Chinese Acupuncture Experts from WFAS Visit NZSATCM
Date: 7 June 2024
On 7 June 2024, Professor Liu Baoyan, Chairman of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS), led a delegation of Chinese acupuncture experts to the New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (NZSATCM). The delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with key figures, including Patti McBride, Chairperson of the New Zealand Chinese Medicine Council (CMC); Robin Kerr, President of Acupuncture New Zealand (AcNZ); and Debra Betts, Programme Leader at NZSATCM. The discussions focused on the legislation, education, and development of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine in New Zealand.
During the forum, Professor Liu Baoyan delivered a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in acupuncture in China, addressing clinical applications, healthcare systems, scientific research, education and training, and industry development.
Dr. Debra Betts, the first PhD in Acupuncture in New Zealand and Programme Leader at NZSATCM, introduced the Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) degree programme at NZSATCM. She highlighted that this programme is the first bachelor’s degree in acupuncture in New Zealand, featuring systematic and thorough instruction in both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine fundamentals, alongside clinical acupuncture practice education.
Experts in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine from Beijing, Hebei, and Hunan in China, as well as members of the CMC, board members of Acupuncture New Zealand, and faculty and students from NZSATCM, participated in the forum and discussions. Following the forum, the WFAS delegation toured the teaching facilities and traditional Chinese medicine clinic at NZSATCM.