HEALED: Former health and social services minister, Richard Kamwi alongside the fifth medical team that has been performing acupuncture since the department’s inception.
Photo: JEMIMAH NDEBELE
HEALED: Former health and social services minister, Richard Kamwi alongside the fifth medical team that has been performing acupuncture since the department’s inception. Photo: JEMIMAH NDEBELE

• Needles for healing at Katutura hospital

Tapping into natural healing energy
Former health minister Richard Kamwi testifies to acupuncture's power, with the technique having healed his back pain.
Jemimah Ndebele
In the bustling heart of Windhoek, at Katutura Hospital a hidden gem of healing lies in wait. Since its inception in 1996, the Chinese acupuncture department has quietly revolutionised the way patients experience healthcare.

Within the walls of the hospital, the department stands as testament to the power of a fusion of ancient Eastern practices and modern healthcare.

"Acupuncture is more than just a physical treatment; it's a gateway to overall well-being," Dr Li Bangwei explained.

"By stimulating specific points on the body, we tap into the body's natural healing energy, promoting balance and harmony."

Acupuncture draws patients from far and wide, seeking solace from a multitude of afflictions. From the relentless grip of chronic pain to the burdens of stress and fertility struggles, its allure lies in its ability to holistically address the root causes of these issues. The practice has become so popular that the department treats about 50 patients daily.

“We use iodine or ethyl alcohol to de-germ the skin before piercing it with a needle,” Bangwei said.

‘Phenomenal’ results

Former health minister Richard Kamwi, known for his trailblazing approach to healthcare, testifies to acupuncture’s power.

“I used to struggle with back pain for 15 years and came to the acupuncture department and they treated me for a period of five days. The results were phenomenal. Aside from normal old-age discomfort, I have not had problems of a similar nature since."

In the quiet corners of its treatment rooms, a delicate dance of needles stitches together a tapestry of transformed lives and renewed hope.

The department serves as a gentle reminder that the healing arts, steeped in tradition and practiced with unwavering dedication, possess the power to heal both body and soul.

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Namibian Sun 2024-04-27

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