Australian university offers free Chinese medicine treatment

With winter fast approaching, RMIT University is helping people to beat coughs, colds and other winter nasties with a free introductory offer for Chinese medicine treatment.

The RMIT Chinese Medicine Teaching Clinic at Bundoora is offering members of the public a free treatment including therapeutic massage, acupuncture, a consultation, a general health assessment and dietary advice. The offer is available until the end of July 2004.

Patients will receive an initial assessment and treatment from senior students in the five-year Chinese Medicine double degree program, under the close supervision of registered Chinese Medicine practitioners.

The Mayor of Whittlesea, Councillor Lara Carli will join the head of the Chinese Medicine Unit at RMIT, Associate Professor Charlie Xue to launch the offer today.

Associate Professor Charlie Xue, a world-renowned expert in Chinese medicine, said it was important people took extra care of their health in winter, and that Chinese medicine practices emphasise enhancing individuals’ immunity and focus on prevention. “In particular, winter is a tough time in the year for older people and most of the chronic disease sufferers. Thus, a more preventive approach will be beneficial for these people to maintain their health,” Associate Professor Xue said.

Councillor Lara Carli said she was delighted to launch the offer, and excited to make her first visit to RMIT’s Bundoora campus since becoming Mayor in March.

“I am pleased to learn that public interest and usage of Chinese medicine is growing rapidly. The City of Whittlesea is fortunate to have RMIT University, the leading Chinese medicine teaching and research organisation in Australia and internationally, that also provides clinical services to the public in this region,” Cr Carli said.

Chinese medicine has a long history of use and significance in promoting health and treating chronic diseases. Recent scientific research has demonstrated that Chinese medicine is beneficial for a wide range of common clinical conditions.

RMIT University is one of the few universities in Australia to offer programs in Chinese medicine, including the first postgraduate degree program in Chinese herbal medicine to be introduced in Australia.

Appointments can be made by calling the Clinic on 9925 7666, and need to be made before the end of June 2004.

Media are invited to attend the launch: RMIT University Bundoora West campus, Plenty Road, Bundoora, Chinese Medicine Teaching Clinic, Building 213 (enter from McKimmies Road) On Thursday, 27 May 2004, 11.30am

Media contact: Danielle Huck, RMIT University Public Affairs, +61 (0)3 9925 2807.