Confucius Team Amazes UWC with Traditional Chinese Medicine Demonstrations

On a sunny afternoon at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), the campus was abuzz with excitement as the Confucius Team showcased the ancient arts of moxibustion, acupuncture, and cupping to an eager audience. Hosted between 12h00 and 14h00, the turnout for the event was nothing short of remarkable, with students and staff lining up to experience these traditional Chinese treatments first-hand.

The Confucius Team, dedicated to promoting the Chinese language and culture at UWC, demonstrated their expertise and passion for these healing practices by providing detailed explanations and answering the multitude of questions from the curious attendees. It was a fantastic opportunity for the university community to immerse themselves in traditional Chinese medicine and glimpse its rich history.

Moxibustion, a technique that involves burning dried mugwort on or near the skin, was precisely demonstrated by skilled practitioners. They explained that the heat generated by this process stimulates acupuncture points, leading to therapeutic benefits. Similarly, acupuncture, which uses thin needles to stimulate specific points in the body, was showcased as a safe and effective treatment for various ailments.

Cupping, another popular therapy, also caught the attention of many onlookers. The practitioners demonstrated how applying heated cups to the skin creates a vacuum, facilitating blood flow and promoting relaxation. This visually intriguing practice piqued the crowd's curiosity and encouraged them to learn more.

In addition to the traditional Chinese medicine demonstrations, the Confucius Team engaged with the attendees about learning Mandarin, sharing their insights and experiences. Many students and staff showed a keen interest in studying the language, and this event served as a great platform to showcase the opportunities available at UWC for those who wish to pursue this path.

The overwhelming response to the event and the participants' enthusiasm was a testament to the Confucius Team's dedication and expertise. As the afternoon ended, the UWC community left with a newfound appreciation and knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and the Mandarin language, making the event a resounding success.

If you want to find out more, please email confucius@uwc.ac.za.