Part One: Overview
From January 16th to February 8th 2025, I spent three weeks volunteering as an acupuncturist at the Jai Ambe Hospital, Chaparda, Junagadh India. It was set up as a multi-bed acupuncture clinic in the hospital, with a team of 3 acupuncturists per clinic ( male and female clinics), where I provided treatment to a high volume of patients each day.
Being of Indian origin and with my parents both being born and brought up in the Gujarat, I was able to communicate directly with patients without the need for a translator. This allowed for a deep level of connection.
What I did…
At the clinic, I worked 5.5 days/week from 8.30am to 5.00pm in a fast-paced environment, treating 35–40 patients daily. My responsibilities included:
• Conducting patient assessments and determining appropriate acupuncture treatment plans
• Performing acupuncture treatments in a multi-bed setting
• Educating patients about acupuncture and holistic health practices
• Managing time effectively to ensure smooth patient flow
Impact and Learning
• Direct Communication with Patients: Being fluent in the local language allowed me to build trust with patients, understand their concerns more effectively, and provide a very personalised approach to treatment.
• Handling High Patient Volume: The experience taught me how to efficiently manage time while ensuring each patient received quality care.
• Exposure to a Wide Range of Conditions: I treated patients with chronic pain, musculoskeletal issues, stress-related ailments, and other conditions, enhancing my clinical experience. Many were from poor socio-economic backgrounds and employed as farm or construction site labourers. So many had long standing chronic conditions that they had not been able to resolve.
Some Challenges and Solutions
• Balancing Efficiency with Personalised Care: With a high number of patients daily, I had to develop a system for quick yet thorough assessments while maintaining a compassionate approach.
• Resource Constraints: The clinic operated with limited supplies, which required creative problem-solving and adaptability in treatment methods.
Doing what was possible in a short space of time: there is only so much that can be done in 3 weeks but also much that can be achieved through intense treatments, particularly with pain and stifffness.
Treating in Gujarati: this was a new one as my first language is English despite being born to Gujarati parents! But I did it and it felt like an achievement in itself!
Some Personal Reflections
This experience was incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally. Being able to communicate directly with patients without a language barrier deepened my understanding of their concerns and helped me understand their needs and connect with them personally.
Most importantly, it has reinforced my passion for acupuncture as a tool for accessible and effective healthcare.
Volunteering in India was a transformative experience that strengthened my clinical skills, cultural competence, and ability to work in a high-demand healthcare setting. It reaffirmed my commitment to making acupuncture more accessible, particularly in community-focused environments.
I am so deeply grateful for the experience
#trikonawellness #acupuncture #volunteering #india #worldmedicineacupuncture