The Mexico City Ministry of Health (SEDESA) reports that within the framework of celebrating its second anniversary on October 1 this year, the Specialized Center for Integrative Medicine (CEMI) has provided free homeopathy, acupuncture, massage therapy and herbal treatments to 84,976 patients. Responsible for primarily supporting older adults with chronic illnesses.
“Seventy-five percent of the patients we serve are older adults with chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, low back pain and various gastrointestinal problems,” explains Dr. Adalberto Orozco Navarro, director of the department.
These are alternatives to drug therapy that can help manage a variety of conditions based on the patient’s physiology, especially those who have not responded to traditional treatments or are allergic to medications. Likewise, they can relieve chronic and acute pain.
To date, CEMI has provided 9,000 massage therapy services, 27,000 phytotherapy services, 33,500 acupuncture services and 15,172 homeopathic services. Dr. Adalberto Orozco says acupuncture helps balance the body’s biological mechanisms by placing needles inside the body. Recommended for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, colitis, depression, anxiety, facial paralysis, high blood pressure and circulatory problems.
Phytotherapy involves the use of medicinal plants to treat or prevent conditions such as respiratory infections, ischemic heart disease, digestive problems, pneumonia, gallbladder stones, and urinary tract infections.
For its part, homeopathy uses small amounts of natural substances to treat diseases that may be causing negative symptoms. This alternative method is used to treat physiological conditions and chronic diseases. Recommended for intestinal, respiratory tract, urinary tract infections, ulcers, gastritis, amebiasis, etc.
In addition to this, CEMI also carries out teaching and training activities in medicinal plant management for the community, providing information courses and training diplomas for health personnel. Research work is also carried out; a project on the use of alternative therapies for the treatment of anxiety and metabolic syndrome is currently being developed with the National Council for Humanities, Science and Technology (Conahcyt).
As part of the second anniversary celebrations, traditional healers from Mexico City’s original towns and communities, as well as doctors from CEMI, will give workshops and lectures. Topics such as nutrition, milpa diet, herbalism, steam therapy and its elements will be discussed.
Those wishing to receive free CEMI services must go to the facility located at Manuel Carpio 470, Colonia Santo Tomás, Mayor’s Office Miguel Hidalgo, Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Requirements include official identification, CURP and proof of address. After making a reservation, you can use the service for free 365 days a year (8:00 am to 8:00 pm).