Medical Care in China

TCM & Acupuncture

Integrating the unique diagnostic and treatment features of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern medical concepts, we provide individualized treatment plans for pain, neurological dysfunction, and postoperative rehabilitation.

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Special TCM TechniquesThe synergistic application of various TCM techniques such as acupuncture, needle knife therapy, and massage.
Precision pain interventionDeveloping plans for neck, shoulder, back, leg pain and neuropathic pain.
Postoperative rehabilitationCombines traditional Chinese medicine treatment with modern rehabilitation to promote functional recovery.
Personalized treatmentTreatment:Plans are developed based on the patient's condition, physical condition, and treatment needs.

Diagnostic Range

Discover the treatment pathway that's right for you

Select a category to see information on care plans, matching hospitals, specialists, and more.

Neck, shoulder, lower back and leg pain

Soreness and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, back, and waist, which may be accompanied by radiating pain, numbness, and decreased sensation in the upper/lower limbs; limited joint movement, which is aggravated by fatigue, cold, and poor posture; severe cases may present with decreased muscle strength and intermittent claudication; severe spinal cord compression may cause a band-like sensation in the trunk and abnormal bowel and bladder function.

Rotator cuff injury

Pain on the anterolateral side of the shoulder joint, with significant pain at rest at night, which may wake the patient; painful arc sign (significant pain during abduction of 60°–120°); decreased active abduction and internal/external rotation strength of the affected limb, but passive movement is basically normal; weakness in raising the arm, pain is induced by combing hair, touching the back, or lifting heavy objects; positive Jobe test and Lift-off test; forceful stretching is strictly prohibited, as it may aggravate the tear.

Lumbar disc herniation

lower back pain, radicular sciatica (radiating pain in the lower limbs, aggravated by increased abdominal pressure); decreased sensation and muscle strength in the lower limbs; in severe cases, cauda equina syndrome (numbness in the perineum, bowel and bladder dysfunction); positive straight leg raise test and reinforced test.

Ankylosing spondylitis

Inflammatory low back pain, which worsens at rest, at night, and after prolonged sitting, and is relieved by activity; morning stiffness in the lower back (morning stiffness ≥30 minutes); pain in the sacroiliac region and deep buttocks; tendon enthesitis (heel pain, plantar pain); may be accompanied by peripheral arthritis and uveitis; late-stage kyphosis and limited chest movement; ASDAS and BASDAI are used to assess disease activity.

Herpes zoster neuralgia

burning pain, electric shock pain, needle-like tearing pain in the dermatome area; hyperalgesia, pain sensitivity, severe pain can be induced by clothing friction or a slight breeze; accompanied by local numbness and tightness; may be accompanied by sleep disorders, anxiety and depression; pain is strictly distributed along the unilateral nerve dermatome and generally does not cross the midline.

Facial nerve palsy (facial paralysis)

disappearance of forehead wrinkles on one side, inability to frown, widening of the palpebral fissure, incomplete eyelid closure, and tearing with exposed eye; shallowing of the nasolabial fold on the affected side, deviation of the corner of the mouth towards the healthy side, air leakage when puffing out the cheeks, and food retention in the teeth and cheeks; may be accompanied by pain in the mastoid region behind the ear, decreased taste in the anterior 2/3 of the tongue, and hyperacusis; in the sequelae stage, facial muscle synkinesis, facial muscle spasm, and facial muscle atrophy may occur.

Peripheral nerve injury

flaccid muscle weakness and muscle atrophy in the area innervated by the damaged nerve; sensory disturbances (numbness, decreased sensation, hyperalgesia, burning pain); autonomic nerve abnormalities, cold skin, anhidrosis, pigmentation; weakened or absent tendon reflexes; Tinel's sign can help assess nerve regeneration.

Migraine

Paroxysmal unilateral moderate to severe throbbing headache, lasting 4 to 72 hours; accompanied by nausea and vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia, which worsen with daily activities; those with aura experience flashes of light, scotomas, and paresthesia before the attack; chronic migraine attacks ≥15 days per month, often accompanied by sleep and mood comorbidities.

Trigeminal neuralgia

Paroxysmal severe pain in the trigeminal nerve distribution area on one side of the face, described as electric shock-like, knife-like, or tearing pain; sudden onset and cessation, lasting from a few seconds to 1–2 minutes; trigger points are present, which can be induced by washing the face, brushing teeth, talking, or being exposed to wind; painful facial muscle twitching may be present; the patient may be completely normal during the intervals; as the course of the disease progresses, the frequency of attacks increases and the intervals shorten.

