For over 10 years, ICOM Graduates and Acupuncture practitioners have been involved in a charitable project in Myanmar training Doctors at the Watchet Jivitadhana Sanga Hospital near Saigang City. The hospital was founded in 1984 as a charitable institution and provides low-cost health services to monks and nuns, as well as the general public. A purpose-built Acupuncture unit has now been added and groups of ICOM Graduates aim to travel there at least once a year to provide training and to treat patients in the hospital.

The project was established by Kirsten Germann and early on Peter van Kervel led a 5 year program leading to the international (WFAS) qualification for the Myanmar Acupuncturists. The volunteer programme is now run by Kirsten, Bea Erler and Jinal Shah, and they have been joined by Director of Clinic Sarah Major and other ICOM graduates to further the education programme. 

As with previous visits to Myanmar, this year we have learned to expect the unexpected…

Straight after our long flight we were treated to a surprise from our hosts – a four hour road trip to Bagan, a UNESCO heritage site where thousands of pagodas were built in the 11th Century. After repacking our rucksacks in the airport car park we set off again, serenaded all the way to our hotel with melodic singing and guitar accompaniment. The glorious temples were revealed as the sun rose and early on our first day we woke to experience the wonders of this very special place.

Still a little tired and disoriented, we marvelled at the splendour of the multitude of pagodas. Only one per cent of the original number built still remain and yet incredibly, their pinnacles could be seen in every direction and at every focal point from the near ground to the horizon.

Sarah Major