TCM in osteoarthritis and cancer care

Front row: Jiang (second from left) and Rong (third from left) with the participants

UTAR Centre for Extension Education (CEE) in collaboration with Centre for Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine (CRCTM) organised a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) talk on osteoarthritis and cancer care at Sungai Long Campus on 7 August 2018.

Rong encouraging the participants to practise a healthy life

Invited to deliver the talk were Rong Zhen and Jiang Wen, two experienced TCM practitioners from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine. During the talk, Rong introduced various TCM treatment options and practices, including traditional acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping therapy, auricular-plaster therapy, herbal foot soak, external application of Chinese medicine and thunderbolt moxibustion. He discussed the role of TCM in cancer therapy and explained under what circumstances TCM treatment can be carried out for a cancer patient.

According to him, TCM is interconnected with nature. Instead of looking at the medical or surgery effects, he suggested using the TCM treatment before considering the conventional treatment. He also provided some tips to prevent cancer and advised the participants to practise a healthy lifestyle. “The best time to sleep is 11 o’clock in the night. Staying up late is prone to carcinogens, and therefore could increase your risk of having cancer. Be sure to take your breakfast. Also, a diet high in fiber will actually protect against cancer.”

Jiang demonstrating a simple exercise for the knee

Jiang, on the other hand, explained what osteoarthritis is and how it is different from the normal knee. He also explained the pathogenesis of the disease and shared the importance of articular cartilage in providing a lubricated surface for articulation and supporting the body weight. He mentioned that proper exercise and good posture are crucial to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

“Osteoarthritis is a common disease for the aged population, especially for those above 55 years old. Women, particularly those after menopause, are more likely to develop osteoarthritis,” he explained. He suggested people to drink more water and take light strolls rather than carrying out intense sports like climbing.

The talk ended with a souvenir presentation from CRCTM Chairperson-cum-Department of Chinese Medicine Head Dr Te Kian Keong to the speakers.

Rong (left) receiving a token of appreciation from Dr Te

Jiang (left) receiving a token of appreciation from Dr Te