China – Complementary and Alternative Medicine

What types of complementary and alternative medicine are available in China?

The CAM landscape in China is overwhelmingly shaped by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a healing system with roots stretching back more than two thousand years. TCM encompasses a wide spectrum of practices unified by shared philosophical foundations developed over millennia, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, tui na massage, qigong exercise, and dietary therapy. Far from being marginal alternatives, these modalities are mainstream clinical offerings found in hospitals, community health centres, and dedicated TCM facilities the length and breadth of the country.

The therapies that fall under the TCM umbrella are varied and well established: herbal treatments, acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion (in which herbs are burned near acupuncture points), cupping (which applies localised suction to the skin), qigong (combining movement, breathwork, and meditative awareness), tui na bodywork, and a number of other culturally distinctive practices. Each area has its own community of trained specialists and dedicated facilities, and in many cases several of these therapies can be accessed within a single hospital visit alongside conventional Western treatment.

The integration of TCM with Western medicine at the institutional level sets China apart from most other countries. In a large public Chinese hospital, patients may consult both a Western-trained doctor and a TCM physician without ever leaving the building — a dual-track model that is simply standard practice rather than a novelty. This stands in sharp contrast to healthcare systems where CAM and conventional medicine exist in entirely separate professional worlds.

Western-origin CAM therapies are also present in China, though their footprint is considerably smaller and largely confined to major urban areas. Chiropractic services can be found in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, predominantly through private clinics serving international clientele. Osteopathy is available at a handful of specialist private practices. Homeopathy has made very little inroads into the Chinese market, given its incompatibility with TCM philosophy and its absence from the official healthcare framework. Naturopathy, as a distinct professional discipline recognised in countries such as Germany or Australia, barely exists in China — though many of its principles find expression within TCM’s traditions of dietary and lifestyle medicine.

Yoga studios and mindfulness-based wellness programmes have expanded considerably in China’s larger cities over recent years, driven by a blend of Indian and Western influence. These are typically positioned as lifestyle or wellbeing services rather than clinical treatments. Foot massage and reflexology-style parlours are a familiar sight across China, though again these generally operate as relaxation businesses rather than regulated healthcare providers.

Is complementary and alternative medicine regulated in China?

TCM enjoys the most thoroughly developed regulatory architecture of any CAM system in China — one that, in many respects, goes considerably further than how most other countries treat complementary medicine. The integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine has been actively championed and studied for decades. Recognising the strategic importance of this integrated approach, the Chinese government introduced a succession of supporting policies from the early 1950s onwards, cementing equal standing for TCM and Western medicine as a cornerstone of long-term national health policy.

Alongside the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NATCM) is the central body responsible for regulating and advancing the TCM sector. The NATCM’s remit is broad, spanning policy development, industry oversight, and the promotion of international cooperation in TCM. The NATCM can be found at www.natcm.gov.cn (Chinese language) and the NMPA at english.nmpa.gov.cn.

The legislative foundations of TCM regulation rest on several key instruments: the Law of the PRC on Traditional Chinese Medicine (enacted in 2016), the Medical Practitioners Law (updated in 2022), and the Drug Administration Law (revised in 2019). The Special Provisions for Traditional Chinese Medicines Registration, issued by the NMPA, came into force on 1 July 2023. Running to 11 chapters and 82 articles, this document covers registration classification, marketing approval, innovative TCM products, and compound preparations derived from classic recipes, among other topics.

The requirements for practitioners are rigorous. The professional practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine must be carried out only by individuals holding appropriate certificates — such as the certificate of practitioner or assistant practitioner specialised in TCM — and only within registered medical institutions; practising outside these conditions is likely to constitute illegal medical practice under Chinese law. The Medical Practitioners Law does provide an alternative qualification route: individuals who have studied TCM through at least three years of formal apprenticeship, or who can demonstrate mastery of medical skills through sustained practice, may sit the examination for traditional Chinese medicine physicians after passing an assessment test and receiving a recommendation from a professional TCM body or a medical institution.

Not every wellness-related service is subject to full medical licensing requirements, however. Numerous Chinese medicine health and recuperation centres operate in commercial districts and on high streets, offering services such as gua sha, massage, moxibustion, and meridian-based therapies. Crucially, invasive or potentially dangerous procedures — including acupuncture and fire cupping — are prohibited in these unregistered venues. This creates a clear two-tier system: lightly supervised wellness outlets for non-invasive services, and strictly regulated medical institutions for clinical and invasive procedures.

Western CAM disciplines such as chiropractic and osteopathy are not governed by a dedicated statutory framework in mainland China comparable to the one governing TCM. Practitioners at private international clinics may hold credentials from their countries of origin, but no body analogous to the General Chiropractic Council (as exists in the UK) operates in mainland China. Those seeking these therapies should verify practitioner qualifications independently. The official National Health Commission (NHC) website is the best source for up-to-date regulatory information, as requirements in this area continue to develop.

