In North Africa, a Chinese doctor from Shiyan, central China's Hubei Province, Lu Yuanzheng, has been quietly building bridges of friendship through traditional Chinese medicine. Since 2017, as a member of China's 27th medical aid team to Algeria, he has been working in the city of Setif, using acupuncture to bring relief and hope to local patients.

In Algeria, acupuncture is affectionately known as "Libaira," meaning "needle treatment." The name dates back to 1963, when China sent its first medical team to North Africa. Acupuncture quickly became popular for being affordable, effective, and fast-acting, earning the nickname "the magic needles of China." Today, Lu carries this legacy forward.

One of his most memorable cases involved a teenage girl suffering from facial paralysis. After seeking treatment across Algeria without success, her mother brought her to Dr. Lu as a last hope. After several rounds of acupuncture, the girl made a full recovery. Her family was overwhelmed with joy, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese doctor and to the healing power of traditional Chinese medicine.

Over the years, interest in Chinese medicine has grown rapidly in Algeria. Many young Algerians now study in China and return home to open their own clinics. At the University of Algiers 1 Faculty of Medicine, Chinese professors regularly hold lectures on acupuncture and herbal medicine, attracting large numbers of students and doctors who listen attentively and take careful notes.

Dr. Lu recalls with a smile, "When I searched for the word 'acupuncture' online, I found that most of the content was shared by foreigners. They're eager to experience it, and once they see the results, they can't wait to learn." After each lecture, he and his colleagues are surrounded by enthusiastic participants – students, professors, and practitioners – all eager to deepen their understanding of acupuncture and connect with their Chinese counterparts.

From Setif to Algiers, Dr. Lu Yuanzheng and countless Chinese doctors have brought health, compassion and cultural exchange to the people of Africa, allowing the ancient art of Chinese acupuncture to shine under the Mediterranean sun.