For expats living in or visiting China, understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is important in order to better navigate its local healthcare system, particularly for chronic conditions, rehabilitation, and wellness maintenance.
China has been actively opening its hospitals and clinics to international patients in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. Whether you're a long-term resident, a medical traveler, or simply curious about what TCM can offer, this guide walks you through the key treatments, where to access them, and how to make sure your insurance has you covered.
TCM is rooted in the philosophy of balance: between yin and yang and the flow of vital energy, or qi, through the body. Rather than treating isolated symptoms, TCM practitioners assess the body as a whole and search for patterns of imbalance.
TCM can look very different from Western medicine. Practitioners examine the tongue, take the pulse at multiple points, and consider the patient’s overall constitution before recommending a course of treatment.
For more tips on navigating healthcare in China as an expat, see our Guide to Healthcare in China.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles at specific points along the body’s meridians (energy pathways) to help regulate physical functions and relieve symptoms.
In China, acupuncture is utilized for pain management, rehabilitation, stress reduction, headaches, digestive issues, and chronic conditions. Research shows it may be particularly effective for certain types of pain, including back and neck pain, osteoarthritis-related knee pain, and joint pain.
It is also used alongside conventional medicine, including during cancer treatment to help manage side effects such as nausea and discomfort. For expats in China, acupuncture is one of the more common TCM therapies available in both public hospitals and specialized TCM clinics.
Herbal medicine practitioners prescribe customized formulas, typically combinations of plant-based ingredients, though some formulas include mineral or animal components, based on each patient's pattern of imbalance.
Herbal prescriptions may be taken as teas, powders, or capsules. Many hospitals also use clinically validated proprietary Chinese medicines and approved intravenous TCM preparations in integrated treatment settings.
Tuina is a form of therapeutic massage that works along the body’s meridian system. It uses a range of techniques such as kneading, rolling, pressing, and stretching to relieve musculoskeletal pain, improve circulation, and address internal conditions. Unlike a relaxation massage, tuina is a clinical therapy prescribed and performed by trained practitioners.
Cupping involves placing heated glass or silicone cups on the skin to create suction, drawing blood to the surface and stimulating circulation. It is commonly used for muscle tension, respiratory conditions, and fatigue.
One recognizable feature of cupping is the round red or purple marks it can leave behind. These marks are usually painless and temporary, typically fading within several days to a week depending on the intensity of the treatment.
Moxibustion (艾灸, Ài Jiǔ)
Moxibustion involves burning dried mugwort (moxa) near or on specific acupuncture points to warm the area and promote the flow of qi (vital energy). It is commonly used alongside acupuncture for conditions that TCM practitioners associate with “cold” or low energy in the body, such as digestive discomfort, joint pain, muscle stiffness, or fatigue.
Depending on the technique, the practitioner will hold a lit moxa stick close to the skin or place it on top of acupuncture needles to deliver deeper heat. Treatments typically create a strong herbal aroma and a warming sensation, but they should not feel painful.
Gua sha is a technique where a smooth tool is used to scrape the skin to stimulate circulation and release muscular tension. It is commonly used for neck and back pain, as well as immune support.
In recent years, gua sha has also become popular worldwide as a beauty and skincare practice. Facial gua sha uses smaller, smoother tools, often made from jade or rose quartz, with lighter pressure to help reduce puffiness, encourage lymphatic drainage, and relax facial muscles.
Acupotomy, also known as needle-knife therapy, is a more specialized TCM treatment that combines acupuncture and minimally invasive surgical technology, using a small needle-shaped blade to release adhesions in chronic soft tissue conditions.
Acupotomy is primarily used for conditions like cervical spondylosis, lumbar pain, and chronic joint pain. Because of the advanced training required for it, this therapy is largely unavailable outside China, making it one of the more unique offerings for expats and international patients.
Herbal external therapies use medicinal herbs applied directly to the body rather than taken internally. Common treatments include herbal soaking baths, medicated compresses, and herbal plasters and patches applied to acupuncture points (futie), as well as “drug penetration therapy,” where herbal solutions are delivered through the skin using heat or mild electrical stimulation.
These therapies are widely used in China to help manage pain, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support recovery from injury or illness. In hospitals and integrated TCM clinics, they are often combined with acupuncture, massage, or conventional medical treatment as part of a broader rehabilitation plan.
One of the major shifts in China’s healthcare system is the integration of TCM with Western medicine. In many hospitals, patients can now receive conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, rehabilitation, or immunotherapy alongside TCM therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage, all under coordinated medical care from the same institution.
This integrated approach has become an official part of China’s healthcare strategy, particularly for chronic disease management, rehabilitation, pain treatment, and cancer support. Rather than positioning TCM as an alternative to modern medicine, many hospitals now use it as a complementary therapy to support recovery, ease side effects, and improve long-term wellness.
China is also increasingly adapting these services for international patients. Shanghai has emerged as one of the leading cities in this effort, with pilot programs encouraging public hospitals to improve access for overseas visitors and expat residents. Participating hospitals are expanding English-language support, streamlining appointment and admission processes, and developing international wards designed for foreign patients.
For expats in China, this means access to a healthcare system that is becoming more internationally oriented while still offering treatments and therapies that are difficult to find outside the country.
Finding reputable TCM care as a foreigner does involve some research, particularly around language. Many licensed TCM practitioners work primarily in Chinese, and international departments at TCM hospitals are not yet universal. That said, options are expanding.
