Yikes! Needles! No!
I can understand where you’re coming from. Unlike what you think of injection, acupuncture isn’t as painful as it appears! Instead, this ancient form of treatment could help you to alleviate various pains around your body! According to a Straits Times article, there are presently 4 public hospitals in Singapore that offer acupuncture for pain management!
What is Acupuncture?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the disruption of one of our body’s several energetic centres or meridians is the leading cause of our body’s unease. Each centre is connected to a specific organ or limb. Through the use of needles on various meridians, the brain will send chemicals, such as endorphins, down to its related organ or limb and start the pain-relieving process.
Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine believe that acupuncture can relieve pain from the entire body. Yes, that includes toothaches and skin issues!
From a western medical perspective, acupuncture helps to stimulate blood flow around your system, bringing about balance to your body.
Contrary to what you may fear, these needles are sterilised, disposable and ultra-fine, which means you’d hardly feel the sting of it!
There are also several benefits of acupuncture you may not know of. So, let’s dive in!
Signs It’s Time to Give Acupuncture a Try
Your Back Pain isn’t Going Away After Surgery and Physiotherapy
If you’re still feeling the same amount of pain and have exhausted all sorts of other options. You can consider visiting an acupuncturist.
The American Pain Society and American College of Physicians recommend acupuncture as an option for patients with chronic lower back pain when the conventional approach is not working out.
Your Anxiety and Mood Swings isn’t Going Away Even After Therapy
A Georgetown University research has shown that acupuncture can lower your body’s level of stress hormones. The lead researcher, Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, LAc, added that acupuncture could allow your body to take back control from your anxiety triggers.
Acupuncture also produces mood-regulating chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin, which makes you feel better.
You’re Experiencing Insomnia
Besides relieving anxiety, acupuncture helps to stimulate the various points around your body, calm your brain and give you a good night’s sleep.
A 2004 preliminary report also discovered that people with anxiety receive an increase of melatonin secretion at night after being administered with acupuncture for 5 weeks. In the same findings, their sleep time and efficiency also improved.
You have Digestion Problems
Experiencing constipation or irritable bowel syndrome? Tried all other treatment options without seeing any visible signs of improvement? Maybe it’s time to look at acupuncture.
An article by Halin Wu of the Acupuncture and Massage College states that acupuncture can nourish the digestive organs, speed up your metabolism and improve your overall digestive functions.
You’re Experiencing Menstrual Pain
A study led by Dr Mike Armour of the National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NCIM) at Western University Sydney, has seen a reduction in the intensity and duration of the menstrual pain after three months of acupuncture treatment.
What Happens During Your First Visit to an Acupuncturist?
It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious about trying something new for the first time, especially when you’ll be dealing with a bunch of needles in your body. Rest assured that these needles are extremely fine and you won’t be experiencing any sharp pain!
Be Prepared to Answer Lots of Questions…Related to Your Health!
Just like typical physicians, acupuncturists will be asking you lots of questions about your health and lifestyle. You may be asked to describe the graphic details such as your bowel movements and the colour of your stool! Rest assured that these acupuncturists are here to help you, not judge you or your lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to share with them so that they have a clearer idea of how to help you alleviate your pain!
The Medical Examination
Unlike typical doctors who use a stethoscope and other modern western medical devices, the Traditional Chinese Medicine school of thought starts by taking your pulse check. Through pulse diagnosis, your acupuncturist can discover potential problems in your various organs.
Another diagnosis method that your acupuncturist will use is through looking at your tongue. In TCM literature, the tongue has several connections to various energy centres and organs around your body. Each part of the tongue represents a different organ or part of a body.
Your abdomen may also be palpated to identify any potential issues or energetic deficiencies around your organs or meridians.
Treatment
The first acupuncture session will last for about 30 to 60 minutes.
Your acupuncturist will swab the targeted acupuncture points with alcohol, before inserting the ultra-fine needles into your body.
The experience of the session will vary from patient to patient. It’s rarely common to feel the needles, though it may still be possible to feel a tingling sensation. Even if you feel pain during the treatment, it may be a good thing! According to an article written by TCM physician, Xiao Yan Ling, the sensations of the needles could be an indication that the physician has applied the right technique on the exact points. This pain could help escalate your healing process!
Regardless, you should try your best to lie as still as possible to avoid any post-treatment side effect. Thankfully, that might be easy for you as acupuncture needles may stimulate points of your body, causing you to feel relaxed.