Allergic rhinitis

The four core symptoms are paroxysmal sneezing, clear nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and nasal itching, often accompanied by itchy eyes, conjunctival congestion, and other manifestations of allergic conjunctivitis. In international studies, nasal congestion (94.23%) and runny nose (90.38%) are the most common symptoms. Symptoms are episodic and reversible, triggered immediately upon exposure to allergens. Typical signs include pale and edematous nasal mucosa, enlarged inferior turbinate, and copious clear watery nasal discharge.

Bronchial Asthma

Recurrent wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough; worsening at night or in the early morning; triggered by allergens, cold air, exercise, or infection; wheezing in both lungs during an attack; symptoms may subside spontaneously or after intervention; severe attacks may result in dyspnea and hypoxemia.

Hearing loss and tinnitus

hearing loss, a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ears; tinnitus presents as a cicada-like, buzzing, hissing, or pulsating sound; may be accompanied by dizziness and hyperacusis; sudden sensorineural hearing loss has a 72-hour golden window for treatment; chronic and intractable tinnitus severely interferes with sleep and mood.

Tenosynovitis

local tenderness and pain on movement, stiffness upon waking; clicking or locking of fingers during flexion and extension, and in severe cases, finger locking requiring external assistance to move; positive radial styloid process type fist ulnar deviation test, and decreased grip strength.

Ganglion cyst

a subcutaneous hemispherical bulge, with a firm texture and clear borders; most are asymptomatic, but local soreness and tenderness may occur when the tension is high; the cyst may compress nerves and blood vessels, causing numbness and limited joint strength; the size of the cyst may change with joint movement.

Leading Specialists

Trusted Expertise Across Leading Specialties

Shi Dazhuo

Chief Researcher, Qihuang Scholar, Director of the Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas : myocardial repair after myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, chronic heart failure; Cutting-edge technologies: Qi-invigorating and blood-activating muscle-regenerating therapy for myocardial infarction, plaque-targeted regulation; Areas of expertise: coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, chronic heart failure; Academic highlights: Principal investigator of a national key research and development project, multiple evidence-based studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese m

Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital) logo Affiliated Hospital Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)
Yin Lixin

Chief Physician

TCM & Acupuncture

Research area : Personalized treatment of colorectal and anal diseases using integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Specializes in treating: hemorrhoids, anal fistula, anal fissure, rectal prolapse, colorectal tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, radiation enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, perianal skin diseases, rectovaginal fistula, and other anorectal and surgical diseases.

Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine logo Affiliated Hospital Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Yao Yibo

Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor, Director of the Department of Anorectal Surgery, and the Fifth Generation Successor of the Gu Family Surgery

TCM & Acupuncture

-Research areas : functional constipation, gut microbiota, complex anal fistula, pelvic floor dynamic disorders. - Cutting-edge technologies: Sacral nerve modulation therapy for defecation disorders; minimally invasive treatment combining sutures and VAAFT; research on the pathogenesis of constipation in traditional Chinese medicine. - Areas of expertise: intractable functional constipation, high-level complex anal fistula, pelvic floor defecation disorders, and chronic perianal wounds. - Academic Highlig

Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine logo Affiliated Hospital Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Zhang Jingchun

Professor , Deputy Director of Cardiovascular Department, specializing in Imperial Medicine and Palpitation Treatment

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas: Imperial medicine, traditional Chinese medicine treatment of palpitations (arrhythmia), and research on Qing Dynasty imperial physician literature. Cutting-edge technology: Under the guidance of Academician Chen Keji, the three major official medical books of the Song Dynasty and the literature of imperial physicians of the Qing Dynasty were systematically organized. Based on the concept of "all diseases originate from the liver, and treating the liver is the first priority" of Tong Kuoqua

Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital) logo Affiliated Hospital Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)
Li Bin

Chief Physician, Professor

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas : metabolic diseases, obesity, diabetes; cutting-edge technologies: fire needle warming and breaking theory, combined acupuncture and drug therapy for metabolic diseases; Areas of expertise: Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity; Academic highlights: Academic leader in the field of fire needle metabolic diseases; Core value: Building an integrated chronic disease management system that combines acupuncture and medication with lifestyle intervention for metabolic diseases.

Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University logo Affiliated Hospital Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University
Liu Qingquan

Chief Physician, Professor

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas : Traditional Chinese medicine emergency care, infectious diseases, and respiratory critical care; Cutting-edge technologies: Traditional Chinese medicine epidemic disease theory, and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment plans for sepsis. Areas of expertise: Severe pneumonia, sepsis, fever of unknown origin; Academic highlights: Head of the National Traditional Chinese Medicine Epidemic Prevention and Control Base; Core value: Establishing a TCM-based emergency care

Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University logo Affiliated Hospital Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

Patient Stories

See the Next Step Through Patient Journeys

Postherpetic neuralgia – A Filipino elderly man's palliative care helps him overcome CASE 01
PATIENT JOURNEY

Postherpetic neuralgia – A Filipino elderly man's palliative care helps him overcome "pain in his lower back".

TCM & Acupuncture

Patient records: Name: Maria Age: 68 Nationality: Filipino Diagnosis: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) Treatment Hospital: Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences When the pain becomes a memory, we help her regain peaceful nights. Maria, a 68-year-old retired teacher from Cebu, Philippines, developed shingles on the left side of her chest and back three months ago. After the rash healed, the real nightmare began. The original shingles area was left with intense, burning, and stabbing p

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Melting the CASE 02
PATIENT JOURNEY

Melting the "Frozen" Shoulders—An Indonesian Businessman's Painless Restart

TCM & AcupunctureRehabilitation

Patient records: Name: Budi Age: 52 years old Nationality: Indonesia Diagnosis: Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) Treatment Hospital: Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine When his arm became "displayable," we found the key to restarting it. 52-year-old Budi is a successful Chinese businessman in Jakarta, spending most of his time working at a desk. Six months ago, he began experiencing a dull ache in his right shoulder, which he initially ignored. However,

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Cerebral Palsy in Children: Unlocking the CASE 03
PATIENT JOURNEY

Cerebral Palsy in Children: Unlocking the "Compressed Spring"—A Kazakh Family Finds a Precise Answer in China

TCM & AcupunctureNeurologyPediatrics

Patient records Name: Alina Age: 5 years old Nationality: Kazakhstan Diagnosis: Spastic diplegia (cerebral palsy), GMFCS grade III Treatment Hospital: Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine For a family, the rehabilitation of a child with cerebral palsy is a marathon with no end in sight. When parents take their children around the world, only to hear time and again, "This is the only way," the despair is profound. Alina's story tells how we helped a family find tha

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Stroke Rehabilitation: When Language Becomes an Island—We Build a Cross-Cultural Rehabilitation Bridge for a Thai Painter CASE 04
PATIENT JOURNEY

Stroke Rehabilitation: When Language Becomes an Island—We Build a Cross-Cultural Rehabilitation Bridge for a Thai Painter

TCM & AcupunctureRehabilitation

Patient records Name: Sophie Age: 65 Nationality: Thailand Diagnosis: Post-ischemic stroke sequelae (right middle cerebral artery supply area), Wernicke aphasia, right hemiplegia. Treatment Hospital: Neurorehabilitation Center, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University Case Study Theme: For overseas patients, the biggest obstacles to cross-border medical treatment are often not distance, but rather "information asymmetry" and "culture shock." They don't know how China's healthcare system works, whic

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Frequently Asked Questions

TCM & Acupuncture FAQs

Learn about clinical review, record preparation and arrangements for care in China.

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Which diseases are suitable for TCM acupuncture treatment?

Cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation, frozen shoulder, joint pain, sciatica, migraine, and some neurological dysfunctions can be professionally evaluated.

Can acupuncture treat chronic pain?

Some patients with chronic pain can improve their pain and functional status through acupuncture and other methods, but the specific treatment needs to be assessed based on the underlying cause.

Does acupuncture require long-term treatment?

The treatment cycle depends on the type of disease, the course of the disease, and the individual's response. Usually, a phased treatment plan needs to be developed.

Can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment be carried out simultaneously with Western medicine treatment?

In some cases, yes, but it needs to be evaluated by a professional doctor in conjunction with the patient's current medications and treatment plans.

Does a herniated lumbar disc always require surgery?

Not necessarily. Some patients can first undergo conservative treatment, rehabilitation, and pain management.

Can postoperative pain be treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Some patients can receive auxiliary treatments such as acupuncture and massage after their surgical recovery has been assessed.

Can facial paralysis be treated with acupuncture?

Some patients can receive acupuncture and rehabilitation treatment, but the cause and stage of the disease need to be determined first.

What do I need to prepare before coming to China to receive TCM treatment?

It is recommended to prepare previous diagnoses, examination reports, imaging data, and medication records.

Can I continue treatment after returning to my home country?

Remote follow-up appointments can be arranged depending on the situation, and guidance can be provided for subsequent rehabilitation and health management.

Is acupuncture suitable for all patients?

No. Whether someone is suitable requires a professional assessment based on their disease, physical condition, and relevant contraindications.