Is CAM covered by health insurance or the public healthcare system in China?

China is among a group of countries — alongside India and the Republic of Korea — that have taken deliberate steps to incorporate traditional medicine into their public insurance frameworks, offering a model of state-level support that is rare globally. In China’s case, certain TCM services are included within the two main national basic medical insurance schemes: the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) and the Urban-Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI).

China operates two parallel medical systems — one for Western medicine and one for Traditional Chinese Medicine. This dual structure means TCM is treated as an equal branch of medicine within the insurance system rather than as a supplementary or alternative option. Certain TCM treatments — including selected forms of acupuncture, herbal prescriptions dispensed through accredited hospitals, and specific manual therapies — may be reimbursed through the basic insurance schemes when provided at a recognised medical institution. The precise treatments covered and the applicable reimbursement rates differ between provinces and municipalities (as of 2024); always confirm the current position with your local Social Security or Medical Insurance bureau.

For expatriates, eligibility for the UEBMI scheme is generally contingent on employment status. Those working for a Chinese employer will typically have contributions deducted from their monthly salary, with the employer also making contributions to the fund. This entitles the employee to basic coverage at public healthcare facilities, though reimbursement rates and the scope of coverage can differ substantially from one region to another.

It is worth noting that the UEBMI has notable gaps. Outpatient care, dental treatment, and certain advanced medical procedures are commonly excluded. Consequently, many expats prioritise taking out international health insurance when relocating to China. International insurers — such as APRIL International and AXA — frequently include TCM benefits within their China-tailored plans. APRIL International, for example, covers TCM expenses up to the plan limit under outpatient benefits. Always study your policy documentation carefully and speak directly with your insurer to establish precisely which therapies are covered, under what circumstances, and whether any pre-authorisation is needed, since terms vary considerably from one plan to another.

Western CAM therapies — including chiropractic, osteopathy, and homeopathy — are generally not covered under China’s public insurance schemes. Whether they appear in private international plans depends on the policy; some include a defined allowance for “complementary medicine” that may extend to these therapies. Contact your insurer directly for current terms and limits.

How much does complementary and alternative medicine cost in China?

TCM treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping are broadly accessible and frequently more affordable than equivalent Western medical consultations. Costs vary considerably depending on the setting — whether a public TCM hospital, a community-level TCM clinic, or a private international facility catering to expatriate patients. As in most countries, prices in metropolitan centres like Beijing and Shanghai tend to be higher than those in smaller cities or rural settings.

At public TCM hospitals (as of 2024), a standard outpatient appointment with a TCM physician typically falls in the range of RMB 20–80, with herbal prescriptions charged separately. A course of acupuncture at a public institution might run to RMB 30–100 per session. Patients enrolled in the public insurance system benefit from subsidised rates; self-paying patients and expatriates without local insurance cover will generally pay the full listed price.

Private international clinics and expat-facing practices in major cities charge substantially more. Acupuncture sessions at private clinics in Shanghai or Beijing commonly range from RMB 200 to RMB 800 or above per session, depending on the practitioner’s seniority and the clinic’s market positioning (as of 2024). Premium clinics may also levy an additional fee for initial consultations. While language barriers mean that most TCM facilities cater principally to local patients, a number of clinics have developed services specifically for overseas clients — Body and Soul Medical Clinics in Shanghai, for instance, offer high-quality TCM delivered by practitioners able to communicate in languages other than Mandarin.

Cupping, gua sha, and tui na massage are typically among the most affordable options, with sessions at wellness-oriented venues sometimes priced between RMB 50 and RMB 200. The cost of herbal medicine depends on the complexity of the formula prescribed; a standard two-week supply of raw herbs from a hospital pharmacy might cost RMB 100–400. All figures cited here are approximate — always check current pricing directly with the relevant clinic, practitioner, or professional association before attending.

How do I find a qualified CAM practitioner in China?

For TCM, the safest starting point is to seek treatment within a licensed medical institution — either a dedicated TCM hospital or the TCM department of a large public hospital. Such institutions are accountable to both the National Health Commission and the NATCM, and their practitioners are required to hold valid professional licences. The NATCM’s website (www.natcm.gov.cn) provides details of accredited institutions and licensing requirements.