Regardless, if you feel any discomfort that’s preventing you from getting a total relaxation, you should alert your acupuncturist immediately.
Post Treatment
Depending on your condition, your acupuncturist may ask you to return for a few more times to heal your symptom completely. He/she may also prescribe some herbal medication to aid your recovery.
Unlike conventional western medicine, which comes in a ready-to-consume form, some herbal medication may require preparation. Pay great attention to the preparation and storage method, as any missed step may dim the effectiveness of the herbal formula.
Things to Note Before You Visit an Acupuncturist
Licenses
According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB), a statutory board of the Ministry of Health (MOH), a licensed acupuncturist in Singapore must either be a registered TCM physician, a locally registered doctor, or dentist who must also go through a board-recognised acupuncture training.
Any acupuncturist that doesn’t meet the above requirements should be avoided at all times.
Insurance
Based on research, some insurance policies in Singapore do cover acupuncture treatments. However, they may be subjected to terms and conditions, such as accident-only coverage.
Before you visit an acupuncturist, check with your agent to find out if your policy can cover your treatment.
Remember to Eat Something Before Your Session
Going to an acupuncture session with an empty stomach isn’t a good idea, as you may end up feeling weak or even faint!
Experts recommend eating something at least 2 hours before your acupuncture appointment. Go easy on your meal and don’t overeat. To reap the full benefits of the treatment, avoid caffeine and alcohol at all costs!
Alternative to Western Medicinal Approach
While it can usually work hand-in-hand with western practices, acupuncture is not a miracle dose for all symptoms. For example, though acupuncture can alleviate cancer symptoms, as well as nausea and fatigue from chemotherapy, there’s still no official medical evidence that acupuncture can cure cancer.
Check with your doctor before approaching an acupuncturist.
Acupuncture Clinic | Hwa Xia Chinese Medicine |
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| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
Website | |
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Telephone | (65) 6296 3066 |
| Operating Hours | Mon-Sat: 9.30am – 9pm |
Review 1 | “Dr Zhou was very helpful within my treatment. The staff here are professional, not pushy and very polite.” |
Review 2 | “Excellent Service and really nice Tui Na session. Will definitely recommend to all my friends ! 👍” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Annie Tiang |
Speciality |
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| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
Website | annietiang.com |
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Telephone | (65) 6344 6316 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Sun: 9am – 7.30pm |
Review 1 | “Absolutely amazing massage treatments! The best I’ve been to in Singapore. If you happen to get any treatments done I would highly recommend David. I will definitely been going back again to this place” |
Review 2 | “Dr Xia yu was recommended by my primary care physician and I originally was not convinced that he would cure my backache. However, dr Xia, whom I since had a close appointments with, cured by severe backache. He had also arranged a comfortable 50 minute massage which was highly relaxing.” |
Review 3 | “Last week I go to Annie Tiang TCM at East Coast Road.Great service and friendly staffs.I have a chronic back and knee pain from bad sleeping posture and sports injury respectively. After a few treatment therapies, my knee can bend without pain and my back feel soooooo much better! The female therapist by the name Jackie really knew how to press the acupoints on my body and i felt an instant relief after the massage. A male Chinese Physician by the name of Dr. John Xia Yu treated me. He was friendly and his service was excellent! After loosening up my tensed muscles, he used a few unique techniques, my neck was back to normal again. I felt relieved instantly! Highly recommended!” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Great Wall Acupuncture Clinic |
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| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
Website | https://www.greatwalltcmclinic.com.sg/ |
| Address | 75D Redhill Rd, Singapore 154075 |
Telephone | (65) 6474 0869 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Sun: 10am–12:30pm, 2–5pm, 6–8pm |
Review 1 | “Great experience with the doctors, friendly staffs and convenient location. The place to treat if you are suffering from shingles. Recommended!” |
Review 2 | “Patient and understanding doctor(s). Operated by a nice father and son duo. Gives you extra tips on how to nurse your particular ailment. Cheerful environment from registration till payment. Highly recommended.” |
Review 3 | “The doctors (both father and son) are very patient and knowledgeable. The treatment I have received is very effective. The staff at the counter are very helpful as well. Highly recommended and Thumbs up!” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Aimin |
