Tian said some patients undergoing treatment for the first time are confused about the procedures.

"Some patients don't understand that acupuncture needles are applied to their hands for lumbago. We need to explain this to the patients and ask them to relax," Tian said.

"Sometimes two translators are needed because not all locals speak French. This happens quite often during treatment."

The free acupuncture lasted till March last year, but when the patients had to pay the equivalent of 35 yuan ($5.40) for treatment fewer came to the clinic.

"The price is lower than in China, but might still be too expensive for locals," Tian said.

He also taught TCM to local doctors with an emphasis on acupuncture, massage and cupping-jar treatment.

"At first, they were afraid of the long needles," he said. "We taught them on models of hands and that eased their fears. The doctors became increasingly confident and interested in TCM as they saw how we cured patients using needles."

Life in Benin

Living conditions in Benin are not as good as at home, Tian said.

"I did some research before coming here, and was fully prepared psychologically," he said. "One problem that bothers me is that there are too many mosquitoes," he said, adding that an electronic mosquito swatter is a must.

"We need two people to prepare a meal; one cooks and the other kills mosquitoes."

Tian was a member of the 24th group of Chinese medical experts sent to Benin. He worked there for more than a year and returned to Ningxia on Feb 6.

During his time in Benin he had used TCM to treat more than 1,000 patients.

"I hope TCM will benefit more people in Benin after I go back to China," he said. "In the future, maybe the Benin government can send medical staff to learn Chinese medicine in China."