When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
Transforming Chiropractic in China: CDAHK Leads the Way
Editor’s Note: Article submitted by the Chiropractic Doctors Association of Hong Kong (CDAHK).
From its strategic location in the heart of Hong Kong, the Chiropractic Doctors Association of Hong Kong (CDAHK) is leading an unprecedented global collaboration that is set to ignite a transformative movement in the chiropractic sector in China. This collaborative effort, involving key stakeholders in China’s health care sector, is laying down a roadmap for chiropractic professional development, with the potential to revolutionize the field in China.
The first milestone on this journey was a landmark meeting with Cao Xuetao, deputy director of the National Health Commission of China (NHC). Mr. Cao expressed a strong desire for a deeper integration of Hong Kong’s health care strengths into China’s national health development strategy. This call to action signals the start of a new era in chiropractic professional development in China.
Moreover, this collaboration opens up a plethora of opportunities for profound interactions with mainland China’s industry, academia and research institutions. The collective mission is to leverage chiropractic skills and expertise to promote enhanced health care standards, contributing to the health and well-being of both regions.
The momentum continued with a pivotal meeting with Zhao Yupui, president of the Chinese Medical Association (CMA). In this meeting, the current status and future prospects of medical development in Hong Kong and China were discussed extensively. This dialogue provided an essential platform for leaders in the medical field to strategize the promotion of chiropractic development in China.
As we forge ahead, these conversations and collaborations are expected to inject dynamism into the medical and health care industries of both Hong Kong and China. Drs. Eric Chu and Valerie Chu are optimistic about the role these interactions will play in shaping the future of chiropractic care in China.
A visit to Sinopharm Group Company Limited provided a first-hand look at the power of determination and innovation. Under the leadership of Chairman Wei Yulin, Sinopharm successfully developed the Sinopharm BIBP COVID-19 vaccine. This accomplishment serves as a clear reminder that no obstacle is too great when we are determined to make a positive impact. The visit inspired chiropractors to push the boundaries in their field and explore new frontiers in chiropractic care.
At the Beijing Gulou Chinese Medicine Hospital, Drs. Eric Chu and Valerie Chu were impressed by their commitment to preventative health care. Their patient-centric ethos and dedication to community healthcare services set a benchmark for all. This visit underscored the need for chiropractors to explore alternative treatment options for pelvic correction and spinal problems. Collaborative knowledge exchanges such as these are instrumental in advancing chiropractic care.
A meeting at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital with Dr. Zhang Lyric Yang (dean) and Dr. Du Bin (vice dean) laid the foundation for mutual learning and growth. The discourse on the latest advancements in hospital management and rehabilitation medicine was enlightening. These globalized medical dialogues offer invaluable opportunities for continuous learning and development. Drs. Eric Chu and Valerie Chu are eager to foster more partnerships with medical experts from China, and share Hong Kong’s knowledge to further our collective goal of enhancing global health care services.
The Healthy China Initiative 2030 Blueprint marks a significant shift in China’s health care policies toward health promotion and disease prevention. Chiropractic care, with its emphasis on health and nonpharmacological treatment, can contribute to achieving the goals of this initiative. These promising cross-border collaborations are paving the way for a new era of chiropractic care in China.
The CDAHK has published a proposal to the Beijing government for the inclusion of chiropractic care in the Healthy China Initiative 2030. As we look to the future, we are confident that these collaborations will revolutionize the chiropractic profession in China, ultimately contributing to the health and well-being of people globally.
In the literary sphere, members of the CDAHK made a significant contribution to the Hong Kong Bookfair 2023 with the publication of The Chiropractor’s Guide to Chiropractic Care - End Pain with Chiropractic Care. The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of health and the spinal state, explaining how numerous common ailments can be linked to spinal misalignment.
The guide aims to empower readers to reclaim their health through non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical chiropractic care, thereby leading to a life filled with wellness and vitality. This publication is a testament to CDAHK’s commitment to promoting health and well-being through chiropractic care.