Last December, when An Lingfei, a doctor from an Inner Mongolia medical team, arrived in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda (卢旺达), he set up a center in the Masaka District Hospital. Since then, the China-Rwanda Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment Center has increased in popularity.

According to An, the center now receives an average of more than 30 people daily, with most of them suffering from lower back pain or knee and ankle joint (踝关节) pain. Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills. Locals often have to walk on mountain roads year-round, which can lead to joint stress.

“TCM has great advantages in treating these diseases, and the effects are very good.” An said. “The center now provides most kinds of TCM treatments, allowing local people to experience Eastern medicine.”

Naomin, a 60-year-old patient, is amazed by TCM. She was unable to walk due to serious pain in both knees and ankles. But after a month of treatment at the center, she is now able to walk around with a walking stick. “The treatment has been a huge help,” she said.

Another patient, Mukagatare, said that his back pain disappeared after three TCM treatments. According to him, doctors at the local hospitals had been unable to make a clear diagnosis (诊断) after many examinations, let alone reduce the pain.

Besides treating patients, the center also educates locals about TCM and Chinese culture.

Up to now, TCM has spread to nearly 200 countries and areas, with its worldwide influence continuously growing. “From treating a common cold to chronic (慢性的) and difficult diseases. TCM can all play an important role,” a Chinese expert said.