Other Characteristic TCM Therapies

About this therapy

These TCM therapies offer diverse, often non-invasive ways to promote health. Medicinal baths soak the body in herbal solutions for relaxation, pain relief and detoxification through skin absorption. Acupoint plasters and Sanfu patches (applied in summer) deliver herbs to prevent winter respiratory issues. Gua sha involves scraping the skin to clear stagnation and improve circulation. Ear (auricular) therapy stimulates points linked to internal organs. Needle-knife (acupotomy) releases soft tissue adhesions. Gao fang are concentrated herbal pastes for seasonal tonification. Medicinal diets integrate herbs into food for gentle daily balance. Used complementarily for prevention and chronic conditions under qualified practitioners.

How it works

Grounded in TCM meridian, qi and yin-yang theory, these methods enable transdermal or ingested herbal absorption, mechanically stimulate circulation to release stagnation/adhesions (gua sha, needle-knife), target microsystems (ear points corresponding to organs), and provide concentrated or food-based nourishment to tonify deficiencies, reduce inflammation, modulate immunity and restore balance.

What to expect

Sessions vary widely: baths/gua sha/ear treatments typically 20-40 minutes; plasters left on for hours to days. Patients may feel warmth, mild soreness or deep relaxation. Gua sha produces temporary red/purple 'sha' marks fading in 3-7 days. Sanfu is usually 3 summer applications; gao fang taken daily over weeks/seasonally. Courses often 3-10 sessions depending on therapy; effects are often cumulative with minimal downtime.

Typical programme

30 min per session, about 6 sessions per course

Cautions

• Must be administered by qualified, licensed TCM practitioners
• Contraindicated in open wounds, bleeding/coagulation disorders, severe skin conditions, acute infections or high fever
• Herbal therapies require allergy testing; possible skin irritation or temporary bruising (expected with gua sha)
• Pregnant patients should avoid certain areas/therapies; consult physician for serious underlying conditions

Often used for

• Chronic musculoskeletal painGua sha and needle-knife systematic reviews/meta-analyses show potential pain reduction and functional improvement (e.g. low back pain); evidence moderate but limited by low methodological quality (PubMed reviews, NATCM 2026 handbook).
• Asthma and allergic rhinitisSanfu/acupoint plastering promoted by NATCM for 'winter disease treated in summer'; metas indicate reduced exacerbations and improved symptoms; evidence from Chinese RCTs, quality variable.
• HypertensionScraping (gua sha) meta-analysis shows adjunctive BP reduction and sleep improvement in stage I/II; promising but requires higher-quality confirmation.
• Insomnia and depressive symptomsAuricular acupressure evidence maps (PAHO/WHO) and metas show score improvements; preliminary positive findings with limitations in study quality.
• Knee osteoarthritisNeedle-knife (acupotomy) RCTs and metas suggest superior pain relief and function vs conventional care; moderate evidence per Chinese studies, more international validation needed.
• Chronic low back painGua sha meta-analysis demonstrates significant pain and dysfunction reduction; evidence positive but methodological quality often low, per PubMed systematic reviews.
• Chronic bronchitis and COPDAcupoint patching reviews support symptom relief and reduced attacks; promoted in NATCM technical manuals; clinical use established, high-quality evidence limited.
• Digestive disordersMedicinal diet, herbal baths and plasters used per TCM theory and NATCM handbook; primarily traditional/clinical support with limited Western systematic evidence.
• Fatigue and subhealthGao fang tonics, medicinal cuisine and baths promoted by NATCM for prevention and nourishment; based on long clinical tradition, evidence mostly observational.
• Primary dysmenorrheaEar points and acupoint patching show benefits in network metas; evidence from clinical studies, quality varies.
• Arthritis and joint painHerbal baths, gua sha and plasters commonly applied; supported by NATCM guidelines and practice, systematic reviews indicate potential but evidence quality low-moderate.
• Postoperative recoveryExternal therapies (baths, plasters, scraping) used in TCM hospitals to aid pain/swelling reduction; clinical application common, high-level evidence limited.