupressure obsessively to develop
the power of his chi, forgetting that wisdom must
accompany power. One night, Jamie gets involved in a
street brawl. Such is his strength that he puts four men
in hospital before being overpowered. He is visited
in hospital by Master Tong, who explains that he has
much to learn about how to balance his chi.