This year marks the fourth year for this annual event, which is attended by experts from both countries.
This webinar was aimed at promoting the development of Chinese medicine and acupuncture in South Africa, fostering communication and collaboration, and supporting TCM career development for both African practitioners and students. At the beginning of the webinar, Professor Hu Lihong, vice president of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said that it will also serve as a platform for academic exchange of traditional medicine between China and South Africa.
Founded in 1954, NJUCM was one of the first TCM universities approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education to recruit foreign students. Mr. Hu said that more than 30,000 international students have graduated from the school so far.
He added that NJUCM has four TCM centers overseas and has collaborated with more than 90 countries and regions in traditional medicine communication, education and research.
One of the webinar organizers, Dr Hu Zijing, a senior lecturer in the School of Complementary Medicine at the University of Johannesburg, told the Global Times that one of the challenges that must be addressed is culture shock.
Regarding teaching TCM to African students, Hu Zijing said, “Sometimes students ask me if studying TCM contradicts their beliefs.”
When faced with such questions, he feels it is important to clarify that there is no such thing as a “religion” in Chinese medicine. Since much of African traditional medicine is associated with witchcraft, some African students believe that Chinese medicine is also associated with witchcraft.
Hu Zijing said he explains to trainees that Chinese medicine focuses on health and disease.
“This approach effectively avoids cultural conflicts,” he stressed.
In addition to teaching Chinese medicine in class, Hu Zijing organizes African students to practice Baduan Jin (Badan Brocade). Hachidan Nishiki is a non-stop repetition of movements in eight sections, reminiscent of brocade weaving.
Hu Zijing practices Badan Quan with students at the University of Johannesburg.Photo: Provided by Hu Zijing
“By participating in the Baduatsu sessions, you can further immerse yourself in Chinese cultural practices and strengthen your understanding of the underlying philosophy and principles of TCM. There is a greater appreciation for a holistic approach to health and wellness,” Tasneem Patel, one of the South African students who attended the Huzijing training session, told the Global Times.
Another cultural issue that Hu Zijing has to deal with is explaining the cultural origins of the basic concepts and terminology of TCM to his African students and ensuring that the trainees, despite their cultural differences, The goal is to learn and understand Chinese medicine.
“For example, we have a lot of discussion about Qi (energy),” Hu Zijing said. Students need structured messages to help them understand concepts.
He added that the essence of qi does not affect the subsequent learning or clinical application of qi’s “laws.”
Li Shudong, Education Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, attended the 4th International Webinar on Africanizing the Art of Acupuncture 2024 on Sunday.Webinar screenshot
Li Shudong, Education Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, also attended the webinar.
“Traditional Chinese medicine is not only a treasure of China’s civilization and culture, but also a treasure of all mankind. From ancient times to the present, Chinese medicine has been instrumental in maintaining health, curing diseases, and saving people’s lives. “As acupuncture is special, TCM’s therapeutic modality is becoming increasingly accepted and welcomed by patients around the world, including in South Africa,” said Lee.
“South Africa also promotes sound medical techniques that are a good combination of traditional African medicine and modern Western medicine. “We can take advantage of it,” Lee said.
One of the keynote speakers at the webinar, Dr. Radmila Razlog, chair of the South African Union Health Professions Council Finance Committee, told the Global Times that “Acupuncture students in South Africa are learning and applying acupuncture as an effective treatment.” Really enjoy it.Relieve pain quickly and improve symptoms.
“Philosophy and a holistic approach are welcomed as part of the clinical approach. This resonates with the philosophy of original Chinese medicine,” Razrog said.
Acupuncture training sessions are popular among trainees in Africa, and Razlog explains the reasons behind his passion.
“Students look forward to embracing and applying a clinical medical approach that is unique in the South African context, yet rich in history and philosophy. Acupuncture is non-invasive, affordable, safe and effective. It is considered a viable treatment option and does not require dangerous drugs, which have many negative side effects,” she elaborated.
“TCM expertise will not only enhance my ability to provide effective treatment, but will also open me up to a wide range of work opportunities in medical settings, wellness centers, integrative medicine clinics, etc. As the demand for holistic healthcare increases, As I continue, my TCM proficiency will serve me as a valuable asset in meeting the diverse needs of my patients and customers.”
Razrog said China’s efforts to build a community with a shared future for humanity are relevant to her and her students.
“Cooperation with a common vision of promoting well-being is a universal goal. Our African medical community shares this dream of providing health care for all. Origins of the Medical Approach “We expect positive health outcomes by improving health, regardless of the well-being of society and the community as a whole,” Razrog said.
