Successful Completion of the “I’m Learning TCM in Sichuan – TCM (Pestle Needle) Cultural Exchange and Study Camp”
- Dr. Z Hu
- Aug 10
- 2 min read
9 August 2025, Johannesburg
From July 28 to August 8, 2025, the “I’m Learning TCM in Sichuan – TCM (Pestle Needle) Cultural Exchange and Study Camp” was successfully held. This programme was hosted by the Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and organised by the Sichuan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine along with the Sichuan Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The two-week cultural and academic exchange brought together a diverse group of participants, including students from the University of Johannesburg, members of the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Africa, and registered acupuncturists from South Africa, together with participants from Indonesia, France, and Vietnam. Throughout the camp, participants engaged in in-depth study and practice of the traditional pestle needle technique—an acupuncture method deeply rooted in Sichuan’s rich TCM heritage.

The camp featured comprehensive theoretical lectures, practical clinical training, and immersive cultural experiences, enabling participants to gain a profound understanding of Sichuan Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Beyond enhancing the clinical skills of South African practitioners, the programme fostered international collaboration and mutual learning in the field of traditional medicine.

At the closing ceremony on August 8, Mi Yinjun, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Director of the Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, congratulated all participants on successfully completing the programme. He highlighted Sichuan’s status as the “hometown of TCM and the treasury of Chinese herbs” and reaffirmed the province’s dedication to advancing the internationalisation of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia, Mi emphasized that this initiative further strengthens Belt and Road cooperation in traditional medicine and demonstrates TCM’s unique global appeal.

Zheng Chuan, Party Secretary of Sichuan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, noted that the camp’s focus on the pestle needle technique significantly deepened international exchanges in traditional medicine. He praised the participants’ spirit of exploration as the enduring source of vitality that drives the continuous development of TCM.

This exchange programme marks an important milestone in Sino-African cooperation in traditional medicine and reflects the growing worldwide interest in integrative health approaches. It also serves as a key platform to promote Sichuan TCM in Africa and to elevate the clinical expertise of South African TCM practitioners.
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