Here is a roundup of facilities across major cities that expats have found accessible:
Shanghai Longhua Hospital is Shanghai's only TCM hospital participating in the city's international medical tourism pilot program and holds Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. The hospital’s surgery departments are known for their integrated TCM-Western approach. With the addition of an international medical center, foreign patients can access consultations with ease.
Body and Soul Medical Clinics is a well-established private clinic group that offers TCM services, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, delivered by English-speaking practitioners. It is frequently recommended by expats for its accessibility and communication standards.
Shanghai East International Medical Center (SEIMC) is another option frequently mentioned in the expat community, offering TCM alongside other specialties at a relatively accessible price point compared to premium private clinics.
Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the city's dedicated TCM institutions with a broad range of departments and a comprehensive pharmacy.
Dongzhimen Hospital is affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and offers a range of TCM services with academic backing.
Oasis International Hospital is a private facility that includes a TCM department alongside nearly 30 other specialties, with direct billing arrangements with over 100 insurance companies a practical benefit for expat patients.
Tong Ren Tang Clinic carries one of TCM's well-recognized names, with a history dating to the Qing Dynasty. While primarily known for its herbal pharmacy (which has locations worldwide), the clinic offers consultations and treatments.
Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine serves the Greater Bay Area and is a university-affiliated institution with a solid clinical and academic reputation.
Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and its affiliated hospital are well-regarded options, with costs that tend to be lower than in Shanghai or Beijing while maintaining a strong clinical standard.
Tip: At public TCM hospitals, English-speaking staff can be hard to find. For expats, communication is generally much smoother at international hospitals or private clinics.
If you are seeking treatment at a public institution, considering a medical coordinator or translator can make the process considerably easier.
One of the key advantages of exploring TCM in China is its affordability, which often cost significantly less than the same treatments abroad. Public TCM hospital pricing is regulated by the government, so lower prices should be expected.
At government public hospital TCM centers, a session typically runs 400–900 RMB, which may include a registration fee of around 100 RMB, acupuncture or massage for 200–400 RMB, and take-home herbal medicine for another 200–400 RMB. Regular outpatient consultations cost 100–300 RMB.
At premium private clinics with English-speaking practitioners, prices are naturally higher but still tend to compare favorably to equivalent services in Western countries or Singapore.
For specialized integrated treatments such as a full rehabilitation package or an oncology support program at a hospital like Longhua, costs are still much lower than similar care overseas, with treatment cycles that can often be completed within one to two weeks (perfect for those thinking of coming to China for a relaxing vacation!)
It depends on your plan, but comprehensive individual and group plans in China usually do include TCM coverage.
In China, TCM treatments such as acupuncture, tuina, and herbal medicine are commonly covered under standard outpatient (OP) benefits on many local health insurance plans. Rather than being treated as an alternative or complementary benefit, TCM is often considered part of general outpatient care.
However, this coverage usually only applies if your plan includes OP benefits, so if you only have inpatient (IP) coverage, TCM treatments are unlikely to be covered.
It’s important to note that not all plans will cover TCM, so it is worth reviewing policy documents carefully or speaking with an insurance intermediary who can compare plans across providers.
If you work in China, your employer may provide a group health insurance plan. Many corporate plans in China also include TCM benefits as part of their outpatient coverage. As with individual plans, the scope of covered treatments and applicable limits vary between insurers and plan tiers.
For companies building or reviewing employee benefits, ensuring that your group plans include TCM coverage can be a meaningful addition to a benefits package, given how commonly employees, both local and foreign, access TCM for routine wellness and chronic condition management.
For expats seeking broader global portability,International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) plans can offer coverage that travels with you. Some IPMI providers include TCM and complementary medicine benefits, which are typically available as an add-on or within enhanced outpatient modules.
Tip: Before your first TCM appointment, confirm with your insurer whether the specific treatment type and the facility you have chosen are covered under your plan. Keeping receipts and obtaining a formal diagnosis from a licensed practitioner can help speed up the claims process.
Navigating the insurance landscape in China with its mix of local plans, employer schemes, and international policies can feel complex. That's where working with an insurance intermediary like Pacific Prime can be useful.
As a locally regulated insurance intermediary in China, Pacific Prime can help you compare plans from a range of insurers, understand what TCM benefits are included, and find coverage suited to your circumstances, whether you are an individual, a family, or a business looking at group options.
Explore ourplans page to get started, or contact our team directly for personalized guidance.
If you are new to TCM, a few practical points are worth keeping in mind:
Seek licensed practitioners. In China, TCM doctors must hold qualifications and be registered. At reputable hospitals and clinics, this procedure is standard. Be cautious of informal or unlicensed providers.
TCM works alongside, not always instead of, conventional medicine. For acute conditions, infections, or serious diagnoses, consult a conventional doctor first. TCM is particularly well-suited to chronic conditions, preventive care, rehabilitation, and managing side effects of conventional treatments.
Your first appointment will likely focus on diagnosis. A thorough TCM consultation takes time. Expect your practitioner to ask detailed questions about your overall health, lifestyle, and well-being before recommending a course of treatment.
Expat networks are a useful resource. Recommendations from other expats through community groups, forums, and networks in your city are often a practical way to find accessible, English-friendly TCM care.
Disclaimer: Pacific Prime solely represents, operates and manages locally regulated insurance products and services in the territory of PR China. Any references to Pacific Prime Global Company or Group, the international services, insurance products or otherwise stated written or verbally, is for introduction purposes about our overseas network only as each entity is fully independent.
