HARARE, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Richard Mutingwende, a Zimbabwean registered acupuncturist, heads a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic in Harare, the country's capital, offering acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping, as well as Tuina, a traditional Chinese therapeutic massage technique.
He said that the fine needles in his hand are not only tools for treatment, but also keys to unlocking ancient Chinese medicine and the philosophy behind it, offering another medical option for the locals.
As one of Zimbabwe's first 10 locally trained medical personnel in TCM and acupuncture, Mutingwende was drawn to the practice by a desire to help people who have endured chronic suffering.
"Through acupuncture, I can contribute more to the well-being of the people in this community," he said.
"TCM is a time-tested traditional medical system which is very reliable, and I am happy that more and more people, not only in Zimbabwe but also in neighboring countries, are embracing TCM," he said.
Mutingwende graduated from a TCM and acupuncture training course in 2022. Funded by the Chinese government, the four-month training gave him a chance to meet patients from across Zimbabwe seeking treatment for conditions including arthritis and stroke-related complications.
He recalled that seeing people who had almost given up hope after years of persistent pain and suffering, and witnessing some of them regain hope during treatment strengthened his conviction that TCM could make a difference in Zimbabwe.
Knowing acupuncture can treat various ailments, Mutingwende began treating patients using the technique in 2023. He gradually built his practice through patient referrals and, as demand for acupuncture services grew, opened a specialized TCM clinic in 2025.
The clinic provides treatment for a wide range of conditions, including back pain, spinal injuries, disc problems, compressed nerves and digestive issues, as well as stroke rehabilitation. Mutingwende offers treatment to approximately 30 patients every day, some of whom come to see him from distant parts of the country.
Drawing on the holistic philosophy of TCM, Mutingwende believes healthcare should consider the individual as a whole rather than focus solely on a particular illness.
Looking ahead, Mutingwende hopes to make acupuncture and other TCM treatments more widely accessible across Zimbabwe. "My long-term vision for TCM in Zimbabwe is to see more and more TCM clinics, ideally one in each province," he said. ■