Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Society of Australia Ltd

1. CEO Updates
   • Collaboration with Guang’anmen Hospital for development of an electronic Clinical Information System for Chinese Medicine

The collaborative project with Guang’anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences has progressed well. We had multiple meetings this month to discuss the specific requirements in designing a bilingual Integrated Chinese Medicine Clinical Information System.

• Improving the status of Chinese Medicine as Allied Health in the Australian Healthcare System

The CMASA Board members and I have been actively seeking an effective approach to improve the status of Chinese Medicine as part of Allied Health in the Australian Healthcare System. Further to my discussion with Prof Leonie Segal, I have taken the following actions:

• On 12 Oct 2022, I chaired the Australian Council of Chinese Medicine meeting. We had a productive discussion on variations of private health insurance rebate rates between health funds for Chinese medicine and acupuncture and emphasised the importance of separating Chinese medicine and acupuncture from other non-registered professional groupings in health fund rebate
• On 26 Oct 2022, CMASA Committee members and I met with A/Prof Lilianna Bulfone, a well-known health economist and A/Professor from Australian National A/Prof Bulfone kindly walked us through the application process for MBS listing with the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC). It was highlighted that a good argument with solid evidence base is far more important than a political advocacy. More information about the MSAC Application Process can be found at the MSAC website:

http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/Factsheet-06

• On 28 Oct 2022, I contacted the Australian Chief Allied Health Officer Dr Anne-marie Boxall to highlight the status of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture as an integral part of Allied Health, playing an important role in providing primary healthcare for the health and wellbeing of the Australians. I have also invited Dr Boxall to speak at our forthcoming Academic Summit in provision of leadership and support to the Chinese Medicine
  • Quality and Safety in Chinese Medicine Clinical Practice

I would again like to take this opportunity to send you a gentle reminder to keep in mind quality and safety in your clinical practice.

Sincerely,

Dr Guoqing Wei, CEO

2. CMASA National Supervisory Board Notice

On 9 October 2022, CMASA Board and its Supervisory Committee held a combined meeting on how to best implement the management regulations and standards, and how to ensure misconducts are investigated and Code of Conducts are observed. The meeting aimed to discuss and vote on recent issues in the Victoria Branch.

The reasons are as follows:

In early September, CMASA Supervisory Committee received complaints from a number of members in Victoria that a Victorian Committee member violated relevant rules and regulations set by CMASA: 1) Giving lectures and issuing certificates for CDP privately; 2) Established private business/organisation focusing on Chinese Medicine activities and was in the positions of Chair of the Board and the chief executive officer for this business, while serving as a member in the national CMASA Board and in the Victorian Committee. The conflict of interest between the two associations was not declared at the time of selection of the committee members for the CMASA Victorian Branch. These behaviours violated the relevant CMASA rules and regulations.  In reality it compromised the interests of CMASA.

After an investigation, the Supervisory Committee made the following recommendations:

• Urged CMASA Board directors and state committee members, especially the Victorian committee members, not to use CMASA as a platform or CMASA resources for private activities. This is to avoid conflicts of interest, especially given that a series of problems occurred before and after the Victorian Committee election, having demonstrated the need to reaffirm the CMASA
• A special reminder to the Victorian Committee to strengthen the discipline of the committee members, emphasise appropriateness of personal language and deeds, and to avoid uncivilised behaviours. In view of the disappointment of members in CMASA caused by the events that have occurred, the new committee members are urged to strictly educate them to prevent further damage to the reputation of CMASA and to avoid impacting on the image of CMASA practitioners.

After a full discussion, the National Board members voted and endorsed the investigation report and the resolutions recommended by the Supervisors Committee, which was adopted by the majority of the votes from Board directors. The voting results were: 28 directors voted, 19 in favour, 6 against and 3 abstentions. After the vote, the complained committee member expressed on the spot that although he had reservations about the wording of the investigation report, he would no longer litigate and would no longer issue CPD credits other than the CMASA CPD. The investigation process for this event is closed.

The CMASA Standing Board sincerely anticipates that all directors and committee members be strict with themselves in consideration of the unity and development of CMASA, by learning from mistakes to avoid future ones, inspiring others as good examples, strictly abiding by CMASA Charter, and working together to enhance Chinese medicine. This is to safeguard the rights and interests of members, and to promote the greater unity of the Society and the whole Chinese medicine community.

3. 2022 CMASA Academic Summit Announcement

Hello everyone! How Time flies! The years go by so quickly. The end of the year is approaching. It is again time for our annual review of academic achievements.

We have finally survived the turbulent years of COVID-19, withstood the severe test of “Even Huatuo (well- known Chinese medicine practitioner) was helpless with the little worm”, experienced economic downturn and rising prices. In this special time, Australian Chinese medicine developed against this unfavourable tide in the face of difficulties, regaining the classics, so that the inheritance of Chinese medicine theory and clinical experience has been further advanced, and the development of Chinese medicine in Australia has produced a nice answer to the test!