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| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
Website | https://www.aimin.com.sg/ |
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Telephone | (65) 6225 2321 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 10am – 8pm |
Review 1 | “Enjoyed the aromatherapy massage alot! Non pushy sales consultants, will def return!” |
Review 2 | “Brought my mum here, and she was extremely satisfied with the acupuncture session.” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Yueqi Chinese Medical & Acupuncture Hall |
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| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
Website | |
| Address | 84 Bedok North Street 4, #01-23, Singapore 460084 |
Telephone | (65) 6446 2392 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Sun: 10am–6pm, 7:30–9pm |
Review 1 | “I am always not favor for TCM until I had a bad cervical herniated disc for 6months and orthopedic advised to do ACDF surgery immediately. For those who have this conditions should know it is a real bad experience, cannot turn head, cannot exercise, worst is cannot sleep lying flat, arm numb and no strength. I almost sign up for the surgery, but thinking should give TCM a chance before i do the surgery. I search and find Master Yueqi because of his experience. Fast forward, after 10 weekly accuputure and cupping sessions with herb treatment. It heals my neck problems. No need pain killer and best part is can sleep at night, can turn the head and everything back to normal…Highly recommended. Thanks Master Yueqi” |
Review 2 | “Being treated many times (for injuries, sprains, migraines, etc), among all the TCM physicians I have seen, he is one of the best in town. Herbal medicine is handpicked from the clinic itself (from the big glass jars) so you need not go to other medical halls to buy the herbs, then after you bring it home to brew it for an hour plus for a couple of days. Highly recommended. It is not the cheapest price in town, though. It costs me S$80 per visit – for consultation, acupuncture, plus 2 packs of herbal medicine included.” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Yu Guo |
Speciality |
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| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
Website | http://yuguotcm.com.sg/ |
| Address | 18B Jln Masjid, #B1-01 Kembangan Plaza, Singapore 418944 |
Telephone | (65) 6447 4761 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Sat: 9am–12:30pm, 2–5pm, 6:30–8:30pm Sun: 9am – 12.30pm Wed: Closed |
Review | “A seemingly simple hand massage produces marvellous effect in my boy’s recovery.” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Heritage |
Speciality | Health and Wellness therapies |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
Website | https://www.heritagetcm.com.sg/ |
| Address | 304 Orchard Road, #05-43 Lucky Plaza, 238863 |
Telephone | (65) 6836 0817 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 10am – 7pm |
Review 1 | “Omg! What an amazing treatment! I have visited Heritage TCM last time I was in Singapore because I have been dealing with itching on my hands. I went to western doctors and got a lot of pills and ointments but nothing worked. Dr Tan prescribed a liver detox powders. Not only the itching went away, the pimples on my buttocks that I have dealt for years went away, I got a clearer complexion and stronger immune system!!! Thank you so much!!! Highly recommended!!!” |
Review 2 | “I have been going to Heritage TCM for many years. It started with treatment for my shoulder and knee pain and can concur that the acupuncture is painless as Dr. Tan is highly skilled. Since then I have also consulted Dr. Tan for other ailments which are all very effective.” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Blessed Health |
Speciality |
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| Pricing | Click here to view |
Website | https://blessedtcm.com.sg/ |
| Address | Blk 555 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, #01-1938 / #01- 1956, Singapore 560555 |
Telephone | (65) 6452 4272 |
Operating Hours | Medical Consultation: (Tuina) Massage: |
Review 1 | “Pop by for a tuina session with my Mrs. Good service, friendly staff. Good massage, although I am aching now, Kelly knows how to identify the knots! |
Review 2 | “Today, I did a full three-hour massage treatment. Thanks to Dr. Shen for her skill. I am very grateful to Miss Anna for her service. I am also worried that she hands may have been sour for so long.” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Enok Clinic |
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| Pricing | Click here to view |
Website | |
| Address | 14 Scotts Road #05-48 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213 |
Telephone | (65) 9658 7802 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Sat, except Fri and Sun: 11am – 8pm daily |
