In the heart of Sandton in Johannesburg, at the African Centre of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, you’ll find Rebaone Monama, a registered acupuncturist dedicated to practising and promoting traditional Chinese medicine in Africa.
His journey into this ancient art is rooted in tradition, modernity, and a passion for holistic healing that transcends borders.
“My journey into acupuncture was not just a career choice, it was calling,” Monama reflects.
Raised in an environment that fostered a deep respect for natural and holistic healing methods, Monama’s interest in acupuncture was ignited early on.
“There’s something profoundly powerful about healing that goes beyond the physical, touching the emotional and spiritual well-being of a person.”
Ancient art of healing
Monama’s academic path was as rigorous as it was inspiring. He graduated with distinction in complementary medicine from the University of Johannesburg, a testament to his dedication and aptitude in this field.
“It wasn’t just about getting a degree for me, it was about immersing myself in a tradition that has been around for thousands of years and understanding it from the ground up,” he says.
Today, Monama is a key figure in the advancement of acupuncture in Africa. As the national secretary of the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Africa, he plays a pivotal role in fostering international collaborations and promoting practices across the continent.
“Acupuncture in Africa is growing, and it’s exciting to be part of this movement. We are seeing more and more people embracing traditional methods of healing alongside modern medicine, which is a significant step forward,” he shares.
Combining traditional and modern practices
His work at the African Centre of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Sandton is characterised by a unique approach that combines traditional techniques with modern scientific understanding.
“Every patient is different, and that’s the beauty of acupuncture. It allows for a tailored approach that considers the individual’s entire being, not just the symptoms,” he adds.
Monama’s commitment to the field extends beyond practice. He is deeply involved in research, focusing particularly on the clinical effects of dodonaea viscosa jac var. angustifolia, an evergreen plant.
“Research is crucial in our field. It’s what bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific validation. My work with dodonaea viscosa is aimed at understanding its potential benefits in a clinical setting, and I believe it has significant promise,” Monama adds proudly.
The power of continuous learning
With more than 5 000 hours of practice in acupuncture clinics, Monama is a seasoned practitioner who continues to push the boundaries of what acupuncture can achieve. His expertise is not just limited to acupuncture, he holds a certificate in basic life support with distinction and is pursuing a master’s degree in complementary medicine (homeopathy).
He believes, “Continuous learning is vital in this field. Medicine, whether traditional or modern, is always evolving, and as practitioners, we must evolve with it.”
Looking to the future, he is hopeful and driven. According to Monama, there is still much work to be done to integrate acupuncture and traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare in Africa. He is optimistic, adding that they are making strides, and the interest is growing.
“My vision is to see a healthcare system where traditional and modern practices coexist, providing the best possible care for patients,” he adds passionately.
Listen to the full interview on the Health For Mzansi podcast:
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