Driven by the enthusiasm towards returning to the classics and improving the clinical practice, a group of members were leading to meet the challenge! The research and treatment of difficult and persistent diseases, the summary and inheritance of acupuncture skills, and the in-depth study and understanding of classical theories have all reached a new height! It has vividly presented to all a fresh environment for developing and innovating the Chinese medicine practice.

As the COVID 19 pandemic is not over, it has impacted on the international exchanges on Chinese medicine. Hence, the key speakers at this year’s summit are top local professionals in Chinese medicine, making this summit full of local atmosphere on the southern continent. Colleagues will sound more cordial, practical and down-to-earth!

Among the speakers, there are “new faces of veteran Chinese medicine practitioners” who have rarely spoken on stage in recent years. Among them, there is Dr Hongshi Liu (TCM), a famous veteran Chinese medicine doctor from Qingdao. Dr Liu has rich clinical experience in acupuncture and will discuss clinical cases and practical experiences in acupoint selection. Dr Chao Mi (TCM) is the descendant of the Mi Family in Shandong that has accumulated unique techniques in clinical gynaecology over hundreds of years via inheritance within the family. At the Summit, Dr Mi will showcase the experience in endometriosis treatment. Dr Qingju Wang from Victoria will demonstrate his clinical experiences in the extra-nasal manifestations of common rhino nasal inflammatory diseases that are usually difficult to cure.

In addition to the team consisting of three generations i.e “the old, the middle-aged and the young”, the Summit also recommended an excellent model of Chinese medicine inheritance i.e. famous old Chinese medicine practitioners pass on their knowledge and skills to the next generation in person. We have the great honour to have Dr Yang Zhang, a successor of Dr Tian Zhang (TCM), a well-known Chinese medicine practitioner in China. Dr Zhang will share with us, without reservation, the extraordinary results of Chinese medicine in treating kidney failure and share the true essence of Tian Zhang’s lifelong experience in treating nephrotic diseases and overcoming persistent conditions. Dr. Bo Xiao, the descendant of the famous

• Vice President Qingju Wang: Academic Report
• Accountant Pin Zhang: Financial report
• Xiang Guang: Supplement financial report (mainly on cash flow)
• Secretary-General Zhenye Rong: Secretariat Report

CMASA presented certificates of appreciation to the Committee members for their voluntary work.

5.2.  General election:

There were 15 candidates for election in total, reflecting their commitment to serve the members. Each candidate delivered a three-minute campaign speech. During the speech, the resume and campaign outline of each candidate was displayed in Power Point on the screen.

Order of speeches:

Wencheng Wang, Qingju Wang, Kangxiao Li, Junzeng Xin, Jinfeng Wu, Kang Zhou, Pin Zhang, Man Zhang, Chuanzhi Ni, Yilong Guo, Guang Xiang, Zhenye Rong, Xiangxin Huang, Bin Peng, Xiaowen Li

Voting was conducted in a democratic, fair and transparent manner.

Voting result: The number of returned votes was equal to the number of votes issued. All votes were valid. Vote counting: CMASA CEO Guoqing Wei, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee Yilong Guo; Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Committee Chenglin Liu recorded the votes on board.

Election results: 12 candidates with the highest votes were elected: Wencheng Wang, Kangxiao Li, Junzeng Xin, Kang Zhou, Pin Zhang, Man Zhang, Chuanzhi Ni, Yilong Guo Guang, Xiang, Zhenye Rong, Xiangxin Huang, Bin Peng.

Finally, the twelve new Committee members elected the highly respected Professor Wencheng Wang as the new President of the CMASA Victoria Branch.

The new term of members for the Victoria Branch, including the general committee members and members of the Supervisory Committee, signalled a new starting point, opportunities and challenges. Under the leadership of President Wencheng Wang, Victoria will review the achievements and failures, advance with the times, create a new environment and promise a harmonious future for further academic development. Finally, on behalf of the newly elected general committee and supervisory committee, the Executive Vice President Kangxiao Li expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the CMASA CEO Guoqing Wei who specifically travelled from Sydney in support of this event. Dr Li also thanked over 100 members and friends who participated in this meeting. Dr Li wished the CMASA Victoria Branch inherit the excellent style and spirit of learning and create a brighter future for CMASA.

On 3 October 2022, the Victorian Branch held its first post-election Committee meeting. The President Professor Wencheng Wang announced the roles and responsibilities of the committee members.

• Executive President: Kangxiao Li, in charge of the operational work including academic operation, arrangement for lectures and other CMASA academic activities. Establishment of an academic working group: its members to be selected by Kangxiao
• Secretary-General: Bin Peng, responsible for the affairs of the society, including registration for CMASA academic activities, the issuance of CPD credits and the management of the official CMASA Victoria WeChat Responsible for the release of information for the purpose of communication between the committee and CMASA members. Establishment of a secretarial team: the Secretary-General arranges candidates to assist the Secretary-General in his work. Members of the Secretariat must be young, of good character, capable and dedicated.
• Financial department: Man Zhang, responsible for the CMASA Victoria accounts and regular reports to the president and the committee
• General Affairs Department: Guang Xiang, responsible for the cash account management and logistics coordination with Chuanzhi Ni being the
• Chief Supervisor: Yilong Guo; Supervisors: Pin Zhang, Xiangxin These three members formED the Supervisory Committee to oversee the daily operation of CMASA Victoria.
• Network and Information Department: Pin Zhang, responsible for the establishment of the CMASA Victoria’s network and information management system by using modern management technique for daily operational work including registration for academic activities, certificate issuance and other daily administrative
• After communicating with the national CMASA: The Victoria Branch will no longer set up a policy and regulation department. This part of the training will be managed and provided by the national body, and the Victoria Branch will no longer cover its
• CMASA Victoria will only provide a platform for academic lectures, with an emphasis on the quality of No fees will be paid to lecturers, except for invited external speakers/lecturers.