The following step-by-step approach can help expats locate a qualified CAM practitioner in China:

1. Start with licensed medical institutions. Look for hospitals or clinics registered with the National Health Commission. Public TCM hospitals clearly display their registration status and are subject to government oversight. A list of accredited TCM medical institutions is maintained by local health bureaux in each city.
2. Check the practitioner’s certificates. The professional practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine must be performed by practitioners holding recognised certificates — such as the certificate of practitioner or assistant practitioner specialised in TCM. Ask to see these credentials before commencing treatment. In legitimate medical institutions, practitioners’ licences are usually displayed publicly.
3. Use expat networks and international clinic directories. Expat community forums, international schools, and embassy health advisories often maintain lists of recommended clinics with multilingual staff. International hospitals such as United Family Healthcare (Beijing, Shanghai) and Raffles Medical Group maintain TCM departments.
4. For Western CAM therapies, seek internationally credentialled practitioners. Chiropractors and osteopaths at private international clinics in China may hold qualifications from overseas regulatory bodies. Ask about their country-of-origin registration (e.g., with the General Chiropractic Council in the UK, or the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). Reputable clinics will readily provide this information.
5. Verify through your insurer or employer’s HR department. Many international health insurers maintain networks of vetted providers in China’s major cities. Your insurer’s customer service line or app can be a practical resource for identifying pre-approved practitioners.
6. Be alert to red flags. Avoid practitioners who cannot produce credentials when asked, guarantee specific outcomes, or pressure you into purchasing large treatment packages upfront. Unlicensed “wellness centres” offering invasive treatments such as acupuncture are operating outside the law in China. If you have concerns about a practitioner, you can report them to the local health bureau (卫生局) of your city.

A number of major public hospitals have established international departments where staff can communicate in other languages, often at fees significantly lower than those charged by private facilities. This represents a practical and cost-efficient option for expatriates who want properly qualified TCM care without committing to premium private clinic prices.

Are there traditional or indigenous medicine systems practised in China?

China harbours a remarkably rich and diverse collection of traditional and folk healing traditions that extend well beyond mainstream TCM. Historically, medicine in China encompassed a broad and sometimes competing array of healing practices, folk beliefs, literati theory, Taoist and Confucian philosophy, herbal and dietary remedies, exercise traditions, medical specialisations, and distinct schools of thought. Many of these traditions remain alive today, particularly in rural regions and among ethnic minority populations.

China officially recognises 55 ethnic minority groups, a number of which possess their own well-developed traditional medical systems. Among the most formally acknowledged is Uyghur traditional medicine, historically rooted in the Xinjiang region. Uyghur practitioners are regulated by the Chinese state and receive government reimbursement for services provided in both private and hospital settings. Tibetan medicine (Sowa Rigpa) — which draws on elements of Indian Ayurvedic medicine alongside distinctively Tibetan therapeutic knowledge — is another significant system practised in Tibet and parts of Yunnan, Qinghai, and Sichuan provinces, and carries formal state recognition. Mongolian traditional medicine is similarly practised and officially recognised within Inner Mongolia.

These minority medical systems occupy a nuanced position in relation to both mainstream TCM and Western medicine. On one hand, the Chinese government has made formal moves to recognise and bring them within a regulatory framework. On the other, there are legitimate concerns among practitioners that standardisation requirements — including licensing examinations conducted in Mandarin — place minority practitioners at a disadvantage when their medical knowledge is transmitted through other languages and oral traditions.

Folk medicine practices — among them the use of locally gathered medicinal plants, traditional dietary therapies, and ritual healing — remain common in rural communities and among older generations across China. These practices typically fall outside the regulatory structures governing TCM, and their practitioners generally do not hold formal medical licences. For expatriates living beyond major cities, familiarity with these traditions can enrich cultural understanding; however, for actual healthcare needs, consulting a licensed medical practitioner is always advisable.

What should expats know about using CAM alongside conventional medicine in China?

China operates traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine as two formally recognised and parallel branches of its national health system. Unlike countries where CAM and conventional medicine occupy entirely separate professional spaces, China has embedded an integrated model at the institutional level. Many major hospitals house both Western medicine and TCM departments, and it is perfectly routine for a physician to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs alongside TCM herbal preparations within a single course of treatment.

The country’s hospitals divide broadly into TCM facilities — typically identifiable by the inclusion of “TCM” in their official name — and Western medicine hospitals. A significant proportion of physicians have training in both traditions and may recommend herbal medicine for non-life-threatening conditions as a matter of course. Expatriates attending large public hospitals should not assume that only Western pharmaceutical options will be offered; TCM recommendations are a normal part of clinical practice in China.

One of the most consequential safety issues when combining TCM with conventional treatment is the possibility of herb-drug interactions. Many Chinese herbal formulations contain pharmacologically active compounds that may affect blood coagulation, liver enzyme function, or cardiovascular responses when taken alongside prescription medications. Expatriates should discuss any TCM they are receiving with both their Western-trained physician and their TCM practitioner, ensuring full disclosure of all medications, supplements, and treatments in use.

