Acupuncture

health shoppe

I made a trip to the Quezon City office of the Integrative Medicine for Alternative Healthcare Systems (INAM) Philippines, Inc. I understand that many doctors and therapists who are also acupuncturists trained with INAM.

The INAM office is very unpretentious and spartan. I was asked to answer a questionnaire. Then, I was led to see a medical doctor who first examined me. She asked about my medical history and checked my blood pressure. The verdict: my ailments are stress-related. She warned me against stress and commented that 80% of all illnesses may be linked to stress. She recommended acupuncture treatment for me. She also asked me to pursue a hobby that will help divert my attention from the everyday stress.

Then, I had to see a clinician. She again went over my medical history. She emphatically pointed out that acupuncture will only work with good diet and constant exercise. She also recommended more water intake. She proceeded with my initial treatment. This clinician is very fast. I did not realize that she was already poking me with needles because she was very fast. It was no surprise that she has been doing acupuncture for around 13 years.

I was left to rest for 30 minutes. I was feeling refreshed after my channels were opened.

In the end, I paid PHP200 for consult with the doctor; PHP350 for the acupuncture treatment; PHP75 for the 10 needles; and PHP65 for the test tube. I was told that the succeeding acupuncture treatment will only cost PHP300 per session plus I get to re-use my needles. These charges are way lower than commercial rates. No wonder, people from places as far as Pampanga go all the way to INAM for treatment.

I peeked at INAM's medical and laboratory package. The rates are not bad at all. For example and executive package costs PHP1,375.00 and includes:

• complete blood count
• urinalysis
• fecalysis with occult blood test
• fasting blood sugar
• creatinine
• blood uric acid
• cholesterol
• triglyceride
• high density lipoprotein
• low density lipoprotein
• HBsAg screeing
• ecg
• physical examination

INAM also offers other services such as ear acupuncture for stress management, smoking cessation and substance abuse; cupping (ventosa); moxibustion; tui na massage; chi nei tsang massage; nutrition; herbal medicine; taichi and qigong classes and other healing exercises, and; massage by a traditional hilot.

Inam is open from Tuesday to Saturday at 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is located at

82-A Malakas Street, Bgy. Pinyahan, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel Nos: 926 3356; 926 4810