Visiting medical researchers show the Chinese way

Many commonplace New Zealand health conditions can be resolved in days, says a visiting medical expert. “Far too many kiwis suffer from conditions that are easily treated and respond quickly to simple remedies,” says Stephen Xu, President of the NZ Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Society. The Society’s international conference in June will highlight the tremendous breakthroughs currently being kept out of New Zealand’s health system by outdated legislation that favours certain sectors of the medical profession. But, if local medical practitioners have their way, prompt relief is in sight for those with many of New Zealand’s most pernicious medical problems.

Stephen will be hosting one of China’s most powerful health officials on June 11 at the first Oceania Chinese Medicine Forum, Dr Wang. Dr Wang is Vice-Minister of Health in China, and keen to further the development of Chinese Medicine across New Zealand and Australia. Some of the world’s most successful Chinese Medicine practitioners and will also visit, bringing ample research about Chinese Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine defeating many of today’s most common health problems, including obesity, asthma and even diabetes. A limited number of free mini-treatments will be available at the Forum in the afternoon of June 11.

“Chinese Medicine was brought to New Zealand by those earliest Chinese migrants settling the goldfields of Otago,” says Stephen. “These days we still call it Traditional Chinese Medicine, but increasingly its relevance is backed up by very modern research. And more and more people are aware that natural remedies don’t have the side effects of so many modern pharmaceuticals.” Another prominent guest at this year’s conference is President Feng of the Shan Xi University of TCM, one of several world-class universities in China focused on researching the many benefits of Chinese Medicine and its universal applicability. The ranks of New Zealand acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine practitioners have swelled with recent immigrants and also local graduates. “New Zealand now offers outstanding training in Chinese Medicine,” says Stephen, “And New Zealanders are flocking in droves to get prompt and cost-effective treatment that works.” Notes:

1. Prospective patients for the free Saturday June 11 clinic need to book ahead for their noobligation treatment by phoning Jing (Jay) Meng at NZCMAS on 09 5800232.

2. New Zealand lags behind Australia and the UK in regulating Chinese Medicine, despite longstanding use of acupuncture in NZ, and the obvious advantages of including Chinese Medicine into the nation’s medical system.

3. Chinese Medicine practitioners are able to treat a broad range of conditions, from the common to the complex; training ranges from three to four years for a Bachelors degree in acupuncture or Chinese Medicine, and includes simple procedures for referring patients on to other medical practitioners if Chinese Medicine or acupuncture is contraindicated.

4. Acupuncture is a traditional form of Chinese Medicine, first studied by western medical practitioners in the seventeenth century, with the use of metal needles in China dating back to 200 BC; it is recognised as a legitimate medical practice in many nations eg has been a tax deductible expense in USA since 1973, and an ACC-registered medical expense in NZ since 2001. Many western medical practitioners consider it part of western medical practice to such an extent that they don’t see it as Chinese, or as alternative medicine.

5. Chinese Medicine is recognised internationally as a complete medical system in its own right, dating back three thousand years. Since its inception Chinese Medicine has been based on documented evidence and observation by the practitioner; its training and use is regulated in many nations around the world, with NZ wavering over this since 2007; Chinese Medicine diagnosis is based on balances within the body, with treatment customised for the individual but often including acupressure, moxibustion, guasha, acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine; Reflexology is an example of acupressure.

6. The New Zealand Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Society was founded in 1988 to promote safety and training guidelines for Chinese Medicine practitioners.

7. There are approximately 600 registered acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine practitioners in New Zealand, treating an estimated 20000 New Zealanders every week, with an ever increasing range of ethnicities, ages and conditions.

ENDS