RADFORD – Radford University School of Nursing students and faculty recently returned from a trip to the Nantong University School of Nursing in China. Nursing professors Maggie Bassett and Sallie Strauss and students Ashley Bowling, James Streett, Julia Chen, Brandy Leigh Chewning and Danielle DeMars embarked on a four-week trip that focused on traditional Chinese medicine.

Nantong University developed a four-week course highlighting the theory and practice of acupuncture; the use of meridians, or sources of energy flow within the body; and cupping, a method by which glass, pottery or bamboo cups are placed on the skin to create a vacuum designed to treat various conditions.

“So much effort and planning went into what they did for us,” said Bassett. “As a result, our students learned that these types of treatments are effective and may be used as an alternative means of healing in Western culture.”

Each day, the RU group spent half a day in clinics and two hours in lectures. They received an extraordinary opportunity to interact with university students and university hospital patients.

“As we started to learn about traditional Chinese medicine practices at the hospital, I was in awe at how in depth it was,” said DeMars. “I was surprised at how these doctors can remember all that information and embrace concepts that vary from what we all know as Western medical practices.”

The group studied Mandarin and visited area healthcare agencies and hospitals during their stay. They also traveled to Hangzhou, Xi'an and Beijing, where they witnessed preparations for the 2008 Summer Olympics.

The trip was part of an exchange agreement between RU and Nantong University that began in the spring. Bassett expects students from Nantong University to travel to RU next year, where they will learn about nursing education and the U.S. healthcare system.

To learn more about the exchange program, contact Maggie Bassett at (540) 831-7648 or mbassett@radford.edu.

IN THE PHOTO ABOVE: Pictured above, from left, are Danielle DeMars, Brandy Leigh Chewning, James Streett, Ashley Bowling and Julia Chen. Please see Nantong photos for more pictures taken during the trip.