About Us
Natural Keys to Health
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Our Story
The African Centre of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (ACCMA), formerly recognised as HENGCHUN HEALTH CENTRE, has been in operation since 2009. It serves as a healthcare institution committed to employing acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and other complementary therapies for the treatment of various ailments. All practitioners associated with ACCMA are duly registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa.​
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To maintain a superior level of service, ACCMA practitioners are afforded the opportunity to participate in both national and international conferences, engage in regular case studies, partake in continuous professional development, and foster international collaborations. These avenues enable them to stay abreast of the latest advancements in their field, thereby augmenting their skills and knowledge to ensure the delivery of exceptional healthcare services.
​ACCMA actively collaborates with the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Africa (CMAAA) and the Complementary Medicine: Education and Research to advance public health initiatives in South Africa. This collaborative effort aims to foster collaboration among these organisations, leveraging their respective expertise and resources to contribute to the promotion of health and well-being in the region. By engaging with CMAAA and participating in initiatives supported by the Complementary Medicine: Education and Research, ACCMA seeks to enhance its impact on public health through the dissemination of knowledge, research, and the integration of complementary medicine practices. This collaborative approach underscores ACCMA's commitment to comprehensive and holistic healthcare solutions in South Africa.
Dr Zijing Hu
PhD, MMed, MB
Dr Hu is a registered Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture doctor. He has been practising Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture since 2009. In 2022, he completed his PhD study through the University of Pretoria within the minimum timeframe of two years. His PhD study focused on strengthening the teaching, learning, assessment and practices of acupuncture programmes at higher education institutions. In 2023, he was appointed as a Visiting Scholar at the Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China. He is an active researcher in education, who has published numerous articles and book chapters. His research focus is on quality education provision with a particular interest in teaching and learning to improve learning outcomes. His research interests cover complementary medicine (Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture), teaching and learning, and professional teacher development within a South African context. He serves as the chairperson of the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Africa and the Editor-in-Chief for Complementary Medicine: Education and Research.
Dr Darren Carpenter
Mphil, BCM CMA, BSC CHS
Dr Carpenter is a registered Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture doctor. He has been practising Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture since 2017. In 2024, he completed his Master’s study through the University of Johannesburg. He also holds dual qualifications of a Bachelor of Sciences in Complementary Health Science, and Bachelors of Complementary Medicine in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. His research interests cover complementary medicine (Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture), sports injuries and musculoskeletal diseases. He is the Councillor for Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture at the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) since 2022. He also serves as the vice-chairperson of the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Africa.
Mr Rebaone Monama
BHS Complementary Medicine (UJ)
Mr Monama’s approach combines time-honoured techniques with modern understanding to address a wide range of health concerns, from chronic pain and stress management to fertility issues and emotional well-being.
With a deep respect for the body's innate healing abilities, Mr Monama works collaboratively with clients to create comprehensive treatment plans that promote wellness on physical, mental, and emotional levels. Whether you seek relief from pain, support for a specific condition, or simply wish to enhance your overall health and vitality, Mr Monama is dedicated to guiding you on your journey toward optimal well-being with more than 5,000 hours of practice in acupuncture clinics.