Review 1 | “I have been seeing Dr Wang for some time now, with a tricky condition that has not improved after seeing other physicians. My experience with Dr Wang was great. I appreciate her dedication in her consultation sessions which allowed me to share all my symptoms before she makes her diagnosis. The prescribed medicine is effective and helped relieve a number of my symptoms in a short amount of time. Also, despite her busy schedule, Dr Wang follows up with me religiously through our weekly sessions and tailors her prescription to my changing needs. This dedication is unique to her way of practising TCM, and hardly ever seen in other physicians. Thanks Dr Wang for all your efforts, it is greatly appreciated! :)” |
Review 2 | “I have had neck and shoulder pains for the last 10 years. During these 10 years, I have tried both western and TCM medicine. None worked for me even though I experienced temporary relief from pain. This greatly impacted my mood and my lifestyle. I consulted Dr. Esther 3 months ago and after 1 hour of consultation, she told me to either trust in her healing or she would prefer not to treat me. Even though I was taken aback, I decided to heed all her advice. I’m relatively pain free now and I’m a much happier person. Thank God for Esther!” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Ho Heng Meng |
Speciality | Acupunture Clinic |
| Pricing | Call to enquire |
Website | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ho-Hong-Meng-Chinese-Physician-Acupuncture-Centre/152000334861679 |
| Address | 801 Tampines Ave 4, #01-277, Singapore 520801 |
Telephone | (65) 6783 6079 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Sat: 9am–11:30am, 2pm–4:30pm, 6:45pm–8:30pm |
Review 1 | “Recommended by a friend. Had very effective treatment for my severely sprained shoulder.” |
Review 2 | “A very experienced TCM Practitioner. Very emphatic and careful” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Oriental Remedies |
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| Pricing | Click here to view |
Website | |
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Telephone | (65) 8742 2163 |
Operating Hours | Tues-Sun: 10am – 6pm |
Review 1 | “I have been seeing Physician Lim for a month now for various health challenges, and he has been a wonderful help in dealing with stress and nerve pain. I had nerve pain down my entire left leg and through acupuncture was able to relieve it after two sessions. Stress is a working process but I’m seeing improvements! This clinic is great in itself with super easy booking system and lovely customer service. If you are looking for English speaking holistic health services please go here.” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Tan Chong Sin Chinese Physician and Physiotherapy |
Speciality | Chinese Medicine |
| Pricing | Call to enquire |
Website | https://www.facebook.com/Tan-Chong-Shin-Chinese-Physician-Physiotherapy-174258202620346/ |
| Address | 744 Bedok Reservoir Rd, Reservoir Village #01-3059, Singapore 470744 |
Telephone | (65) 6242 3317 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Sat: 10am–1pm, 2–5:30pm |
Review | “Went to see the physician on 5 March 2020 due to a sprained shoulder. Cant even lifted my arm. He massaged my shoulder, applied some ‘hot’ ointment and the assistant wrapped a pad over my shoulder. Today, the pain had reduced to only 35% and I can raised my left arm. Just one session. Fantastic!” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Oak Health |
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| Pricing | Click here to view |
Website | |
| Address | 83 East Coast Road, Singapore 428786 |
Telephone | (65) 6286 8896 |
Operating Hours | Tues-Fri: 11am – 9pm Sat: 10am – 5pm |
Review 1 | “The young and professional team at Oak Health have been welcoming, homely and knowledgeable. They’ve put our family (5 of us and recruiting for more) at ease and have patiently answered our incessant questions (like what is this, what is that, why do we have to do this). Not just the doctor but Piwen and team have been instrumental in equipping us with know-how. I had initially gone to see Gabriel for my torn meniscus after my Ortho told me my only choice for recovery was to go for an op. While we’re still working on the knee, I have observed a significant improvement in mood, rest and appetite with the chinese medicine. I had my first acupuncture experience here after being put at ease😁 Even though i hate needles! Highly recommend TCM at Oak Health if you’ve never tried it or have had a bad impression/experience with other old naggy doctors in the past.” |
Review 2 | “Through the recommendation of a friend, my husband saw Dr Gabriel for his tennis elbow which had been bothering him for years. Within two sessions of acupuncture, he could feel significant improvement. We appreciate that Dr Gabriel is attentive and though busy, takes the time to be detailed with his patients without prejudice. We love that he takes time to explain the likely cause of the issue and the treatment plan. The staff are friendly and treats everyone like family; they often offer their pantry food or whatever tea that they are brewing for the day to waiting patients. Strongly recommended.” |
Acupuncture Clinic | GOW TCM Healthcare |
Speciality | Acupuncture Clinic |
| Pricing | Call to enquire |
Website | |
| Address | #08 – 106 Jurong West Street 51, Block 510, Singapore 640510 |
Telephone | (65) 9234 4920 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Wed, Fri: 9.30am – 8pm Thurs, Sat, Sun: 9.30am – 4pm |