The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) is responsible for overseeing the safety and quality of TCM products and publishes regulatory guidance on drug interactions and product safety standards. The National Health Commission (NHC) issues policy guidance on the integration of TCM and Western medicine within China’s broader health system. Both websites are primarily in Chinese, though the NMPA maintains some English-language material.

Traditional treatments are widely considered to be particularly well suited to managing minor ailments and chronic conditions, partly owing to their generally milder side-effect profiles. They may also be employed for more serious conditions, including certain acute abdominal problems such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, and gallstones — sometimes in combination with Western medical treatment. If you are managing a serious or acute health condition, always ensure that a conventionally licensed physician leads your care, with any TCM used in a clearly supportive, complementary capacity.

Expats who are accustomed to a firm professional boundary between CAM and conventional medicine — as is standard across much of Europe, North America, or Australia — may need to adjust their expectations when navigating China’s integrated model. The most important practical advice is to be proactive: ask questions freely, keep all your providers informed about every treatment you are receiving, and use accredited medical institutions rather than unlicensed wellness venues for any therapeutic intervention.

Frequently asked questions about CAM in China

Can I find CAM practitioners in China who speak languages other than Mandarin?

Most TCM clinics in China serve a predominantly local patient base, which can present a language barrier for expatriates. However, a number of clinics have developed services tailored to international clients — Body and Soul Medical Clinics in Shanghai, for example, provide high-quality TCM through practitioners who can consult in languages other than Mandarin. International hospitals in major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen commonly have TCM departments staffed by multilingual personnel. Expat community networks and embassy health sections are useful starting points for locating such practitioners.

Is acupuncture legal in China?

Acupuncture is not only legal in China but constitutes a fully recognised medical procedure within the national healthcare system. It must, however, be performed by licensed TCM practitioners working within registered medical institutions. Invasive procedures including acupuncture and fire cupping are expressly prohibited at unregistered wellness or recuperation venues. Receiving acupuncture at an unlicensed establishment carries meaningful risks to both health and consumer protection.

How do I check a TCM practitioner’s credentials in China?

Licensed medical institutions are required to have their practitioners’ certificates on display. Before beginning any treatment, ask to see the practitioner’s licence — legitimate practitioners will hold a certificate as a TCM practitioner or assistant practitioner, issued on the basis of a licensing examination under the Medical Practitioners Law. If you have doubts about a practitioner’s credentials, the local health bureau (卫生局) for your city or district can assist. The NATCM website also provides guidance on accreditation standards.

Is homeopathy available in China?

Homeopathy has an extremely limited presence in mainland China. It has not been incorporated into either the TCM or the Western medicine framework, and no domestic professional or regulatory structure for homeopathic practice exists. A small number of private international clinics may offer it, but availability outside the very largest cities is negligible. If homeopathy forms part of your regular healthcare routine, sourcing it reliably in China may prove difficult.

Will my international health insurance cover TCM treatments in China?

A substantial number of international health insurance plans designed for expatriates in China include some degree of TCM coverage, usually as part of outpatient benefits. Some international insurers cover TCM expenses up to the applicable plan limit. The extent of coverage varies considerably between providers and policy tiers. Study your policy documents carefully and confirm directly with your insurer which specific TCM therapies qualify for reimbursement, whether a referral or pre-authorisation is required, and whether caps or co-payments apply.

How is TCM viewed within the Chinese healthcare culture — is it taken seriously by doctors?

TCM is taken very seriously indeed within China’s medical culture. The integration of traditional and Western medicine has been actively encouraged and studied since the early 1950s, backed by sustained government policy. The majority of Chinese physicians receive at least some grounding in TCM principles during their training. In large integrated hospitals, it is entirely routine for a clinician to recommend TCM therapies alongside conventional pharmaceuticals. There is no stigma associated with raising TCM with a doctor — it is simply a normal part of clinical dialogue in China.

Are there safety concerns with Chinese herbal medicines I should be aware of?

Yes. Certain Chinese herbal preparations contain potent pharmacologically active compounds, and the quality and safety of products sold outside regulated channels can vary significantly. The NMPA regulates the manufacturing and registration of TCM medicines, but unlicensed products obtained outside registered pharmacies or medical institutions may not meet these standards. Always obtain herbal prescriptions from a licensed TCM physician and source the medicines from an accredited hospital pharmacy or a registered supplier. Keep your conventional physician informed of any herbal medicines you are taking so that potential drug interactions can be assessed.

Is chiropractic or osteopathy widely available in China?

Chiropractic and osteopathic care exists in China but is primarily accessible through private international clinics in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Neither discipline is governed by a dedicated Chinese statutory regulatory framework, meaning practitioner standards and qualifications can vary considerably. Unlike TCM, these therapies are not reimbursable under China’s public health insurance schemes. If you depend on chiropractic or osteopathic treatment, seek out practitioners at reputable international clinics and take the time to verify their professional credentials from their country of training before booking.