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A woman aged 41 was convicted and sentenced to a probation order of 12 months in the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (December 23) for practice of Chinese medicine without registration.
The Police and the Department of Health (DH) raided a beauty centre at 23 Jardine's Bazaar, Causeway Bay, in a joint operation on May 12. Investigations revealed that the woman provided "herbal mud-moxibustion" in the premises and she was charged for suspected practice of Chinese medicine without registration.
"'Herbal mud-moxibustion' is regarded as one of the Chinese medicine therapies if traditional Chinese medicine theory is applied. It involves the application of hot herbal mud on the human body surface. Through the effects of heat and herbal mud, it can regulate meridians and collaterals, and relieve pain. Improper use can lead to skin burns and infections," a spokesman for the DH said.
"We have been very concerned about the potential health risks and possible complications arising from illegal practice of Chinese medicine by beauty service providers," the spokesman said.
According to section 108 of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap 549), any person who practises Chinese medicine while not being a registered Chinese medicine practitioner or listed Chinese medicine practitioner in Hong Kong commits a criminal offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $100,000 and to imprisonment for three years.
Members of the public are urged to observe possible risks of procedures related to Chinese medicine therapies such as "herbal mud-moxibustion" in beauty centres and to make an informed choice. Users should discuss benefits, risks and full details of such procedures with healthcare professionals before making a decision.
Ends/Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:00
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