I am my own photographer. I took this lying down while being punctured. Beat that!
Warning! Acupuncture can be highly addicting. My search for an alternative, traditional medicine without side effects has brought me to conclude that only acupuncture can ease out the pain I suffered from endometriosis. And I am right.
When I move back to Cagayan de Oro City it is where I have found what I’ve been looking for for years – acupuncture, but in an unlikely place.
Where to Find?
Acupuncture is available at the Archdiocese Health Ministry at the Ground Floor of Patrick Cronin Hall Building across St. Augustin Cathedral Church in Cagayan de Oro City. This health ministry is a joint project of the Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan and the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City to make available alternative medicine to the public.
Schedule
It is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9am to 12noon and from 1pm to 5pm. They have no telephone number so you can drop there at the designated schedule and make an appointment.
How much?
The first session costs 300 pesos excluding the needles which is 25 pesos each. The first session usually does not consume more than 20 needles especially for first timers so you do the math ‘coz I am lazy. The second and succeeding sessions are cheaper at 150 pesos per session excluding the needles of course.
Does it hurt?
It does not hurt as much as an ant bite. Sometimes there is a slight tingling sensation which borders on the itchy. Sometimes, a sudden jolt of electricity from the prick. These happen especially at points where the chi has stagnated. I like it better when it stings and the sensation radiates away from the needle because I am a masochist (for certain types of pain exclusive of endometrial pain attacks which is a different story) and besides it disappears in a little less than a few seconds or minutes. The hair-thin needles are left on the body for at least 20 minutes and that’s the time I sleep peacefully and satiatingly – like a baby.
What does the place look like?
It is not a commercial wellness center so you don’t expect to be pampered with an air-conditioned room, soft and subdued lights, zen music and the smell of potpourri. The health ministry is manned by well-trained health workers/volunteers who keep the area tidy and fresh. There are bed compartments separated with curtains for privacy of the clients. There is no need for air conditioner because the place is generally well ventilated with a cool breeze at any time of the day.
Its a breezy wellness clinic. Noticed the curtains dancing with the breeze.
Other Services Available
In addition to acupuncture, the wellness center offers foot reflex and foot massage, full body massage, tuina, moxibustion and ventosa. I have not tried the last three though. They also sell buyo ointment, ginger liniment, salubo oil, acupuncture needles, moxisticks and lagundi syrup.
Are there side effects?
There is none. Some feels energized after the acupuncture session. In my case, I feel a heightened state of relaxation and bliss everytime. The sleeping like a baby during the 20-minute or more acupuncture session is followed by a state of relaxation, an urge to urinate, drink water and a state of sedation – much like floating on air. It is recommended that you take a warm bath after two hours to cleanse the toxins that are removed from the body.
I love the feeling of being light and floating on air. I love the warm bath after and I love the peaceful sleep that follows the night after the acupuncture session. And most importantly, I managed to cope up with the pain brought about by my disease. Now that’s my fix.
does acupuncture cures hyperhidrosis?
hi ruby,
acupuncture does because it balances the hot and cold chi.. i used to have clammy feet and hands that sweat unnecessarily and excessively. they are now gone.
i have a right facial spasm, can acupuncture be alright for therapy
hi hannah,
did you see a medical doctor for a diagnosis of your facial spasm?
you may come to the wellness center at the cathedral and ask for dr. tigs. he is the the “expert” chinese doctor. he will check and diagnose your symptoms first before you undergo your acupuncture sessions. i’m sure you are going to be well. goodluck and have a great day!
I might have to try this one of these days. Last year i was diagnosed with (mild) uterine fibroids. The pain during menstruation is an absolute biatch.
I have a lower back problem which is disabling. I cannot walk!!. I had the same condition aroung 15 years ago and was treated by an M.D. in the UK who also practiced alternative medicine. He recommended accupunture and it was a miracle. My back was better within 3 days. I believe in it!!
Thank you for sharing this information
thank you for this information. will visit the wellness center soon. i have this weird feeling of my body. my muscles hurt for weeks now. hope it can help. thank you again for posting this because ive been looking for accupuncture in cdo. you are a big help!