December 13, 2023
Tzu Chi launches charity Acupuncture Clinic
By Ben Baquilod
To further its charitable mission of providing medical care to underprivileged Filipinos, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines inaugurated the Acupuncture Clinic on December 11 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow or 'Qi.' It is commonly used to address various health conditions, including pain management, stress reduction, and overall well-being.
“It is about achieving balance, and that brings about the healing properties of acupuncture,” said Dr. Stanley Chua, Tzu Chi’s volunteer Acupuncture Specialist.
Dr. Stanley Chua, a graduate of medicine from the University of Santo Tomas, underwent a year of training in Acupuncture in Beijing. Additionally, he holds certifications in nutrition, anti-aging, functional medicine, and integrative medicine, boasting 14 years of experience in acupuncture.
Motivated by familial ties to Tzu Chi, Dr. Chua shared his involvement in the program: “My mom and dad are members of Tzu Chi. So was my grandmother. Our CEO, Uncle Henry Yuñez, wanted to establish a clinic in Tzu Chi, and I volunteered to get the ball rolling for the organization.”
On the first day of clinic operation, Dr. Chua welcomed 17 patients. “Most were first-timers, and they noted feeling better with improved symptoms to a certain degree. It's rewarding to be able to help them in this way,” he remarked.
One beneficiary of the free acupuncture service was Veronica Tambong, a full-time housewife dealing with diabetes, fatty liver disease, and menopausal abnormal bleeding. Her primary concern, however, was hip pain extending to numbness and tingling in her legs. After the session, she reported feeling relieved and pain-free. “I feel ok now,” she smiled.
Monyeen Subingsubing, a housemaid and single mother diagnosed with severe depression and Bipolar I Disorder, sought relief for her sleeping problems and back pain. Her medications, which impeded her sleep, prompted her to explore alternative solutions. After a single session, Monyeen expressed immediate relief. “I feel light and relaxed,” she said. “I want to thank Tzu Chi for this free acupuncture. It’s expensive outside.”
Both Veronica and Monyeen were scheduled for a second session on December 19, highlighting the clinic's commitment to providing long-term medical assistance and guidance under Dr. Chua's care.
“We need to promote this practice more because many of our patients do not receive adequate care, and they are unaware of the options available for managing pain and other conditions,” explained Dr. Chua. “It diverts them from a more heavily medicated approach and encourages a focus on lifestyle-oriented practices — approaches that are more holistic, not merely targeting symptoms.”
Dr. Stanley Chua leads the opening of Tzu Chi’s Acupuncture Clinic on December 11, 2023 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Dr. Stanley Chua leads the opening of Tzu Chi’s Acupuncture Clinic on December 11, 2023 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Dr. Stanley Chua, a graduate of medicine from the University of Santo Tomas with a year of Acupuncture training in Beijing, brings 14 years of acupuncture experience to the forefront. He is also certified in nutrition, anti-aging, functional medicine, and integrative medicine. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Dr. Stanley Chua, a graduate of medicine from the University of Santo Tomas with a year of Acupuncture training in Beijing, brings 14 years of acupuncture experience to the forefront. He is also certified in nutrition, anti-aging, functional medicine, and integrative medicine. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice, stimulates energy flow or 'Qi' by delicately inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Acupuncture is widely employed to address diverse health conditions, offering relief in pain management, stress reduction, and promoting overall well-being. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Veronica Tambong consults Dr. Stanley Chua about her concern on hip pain and numbness in her legs. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Dr. Stanley Chua performs acupuncture on Veronica Tambong for her pain. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
After the session, Veronica Tambong reports feeling relieved and pain-free. “I feel ok now,” she smiles. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Monyeen Subingsubing seeks help for her sleeping problems and back pain. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
After consultation, Monyeen Subingsubing undergoes acupuncture. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Monyeen expresses immediate relief after the session. “I feel light and relaxed. I want to thank Tzu Chi for this free acupuncture. It’s expensive outside,” she says. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
After acupuncture, cupping therapy (ventosa) is also performed for additional relief and other therapeutic effects. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
After acupuncture, cupping therapy (ventosa) is also performed for additional relief and other therapeutic effects. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Tzu Chi volunteers diligently clean every corner of the clinic in preparation for its opening. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Patients receive attentive care from Tzu Chi volunteers in the waiting area. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Tzu Chi’s Acupuncture Clinic is open weekly by appointment. Register at https://tinyurl.com/tcphacureg. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】