On the afternoon of March 21 (local time), the Confucius Institute at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, successfully held the 7th session of its “Zhi Xing” Forum. The forum featured academic lectures on “Auriculotherapy and Fire Cupping,” delivered by Dr. Yuan Ye, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) expert from the 7th Chinese Medical Team in Barbados, and Barbadian TCM practitioner Dr. Che Corbin.
The event attracted over 30 participants, both online and in person, including eight doctors from the Chinese medical team in Barbados; Blackman Paul, Director of the Barbados Language Centre at the Barbados Community College; Philomena Lee, Secretary of the Chinese Association; Professor Nie Lu, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute; David Bulbulia, Foreign Director of the Confucius Institute; as well as faculty members, university students, and local community members. The session was hosted by Hu Wei, a teacher dispatched by the Confucius Institute Headquarters.
Dr. Yuan began the forum with a lecture on auriculotherapy, using vivid images to illustrate the acupoints on the ear and their connections to various health issues. He introduced the use of Vaccaria seeds for ear acupressure and invited audience members to participate in interactive demonstrations. Using the traditional TCM diagnostic techniques of observation, listening/smelling, inquiry, and palpation, he quickly and accurately identified participants’ conditions and provided treatment with ear seeds. Dr. Yuan emphasized that auriculotherapy can effectively relieve common ailments such as headaches and insomnia, drawing enthusiastic responses from the audience.
Next, Dr. Che Corbin presented the theoretical basis and practical applications of fire cupping therapy. A graduate of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine under a Chinese government scholarship, Dr. Corbin is now a practicing TCM doctor in Barbados with extensive experience in traditional therapies. He explained the benefits of cupping for relieving muscle tension and promoting blood circulation, and demonstrated the technique of flash cupping on site.
The successful organization of this forum not only showcased the unique charm of Traditional Chinese Medicine but also highlighted the deepening cultural exchange between China and Barbados. Participants expressed strong interest in attending more such events to further explore the theories and practices of TCM. The Confucius Institute in Barbados remains committed to promoting Chinese culture locally and offering more opportunities for learning and exchange among students and community members.
