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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.
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.
Prof Zijing Hu
PhD, MMed, MB
Prof Hu is a registered Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture practitioner and an Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg. He has been practising since 2009, and in 2022, he completed his PhD at 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)
A graduate of the University of Johannesburg, Rebaone Monama combines time-honoured healing techniques with contemporary approaches to address a broad spectrum of health concerns, including chronic pain, stress management, fertility challenges, and emotional well-being. In 2025, he refined his expertise in Chengdu, China, where he undertook advanced, intensive training in pestle needling. During this period, he also expanded his proficiency in acupuncture and tuina massage, further enhancing his clinical capabilities. Notably, he is among the first five South African practitioners to receive professional training in pestle needling, a practice officially recognised as one of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritages.