April 11, 2024
Two new TCM Doctors lend their expertise to Tzu Chi’s Acupuncture Clinic
By Dorothy Castro
Tzu Chi Philippines opened its doors to two new volunteer doctors in its Acupuncture Clinic at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Drs. Kristephenie and Jeff Liang welcomed patients as they provided medical care through their volunteer work.
At only 35 years old, Dr. Kristephenie has already been working as an acupuncturist for around five years. Her curiosity towards the treatment process of acupuncture led to her dedicated work in studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Drs. Kristephenie and Jeff studied TCM at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine.
“The father of my husband is always working in Taichung Tzu Chi,” Dr. Kristephenie said, referring to her father-in-law, Liang Qingyun. Her familiarity with Tzu Chi grew as Dr. Jeff’s family introduced her to volunteer work with the foundation. Learning about Tzu Chi through the encouragement of her in-laws, Dr. Kristephenie found that volunteering as an acupuncturist at Tzu Chi is an opportunity for two things: being able to help people and immerse themselves in their practice as TCM doctors.
Pondering on their plans as new volunteer acupuncturists, the Liangs are currently focusing on how to best help their patients. Together, they learn more about their patients, and Dr. Kristephenie shared that they always think about what medical care they can give to the patients.
On March 20, the Liangs volunteered as acupuncturists at Tzu Chi, treating 22 patients that afternoon.
Rosanna “Ana” Malveda has been suffering from vertigo for the past three years. Having seen a doctor and undergone medication in the past, she still finds herself with bouts of dizziness. Hoping to relieve her recurring ailment, she went to Tzu Chi’s Acupuncture Clinic after hearing about it from her friends.
“Earlier, the top of my head was hurting, and it was a mild pain. But right now, the pain is gone,” Ana shared, happily recalling the acupuncture process. She also noted that the doctors were very attentive to her, asking her if the needles cause her any pain.
Ana expressed her heartfelt thanks, saying, “Thank you so much to Tzu Chi Foundation, because you have helped so many people and I am one of them.”
Mitzi Borromeo, a Multi-media Communications Specialist and happy volunteer at Tzu Chi Foundation, was at BTCC for a meeting with the communications team when she heard about the Acupuncture Clinic. She mentioned that she has been wanting to see a TCM doctor for some time.
“I have this hip condition; it’s called avascular necrosis of the hips. So basically, what happened is that the cartilage between the hips degraded, and then there was a time when the blood flow was limited,” Mitzi shared, discussing her consultation with the Liangs. As a result, the doctors recommended treatment through acupuncture, addressing her blood flow to the hips.
As it was a new experience, Mitzi was surprised with how the needle application felt during the acupuncture treatment. “It was fast, no pain at all; and then they asked me to keep the needles on for around 30 minutes,” Mitzi shared.
“The pain that I had been feeling earlier was minimized big time. Of course, after, because this condition is a chronic condition, the pain came back. But I could say right after the treatment I felt a difference, it felt more comfortable in that area.” The doctors recommended continuous treatment to alleviate her recurring pain.
“It’s a great service that Tzu Chi provides as it does with other things,” added Mitzi. “For me, I live in the South now, so it’s quite a distance. But knowing that there is a service like that, and of course it’s with Tzu Chi, I really believe in all the work that Tzu Chi is doing, and when it offers services or any, let’s say there’s an event, I’m all for it.”
For Dr. Kristephenie, having the opportunity to help people and alleviate some of the pain they are experiencing gives her a sense of fulfillment as an acupuncturist. “We are happy here; we can see that Tzu Chi is really helping people, so we are happy to continue to help as a part of the foundation.”
Drs. Jeff and Kristephenie Liang are Tzu Chi Acupuncture Clinic’s newest volunteer doctors. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
Mitzi Borromeo (left) listens as Dr. Kristephenie discusses her acupuncture treatment plan. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
A patient first consults Dr. Kristephenie to determine the right treatment for her health concerns. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
Inserting fine needles on parts of the body, including the top of a patient’s head, is believed to relieve pain and restore the flow of energy. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
Dr. Jeff applies acupuncture needles on the patient’s leg. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
The Liangs address a patient’s health concerns through Ventosa. An alternative therapy that suctions skin using cups, Ventosa is said to relieve pain, eliminate toxins, and promote blood flow. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (left) visits Drs. Jeff and Kristephenie during their volunteer work at the Acupuncture Clinic. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】