What is Chinese Medicine?

What is Chinese Medicine?


Chinese medicine is a time-tested medical system that takes a holistic and complementary approach to health.

With over 2,000 years of history in China, it has gained increasing popularity in the West over the past few decades. 

Chinese medicine operates on the principle that your body's natural state is one of health and that imbalances — whether from internal or external factors, diet, or lifestyle — can lead to illness. 

By addressing and correcting these imbalances, Chinese medicine aims to support the body's natural ability to return to good health. The approach is holistic, focusing on both addressing symptoms and underlying issues to restore balance to the whole body and promote long-term, sustainable health.


What happens during a consultation?


During a Chinese medicine consultation, four key diagnostic methods are used:


  1. Inquiry: Detailed questions are asked about your symptoms, overall health, and lifestyle.
  2. Listening: Your voice, speech patterns, respiration, and any unusual sounds such as coughing or bowel movements are carefully listened to.
  3. Observation: Your general appearance, vitality, and complexion are observed, along with an examination of your tongue.
  4. Pulse Diagnosis: Your pulse is taken to assess various aspects of your health.


Based on this comprehensive assessment, your practitioner will diagnose a syndrome, identifying where and how your body may be imbalanced. From there, a personalised treatment plan is developed, which may include acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine, massage, cupping, guasha, dietary therapy or a carefully tailored combination.


Does Chinese medicine work?


Chinese medicine does work, but it is not a quick fix. 

The success and length of your therapy really depend on your unique lifestyle and condition at the time of your first consultation. Since each patient’s circumstances are different, a personalised care approach is essential. During your consultation, your practitioner will provide a rough timeline for when you might start noticing improvements and estimate the number of sessions you may need. 

It’s important to remember that everyone responds differently, and progress varies.


Over the past 25 years, there has been a significant rise in evidence-based clinical research exploring how Chinese medicine can effectively address a wide range of health concerns. While much of this research originated in China and was published in Chinese, there’s a growing body of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) being carried out in the West and providing valuable insights.


The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified over 90 diseases and disorders where acupuncture has been proven effective through controlled trials. These include:

  • allergic rhinitis, including hay fever
  • dysmenorrhoea
  • facial, knee and lower back pain
  • insomnia
  • malposition of a foetus
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • postoperative pain
  • substance dependency, including tobacco


In addition to the WHO findings, the Cochrane Collaboration —a respected organization known for its systematic reviews of medical treatments— has so far found evidence that acupuncture may have a beneficial effect on the following conditions: 

  • chronic lower back pain
  • migraines
  • irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy
  • nausea and vomiting after surgery
  • neck pain
  • osteoarthritis
  • tension-type headaches


To help you make informed decisions, we’ve created a series of fact sheets on conditions commonly addressed by Chinese medicine. 

These fact sheets are designed to provide clear, accurate and unbiased information on the Chinese medical approach and its potential benefits along with references to relevant clinical trials. We’re committed to keeping this information up-to-date as new research emerges, ensuring you have access to the latest developments.


While Chinese medicine can be highly effective for many conditions, it may not be suitable for all.

A qualified practitioner, such as a CMIR-accredited member, will carefully assess whether Chinese medicine is appropriate for your specific condition and discuss the results you can realistically expect.

CMIR advocates for an integrative, complementary approach to healthcare and strongly recommends you continue to see your conventional doctor while seeking guidance from a Chinese medicine practitioner. 

Always consult your GP before making any changes to your prescribed medication.


Is Chinese medicine safe?


Chinese medicine is a safe and effective approach when administered by a fully qualified practitioner, such as an accredited CMIR member. 

All CMIR members adhere to the CMIR Code of Good Practice, which outlines the required standards of competence and professionalism, as well as the hygiene and safety protocols for practising Chinese acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Acupuncture, when performed correctly, has very few side effects. Practitioners should use only CE-approved, single-use disposable needles. Side effects, if they occur, are generally minor, such as dizziness or bruising at the needle insertion points, and they typically resolve quickly. Most patients find acupuncture to be painless, though you might experience a mild electric sensation or slight stinging if there’s significant energy blockage at a specific point. It’s also common to feel deeply relaxed afterwards, so it’s advisable not to plan any strenuous activities immediately following your session.

Chinese herbal medicine is similarly safe when prescribed by a qualified practitioner. While adverse reactions to herbs are possible, they are uncommon. 

Cupping and guasha treatments may result in temporary bruising marks that can last for several days, depending on the intensity of the treatment. 

Before undergoing these therapies, you may be asked to sign a waiver form acknowledging this potential effect.


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