Kang Zhou, as President of the CMASA at the national level, will not take up a position in the Victorian Branch. Junzeng Xin and Zhenye Rong will assist with the work of the above-mentioned various departments.

It is anticipated that all committee members and supervisors will not forget their original aspirations and will keep CMASA mission in mind, cherish the unity, work diligently, and collaborate with each other to achieve a good outcome for CMASA.

6. Course Announcement: Enrolment for the Fifth Lecture Series in Classics Inheritance

The Fourth Lecture Series of “Miraculous Pivot (Lingshu)” Course in NSW earlier this year covered the law governing the meridian locations, directions, distributions and joints. Interlinked with each other through the internal branches and the reticular branches, all acupoints associated with the Twelve Main Channels and the Eight Extra Channels were taught in Professor Wei’s meticulous and humorous teaching style. One by one, these were carefully explained while vitality was injected into once seemingly ordinary and stagnant acupoints, with flesh, blood and emotions. The targets also turned out to be clearly visible via the detailed multi-dimensional learning. The students started to understand intentions of our ancient ancestors as to the specific location and designation of each acupoint, thus leading to the fundamental knowledge of the inevitable outcomes.  Such learning opportunities are really unattainable otherwise!

With the pavement of the previous four lecture series, we are ushered onto a higher platform. The curriculum design of the Fifth Lecture Series are more inspiring and practical. Our goal is “There is no deviation from the theory and ensure integration into the clinical practice. The clinical practice is to be enhanced by theories, which in turn reflects the classics!”

For Chinese medicine practitioners, classics are like a lighthouse on the vast sea. Its height and significance are to lead us to find the right direction all the time! Learning the classics is like building a lighthouse within our own hearts. Only in this way can we be fearless of any obstacles along the long journey of clinical practice, and can we make unremitting efforts until the day we see ourselves rescuing the critical conditions to life under the needle and curing of diseases with effective medicines.

The Fifth Lecture Series has commenced. Over eighty members have attended the lecture and enjoyed the fabulous opening Chapter “Ancient Theory of Primordial Energy“ (also known as Unviersal Truth)” (Shanggu Tianzhen Lun) in Fundamental Questions (Su Wen)“.

The lectures will continue to be run at one lecture per month, “Fundamental Questions (Su Wen)” and “Miraculous Pivot (Ling Shu)” will be delivered simultaneously. This means each lecture will contain two components. The first part will focus on interpretation of the original classical texts, and the second part on explaining in detail the diagnosis and treatment of a common condition by applying the classical theory. This arrangement will allow students to apply what they have learned instantly to their clinical practice!

In the Chinese medicine profession, there is a saying that “Without inheritance, the clinical practice is thousands of mountains away from truth.” How many Chinese medicine practitioners who have been practicing for decades regret that they cannot enter the real “Chinese Medicine Gate” in their lives with exhausting efforts! The students who participated in this course are fortunate. The Fourth Lecture Series have enabled everyone to experience the unique perspective of the professor’s analysis of the classics. The Fifth Lecture Series continue to be coordinated by the NSW Classics Planning and Coordination Team. The lectures are open to all CMASA members across Australia. All lectures are delivered by the famous Prof Guoqing Wei. It is well-known that Prof Wei teaches and answers questions with great patience. Prof Wei does not hesitate to put his decades of meticulous research and clinical achievements into his teaching, primarily enabling the learning easier. The integration of theoretical principles and concepts into practical settings is innovative and unique second to none. In the lectures, the content from previous lectures will be repeated continuously. Whether you are a student from previous lectures or a new student, you will surely achieve the learning goals and find resonances!

These brilliant and interconnected lectures will become the cornerstone of accurate clinical dialectical guiding ideology! Such an opportunity is right in front of us. It is really the blessing for CMASA members. As the Chinse saying goes, “Everything is ready, just waiting for the east wind to blow (the opportunity to arrive)”. This opportunity is in our own hands, whether you are willing to set off this learning enthusiasm in your clinical practice, the opportunity should not be overlooked and will not arrive again!

Delivery of the CMASA Classic Inheritance Lectures is a wise and appropriate approach for the majority of acupuncturists and Tuina members. The purpose is to:

• Establish the Chinese Medicine thinking,
• Improve clinical skills to solve clinical problems,
• Improve Chinese Medicine academic skills,
• Promote the quality and safety of clinical practice,