Acupuncture, one of the modalities used for pain relief, may be used alone or as an adjunct to other treatment methods.

However, it has been used to treat a wide range of other conditions such as chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, postoperative nausea/vomiting and idiopathic headache.

Acupuncture is generally very safe and without side effects when carried out by an appropriately trained practitioner.

The University of Malta has started a course of studies to professionally train healthcare personnel in the technique and help them reach the high standards of practice required by the World Health Organisation.

The university course is being managed and taught in collaboration with the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is a centre of excellence in China and one of the first four colleges teaching this subject.

In conjunction with the theoretical course, the University has set up a traditional Chinese medicine clinic, manned by highly professional doctors from the Shanghai University, who are in Malta to manage the clinic, which is based in Triq l-Imħallef Paolo Debono, Msida (by the old entrance gate of the University).

Treatment options are discussed with the patient after a detailed consultation and delivered against a nominal fee.

Appointments can be made directly with the clinic by calling 2340 3988 or by e-mailing tcm@um.edu.mt after a formal referral.

Opening hours are from 9am to noon and 1 to 4pm, Mondays to Fridays. Each session with a patient lasts approximately an hour.

http://www.um.edu.mt/tcm/tcmclinic