The Most Popular Alternative Therapies in China

China is the undisputed birthplace and home of alternative medical therapies, and most of the treatments available today fall under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Read more to view the most popular alternative therapies in China.

China is the undisputed birthplace and home of alternative medical therapies, and most of the treatments available today fall under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM is gaining in popularity worldwide and many individuals, both male and female, are now exploring the various treatments and therapies on offer as a natural complement to more orthodox forms of medical treatment.

With so many different therapies to choose from, we decided to take a look at the treatments that are most popular among local citizens and foreign expats in China.

1. Heat cupping therapy

Known locally as ba hua guan (拔火关), heat cupping therapy is a treatment which involves heating a small cup to create suction on the skin to improve blood flow. While a number of different forms of cupping therapy are available worldwide, heat cupping is by far the most popular method in use in China today.

With heat cupping, a practitioner will soak a cotton ball in alcohol or another similarly flammable liquid before lighting it on fire. The ball is then placed within the cup for a brief period, usually two or three seconds, before being removed. The cup is then quickly pressed down onto the body part of the patient that requires treatment. As the hot air and gases inside the cup begin to cool, a vacuum is created which lifts the skin upwards and creates a kind of seal which ensures the cup will remain on the skin area. A number of cups are then applied to the area as required.

Heat cupping is commonly used to treat a number of complaints, such as muscular problems, back pain, neck pain, and respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It can also be used to help treat acne, in particular acne that has developed on a person’s back.

If the cupping therapy has not been performed correctly, it can cause small burns to the patients skin, while large circular bruise-type contusions will also appear on the skin area and remain for a number of days after the treatment.

2. Traditional Chinese massage

A massage is the process whereby pressure is applied to areas of the body to increase function, aid in healing, decrease muscle reflexes and promote relaxation. One or a number of areas can be targeted during a massage including muscles, joints, tendons, hands and feet. The individual receiving the massage will typically lie on a table or on the floor with the masseuse sitting or standing nearby.

A Chinese massage differs from most traditional forms of massage by applying strong pressure to muscles or acupressure points. There are two forms of Chinese massage - tui na (推拿) and zhi ya (指壓). Tui na is direct kneading, stretching and pushing of the muscle, while zhi ya works by pinching and pressing the acupressure points.

With little use of oils or other liquids, a Chinese massage can be quite painful, particularly if there is one specific body part that is being worked one for the entire session. Their popularity, however, remains and massage parlours and shops can be found on most streets in Chinese cities. Massages are also provided in some unusual settings, for example, it is common practice for salon assistants to offer a head, neck and shoulder massage to customers waiting to have their hair cut.

3. Acupuncture

Arguably the most iconic form of alternative therapy, acupuncture works by inserting thin needles into the skin at various parts of the body. The needles are designed to stimulate and penetrate areas known as meridians through which the life force, or qi, flows. The needles can remain in place for between 10 and 60 minutes, and once the area in question has been successfully penetrated, any imbalances in these meridians are corrected.

In China, a practitioner will question and observe certain physical characteristics of the patient before applying acupuncture. In most cases, the patients pulse points and tongue size are checked, while body temperature and respiratory functions are also monitored. Once a diagnosis has been made, the practitioner will then apply acupuncture needles to one or more parts of the body. The needles are inserted rapidly, and if applied correctly will cause little pain or discomfort.

Acupuncture has been found to effectively treat and provide relief of chronic pain, specifically lower back pain and neck pain. It can also help reduce the effects of migraines, stress or tension-type headaches, nausea and vomiting. There is also conflicting evidence that acupuncture can be used to treat arthritis and other joint complaints.

One note of caution, however, is that in China there are large numbers of ‘sham’ acupuncture practitioners that have little formal training or experience in TCM. The dangers of visiting such a practitioner is that not only do they not know which parts of the body to correctly apply the acupuncture needles, the needles may not be sterilized and are therefore a health hazard.

4. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and other aromatic liquids to induce an improved state of feeling, mood and wellbeing. The oils are traditionally heated using a candle diffuser and inhaled by the patient over a period of time. Aromatherapy is popular in China as it allows the patient to relax and meditate in comfortable surroundings while inhaling these aromatic oils.

The most commonly used oils in aromatherapy treatments are lemon, thyme, peppermint, lavender, tea tree, jasmine and chamomile. All of these oils are noted for their ability to act as anti-depressants, anti-stress and anti-anxiety, and they can actively help a person to relax and improve their state of mind. Tea tree oil has been found to have antimicrobial effects, however, there is little evidence to show that it can have a direct effect on the treatment of viral, fungal or bacterial infections.

It is therefore important to note that aromatherapy treatments have little effect of treating actual medical conditions and should only be considered as an aid to help relaxation and meditation.