The Sunday Mail
Phillipa Mukome-Chinhoi
Society Correspondent
ACUPUNCTURE is fast becoming one of the most sought after treatment methods in the country.
The medical service is offered by both private and public health institutions.
Several people are currently making a beeline for the free service at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through the skin at strategic points of the body.
A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain.
The treatment method has helped many people improve their overall wellness, including stress management.
Edson Makwacha (43) from Greendale has in the past five years suffered from foot drop, which is caused by weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in lifting the front part of the foot.
Attempts to try other medical remedies have not yielded positive results for him.
“I went to South Africa for treatment but nothing helped until a friend advised me to visit Parirenyatwa Hospital for acupuncture. This is now my fourth visit for the procedure and I have already witnessed positive changes. For the first time in years, I can now feel my feet,” an ecstatic Makwacha told The Sunday Mail Society during a recent visit to Parirenyatwa.
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This publication also interviewed Juliana Matyatya who said she used to experience a sharp pain in the lower part of her left leg.
“I struggled to sleep at night due to pain. However, that is no longer the case. The pain disappeared after I went through acupuncture,” she said.
Another patient is equally grateful.
“I have suffered from back pain since I turned 62 last year. Until recently, I have been walking with the aid of two crutches but I am now using a single one with indications that the situation can further improve,” added Jorum Mutyambizi.
The treatment service is currently being offered for free at Parirenyatwa but in some countries it costs as much as US$50 per session.
However, indications are that responsible authorities will start charging soon.
On June 24, Dr Zhu Wei and his Chinese medical team in Zimbabwe held a free clinic at the China-Africa Economic and Culture Exchange and Research Centre in Harare, to provide free medical treatment and consultation services to both Chinese and local nationals.
Medical experts in the team specialise in the traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture.
Apart from treatment and general consultations, the team also gave out some of their medicines for free.
Dr Zhu Wei, the captain of China medical team based at Parirenyatwa Hospital, has so far performed acupuncture to several patients.
“I am happy that patients are being healed and they are giving positive testimonies. This motivates me to work hard as I try to help more patients,” said Dr Zhu Wei.
“Acupuncture has been used for a variety of other conditions, including smoking cessation, insomnia, fatigue, depression and allergies. It also relieves one from headaches, reduces eye strain, improves immune system, enhances mental clarity, helps in digestive conditions and boosts energy.”
Dr Zhu Wei added that it was also important for his patients to avoid strenuous exercise, caffeine, junk food, alcohol, cold temperatures, digital screens and, where possible, stressful situations.
“The fatigue after acupuncture is not cause for concern, but it is a signal that you need to rest,” he said.
Research shows acupuncture can be helpful for many people.
The 19th batch of the Chinese medical team in Zimbabwe was selected by the Human Health Commission and arrived in Zimbabwe on January 16 this year.
The team is on a one-year medical mission and has also been assisting on Covid-19 related issues.