Review | “How I lost 9.2kg in 6 months is no laughing matter. I went under the expert accupuncture and guidance of Dr Gow. My skin was sensitive to cupping so she replaced cupping wth a lot more needles. Also i took some herbs. She does not give a diet plan. The advice to me was to avoid too high carbo and oily food. Initially weight loss was faster and it went gradual. I was 68.4 kg on 31 Mar 17. On 27 Sep 17 i weighed 59.2 kg. Dr Gow is friendly n motivating n like a friend. My consultation was very private n one to one. I now can wear my old clothes which i kept. I am lighter n happier now. Even if you dun lose weight, with needles stimulating your meridian paths, you will get healthier right. Molly Leong” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Raffles Chinese Medicine |
Speciality | Chinese Medicine |
| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
Website | |
| Address | 585 North Bridge Rd, #02-00 Raffles Hospital, Singapore 188770 |
Telephone | (65) 6311 2388 |
Operating Hours | Mon, Wed, Fri: 8.30am – 7.30pm Tues, Thurs: 8.30am – 8.30pm Sat: 8.30am – 5.30pm Sun: Closed |
Review | “first time here do tcm treatment . excellent experience with the herbal medicine therapy. recommend jenny for the treatment .” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Xin Hua Therapy |
Speciality |
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| Pricing | Click here to view |
Website | https://www.xinhuatherapy.com/ |
| Address | 100 Tras St, 100AM #02-13, Singapore 079027 |
Telephone | (65) 6702 0228 |
Operating Hours | 10am – 9pm daily |
Review | “Proper TCM skills with great tuina and lymphatic draining technique. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are also good quality. Price is on the high side but that’s the cost of quality.” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Eu Yan Sang TCM Clinic |
Speciality |
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| Pricing | Click here to view |
Website | https://sg.euyansangclinic.com |
| Address | Find an outlet near you |
Telephone | (65) 1800 225 1887 |
Operating Hours | Click here to view |
Review | “Very good experience! I did gua sha and felt that it’s effective in expelling heat and helping with my body aches. The doctor is professional and good!” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Bao Zhong Tang |
Speciality |
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| Pricing | Click here to view |
Website | https://baozhongtang.com.sg/ |
| Address | 8 Sinaran Dr, #07-13/14 Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore 307470 |
Telephone | (65) 6327 7866 |
Operating Hours | Mon-Sat: 9am – 6pm |
Review | “Had a painful persistent ear infection over a month, with blocked hearing. Was feeling worried because my condition did not improve despite after several sessions of acupuncture and herbs. But during one afternoon i felt a sudden burst in my ear and lots of disgusting greenish pus spurted out. My hearing was back and I felt so comfortable! I believe the treatment helped me recover from my infection by improving the constitution of my body.” |
Acupuncture Clinic | PULSE TCM Clinic Therapy |
Speciality |
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| Pricing | Click here to view |
Website | https://www.pulsetcm.sg/ |
| Address |
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Telephone | (65) 6634 8933 |
Operating Hours | 11am – 8pm daily |
Review | “Its my first time doing acupuncture and cupping. I had a sore shoulder the past few days and decided to come to pulse to see Dr Vivian from a friend’s recommendation. She was very gentle, detailed and professional throughout the treatment and made sure I was always comfortable. My shoulder feels a lot better after the treatment. Pricing was very affordable especially as they are situated very central. Would definitely come back for more treatment – highly recommend their services!” |
Acupuncture Clinic | Sin Kang TCM |
Speciality |
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| Pricing | Click here to enquire |
Website | https://sinkangtcm.com.sg/ |
| Address |
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Telephone | (65) 6262 4998 |
Operating Hours | 10am – 9.30pm daily |
Review | “Had a very bad back issue from jogging + lifting heavy weights with poor form. One day couldn’t tahan the pain anymore and saw the reviews on here, called the place and asked for an appointment with Dr. Michelle as per the previous reviewers advice. She did acupuncture for me and gave me some traditional Chinese meds to drink. 1 day later the pain was down by 50% and by the follow up session it was reduced to 25% of the original pain. Today is 1 week from my first appointment with her and the pain is almost completely gone. Very relieved. Thanks Sin Kang and Dr. Michelle” |
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Tom Koh is widely recognised as a leading SEO consultant in Asia who has worked to transform the online visibility of the leading organisations such as SingTel, Capitaland, Maybank, P&G, WWF, etc. Recently he was instrumental in consulting for a New York-based US$30B fund in an US$4Bn acquisition. Tom is a Computational Science graduate of the National University of Singapore. In his free time he performs pro-bono community work and traveling.
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