Traditional Chinese Medicine & Rehabilitation

China's medical system increasingly combines Western and traditional approaches — and for chronic conditions, pain, sleep and recovery, that integration is something you can't easily get anywhere else.

Where TCM fits in modern Chinese hospitals

Integrated TCM-western medicine (中西医结合) is a mainstream part of China's hospital system. Major hospitals run joint clinics where TCM specialists work alongside Western departments — PUMCH's TCM department, for example, operates 12 integrated joint clinics covering diabetes, oncology, Parkinson's disease and rare diseases.

What international patients seek TCM for

  • Chronic disease management — diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune conditions, as an adjunct to standard care.
  • Sleep disorders and stress — acupuncture and herbal medicine are commonly used alongside Western approaches.
  • Pain management — acupuncture, tuina (推拿) massage, and moxibustion for musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain.
  • Cancer supportive care — symptom relief and recovery support alongside oncology treatment (always coordinated with the oncology team).
  • Rehabilitation after surgery or injury — combined physiotherapy, acupuncture and movement therapy.

How TCM treatment works in practice

  1. Diagnosis session — the TCM physician takes a full history, pulse and tongue diagnosis, and reviews your Western records.
  2. Treatment plan — typically a combination of herbal prescriptions, acupuncture sessions, and lifestyle guidance.
  3. Follow-up schedule — courses of treatment run over days to weeks; plan your stay around the first treatment course.
  4. Records — request the treatment summary and herbal prescription details in English for your home doctor.
Integration, not substitution. The value of TCM in China is that it's offered inside major hospitals with full Western diagnostics. Always run any TCM plan past your primary Western physician — especially herbal medicines, which can interact with prescription drugs.

Frequently asked questions

Is TCM safe to combine with my medications?

Herbal medicines can interact with Western drugs. At integrated clinics, the TCM and Western teams share your record — disclose all medications and confirm interactions before starting.

How long does a TCM course take?

Typical courses run over several weeks with 2–3 sessions per week (acupuncture) or daily herbal treatment. Plan realistically — a one-week trip suits an initial diagnosis and first course, with follow-up remotely or on a return visit.

Can I get TCM records in English?

International departments can provide English summaries of diagnoses and herbal prescriptions. Ask for the full treatment record before you leave.

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