(Commonwealth_Europe) To bring the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) closer to the local community, the 20th Chinese medical team for Malta from the Mediterranean Regional Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine (MRCTCM) recently held a free clinic event for elderly residents at the Chinese Garden of Serenity in Santa Lucija, located in the southern part of the island.
The event, which took place on Wednesday, served as a platform to share the ancient healing practices of TCM with residents, offering not just medical care but also education about the value of alternative medicine. Yang Libai, the leader of the medical team, led an insightful lecture on TCM, focusing on the role of acupuncture in the treatment of common ailments, such as neck pain, lower back discomfort, and leg pains, which often affect the elderly.
During the lecture, Yang elaborated on the science behind acupuncture, emphasizing how it works to stimulate specific acupoints in the body to promote health and alleviate pain. He guided attendees through identifying these vital acupoints and explained their functions, showcasing the broad applications of acupuncture in holistic health care.
The interactive nature of the session allowed attendees to ask questions, explore the treatment’s benefits, and express their curiosity about TCM. Many participants found the ancient healing methods not only intriguing but also approachable, as they learned about the simplicity and accessibility of TCM in addressing everyday health issues.
The enthusiasm for TCM was evident in the feedback from the elderly attendees. Cettina, a 79-year-old participant, shared a personal anecdote about her niece, who had undergone acupuncture treatment to address anxiety. She was pleased to note that her niece’s symptoms had been significantly alleviated by the therapy. “I’ve always had a positive view of TCM,” Cettina said, expressing her keen interest in trying acupuncture herself. Having long struggled with rheumatoid arthritis and joint swelling, she was hopeful that acupuncture might provide relief.
Miriam, a 68-year-old attendee, was equally enthusiastic. She noted how the lecture expanded her knowledge of TCM theories, particularly the significance of acupoints. Miriam had previously experienced acupuncture with favorable outcomes and was now considering trying moxibustion, a form of heat therapy used to enhance the effects of acupuncture. “I learned about moxibustion today, and it sounds promising for relieving my back and waist pain,” she said, noting that she was eager to explore this treatment in the future.
The event was part of the broader mission to introduce and promote the practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Malta. As part of the MRCTCM’s ongoing outreach efforts, the medical team aims to increase public understanding of TCM and offer health consultations and free medical services to residents. The team’s efforts are designed not only to help those in need of treatment but also to foster a deeper cultural exchange between the people of China and Malta.
Since its establishment in 1994 through a collaborative agreement between the Chinese and Maltese governments, the MRCTCM has been dedicated to providing TCM treatments to the Maltese population. To date, 20 Chinese medical teams have visited Malta, comprising over 100 experienced doctors who have treated approximately 250,000 patients across the island.
Yang Libai, who has led multiple such events, emphasized that the medical team is committed to continuing similar activities to further increase local awareness and experience of Traditional Chinese Medicine. “Our goal is to help improve the health and well-being of the people here in Malta while also building stronger cultural ties between our two nations,” he said.
With more events like this planned for the future, the Chinese medical team’s efforts will undoubtedly continue to have a positive impact on both the health and cultural understanding of the Maltese population.
