Wabe: Just a lil’ prick—the fine points of acupuncture

(Contributed photo)
(Contributed photo)

WHO says you can’t be smart and smashingly beautiful at the same time? Being more than a pretty face is the real #goal! After all, as the popular quote goes: beauty may be dangerous, but intelligence is lethal. And Marie Aguilar-Valdevilla, MD, with her tall, lithe figure and mestiza features possesses that perfect combination! But, the most “dangerous” thing in her arsenal is the stash of acupuncture needles in her office. Aside from being a family med practitioner, she is also trained in medical acupuncture.

I was compelled to write Marie’s story because she is the only clinical acupuncturist in Cagayan De Oro. I have been exposed to this alternative form of medicine even in my teens in the 90s because I accompanied my mom and my grandmother to acupuncture sessions for pain management for vertigo and shingles, respectively.

In 2011, when my two older children were having repetitive bouts with asthma, I resorted to acupuncture for them in Manila. My daughter was then nine and my son seven; both still quite small but game enough to be poked by numerous teeny needles.

Marie is a joy to talk with because she is gracious and sweet, with her calm, soothing voice immediately putting anyone at ease. She may look “mataray” with her classic “tisay” features, but her kind eyes and her genuine smile really draws people in.

I actually met her many years ago, through her brother-in-law, Gugolle, but we lost touch. And when we saw each other recently at party, she felt like an old friend. And even though she has her own practice and is a consultant for the City Hospital, ever the humble girl that she is, she’d always insist on being addressed as “Marie lang, not doc.”

She actually comes from a family of physicians, “All my siblings are doctors and my dad, too. However, they are the typical western/medical doctors. None of them practice Chinese medicine. So, I'm the odd one out. But nevertheless, I have treated some of them. And I also routinely do acupuncture on my in-laws, my husband, and myself.”

I was happy when she said yes to this interview. Marie said, “My specialty is Family Medicine, but in 2012, I also trained in Medical Acupuncture under Dr. Rodrigo Ong, who is a leading medical acupuncture specialist and teacher in our country. It all started because of my father-in-law, who used to travel every few months to have acupuncture in Manila in Alabang. This was for his shoulder pains, so I thought that maybe I could combine my training as a medical physician and acupuncture to control pain. I also did further training on Pain Tract Management thru acupuncture.”

Acupuncture stimulates the balance and flow of Qi (pronounced as chi) energy, which is an essential component of health in traditional Chinese medicine. When this balance is disrupted, an individual becomes more susceptible to illness.

Marie noted: “Medical Acupuncture is an effective therapy for many disorders for which modern medicine has no remedy. It is both preventive and curative at the same time. We believe in Qi, or the energy that maintains life through the balance of the yin and yang. In this we believe that the body is one with nature. What happens to nature happens to man. Therefore a healthy individual is in complete harmony internally and with nature.”

Marie added, “It’s a very different concept with western medicine. Acupuncture has been around for 3000 years. Its benefits have been researched and proven effective. In fact, in 1990 WHO (world health organization) recommends acupuncture for 63 health problems such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, stroke rehabilitation, bell's palsy, hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, ringing in the ear, infertility, etc...”

Ironically, most people only consider acupuncture as a last resort. Most people get their first experience during a desperate search for pain relief or a cure. Marie shared, “I had this one patient whose diabetic medicines were no longer working for him. He went to the clinic to see if this, too, would help. And with his consistency in coming to the sessions, he was able to recover. The key here, though, is consistency. You just can’t come to the clinic and expect to be healed in one session.”

A lot of people are, of course, ambivalent to try acupuncture because of the prickly needle—not just one, but many. I suddenly remember my own children who were brave enough to try this out. The doctor then explained that acupuncture needles are the size of the human hair and will enter the pores so swiftly.

Marie said, “The reception towards needles varies. Sometimes, some people would feel a teeny-tiny bit of pain. Very tolerable, but still there. Other times, some people would be surprised that I have several needles in already, and they didn’t feel a thing!”

Be advised, you don’t necessarily have to be in acute pain to seek acupuncture. If you’re feeling stressed out, drained, or depressed, consider making friends with the acupuncture needle as a way to recalibrate. Aside from that, there is also a component called weight loss acupuncture. Marie said, “Weight loss acupuncture can decrease one's appetite and increase metabolism. It helps with the cravings, especially for those who do it regularly. I’ve had patients who have lost weight, and they have told me their cravings have been so controlled. However, like any other weight loss regimen, it works best always in combination with exercise (30minutes/day) and diet.”

Marie definitely knows what she is talking about because even if her schedule is packed, she makes time for exercise. This pretty doc stays fit and sexy thru, “I used to play tennis daily, but stopped when schedule made this impossible. For almost 10 years now my husband, Mark, and I have been into jogging daily. Sometimes when laziness strikes, we forego the jog, and just walk. Oh! But then we ruin it, by having a full breakfast in the nearby café. But then, it's like our little date. Now, I am also into doing zumba, where you and I also see each other!”

She may excel in her chosen career, but what I find most admirable is that she is a devoted mom to her two children. Marie recounted: “For several years after I finished med school, I didn't practice medicine, as I dedicated my time to being a full time mom, and I do miss being so. I get to be there for them at all times, and this was so fulfilling. When I went into full time practice, I used to get so upset when I would miss my kids' affairs, or not be able to help them with homework.”

Marie is candid enough to admit that it is difficult to juggle being a full time doctor, and a mom, and wife. “I think all working moms have the same sentiments. But just when I think how am I supposed to attend Matt's or Rorie's PTC when my schedule is so packed, and viola...an opportunity for kid's time or family time always opens up! How wonderful the Lord is, because everything always falls into place each day,” she concluded with a brilliant smile. Indeed, lifting up all concerns to God and focusing on blessings dissipates negativity, restores balance, and promotes good Qi.

For those who are interested to inquire, Doctor Marie Aguilar-Valdevilla’s practice is in Room 4, Healthcheck Clinic, across Palaro Sports Center.

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