TCM in China's Medical System
TCM is not a single therapy or independent peripheral option - it's integrated into the entire medical system:
- Facility types: Specialized TCM hospitals, general hospital TCM departments, rehabilitation centers
- Coexists with Western medicine: Patients can receive both Western specialist treatment and TCM adjustment in the same institution
- Can be used as primary medical reason or as rehabilitation, chronic disease management support
Common TCM Services
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Acupuncture
Traditional needle therapy
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Herbal Medicine
Herbal prescriptions
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Tuina
Therapeutic massage
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Moxibustion
Heat therapy
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Cupping
Traditional therapy
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Gua Sha
Scraping technique
TCM Consultation Characteristics
Diagnosis Methods
- Pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis
- Detailed questions about symptoms, sleep, digestion, energy, daily habits
- Consultation scope is broader than standard Western medicine visits
Treatment Characteristics
- Usually conducted in courses rather than single visits
- One visit may include multiple therapies (e.g., acupuncture + herbal medicine)
- Requires multiple follow-up visits and adjustments
Pre-Trip Preparation
- Language support: Most TCM practitioners work primarily in Chinese, confirm English availability in advance
- Bring materials: Imaging reports, lab tests, previous diagnosis records help TCM practitioner understand overall health
- Clear purpose: First consultation or specific treatment need (e.g., acupuncture)