Chongqing — Residents in Barbados lined up at the clinic of the 8th Chinese Medical Team on February 27 to receive free traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments, including acupuncture and cupping.
For many participants, the experience was eye-opening. After an acupuncture session, one resident exclaimed, “It's amazing! Just a few tiny needles relieved my pain,” while another praised the medical staff, saying, “The Chinese doctors are incredible.”
The event marked the launch of the team’s new “TCM Friday” initiative — a weekly clinic held every Friday aimed at providing accessible TCM services to local residents and building the first overseas cultural brand for Chinese medical aid.
A resident receives acupuncture treatment from Doctor Mou of Chongqing medical team in Barbados. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)
Returning for his second session, local resident Jack said he was surprised by how much relief he experienced after acupuncture treatment for shoulder pain.
“After the last session, my shoulder pain eased noticeably. Chinese medicine is truly remarkable,” he said.
During the treatment, TCM practitioner Mou Qiujie carefully inserted thin needles into Jack’s shoulder and removed them a few minutes later. The discomfort from his frozen shoulder had noticeably subsided.
Nearby, cupping therapy was also drawing strong interest from residents. One participant said he decided to try the treatment after hearing about its benefits for chronic neck pain.
“I’ve had persistent neck issues and had heard a lot about traditional Chinese medicine, so I wanted to give it a try,” he said. “The cupping treatment really helped me feel better.”
Several residents waited in line for their appointments, sharing their curiosity and expectations about the therapy.
Launched in January, the “TCM Friday” initiative has quickly become a regular part of the 8th Chinese Medical Team’s outreach work in Barbados. Held every Friday afternoon by appointment, the free clinic aims to extend traditional Chinese medicine services beyond hospital settings and into the local community.
The clinic is led by practitioner Mou Qiujie, who provides individualized treatments for common conditions such as cervical spondylosis, lumbar disorders, frozen shoulder, tenosynovitis, knee pain, and post-herpetic neuralgia.
“This is more than a medical service — it is also a form of cultural exchange,” said Cui Kun, leader of the medical team and deputy director of the Cardiology Department at Chongqing General Hospital.
According to Cui, the weekly clinic has gained popularity among local residents thanks to its professional care and positive treatment results. Nearly 100 patients have received treatment since the program began.
One example involved a 14-year-old Barbadian national gymnast whose training had been interrupted by a severe leg strain. After other treatments failed to resolve the injury, she sought help from the Chinese medical team. Following two targeted acupuncture sessions, her mobility improved significantly, allowing her to return to training and compete internationally.
Cui said the team plans to continue developing “TCM Friday” as a long-term outreach program, providing medical support to local residents while strengthening health cooperation between China and Barbados.
The 8th Chinese Medical Team in Barbados is organized by Chongqing General Hospital in cooperation with several institutions, including the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, and the Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children. The team consists of nine members — eight clinical professionals and one support staff member.
(Zhang Xuege, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)