Traditional Chinese Medicine: What It Is and What the Evidence Shows

Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.

What kind of doctor provides Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese medicine, often called TCM, is offered by TCM practitioners. Acupuncturists offer acupuncture, one part of TCM. Most states and the District of Columbia have laws regulating acupuncture practice. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

What it is

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has evolved over thousands of years. TCM practitioners use acupuncture and tai chi. They also use herbal products. Acupuncture began as part of TCM. Tai chi mixes certain postures, gentle movements, mental focus, breathing, and relaxation.

What people use it for

Studies suggest that real acupuncture may help ease low-back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis/knee pain. It also may help reduce the frequency of tension headaches and prevent migraine headaches. Tai chi may improve balance in older people and in people with Parkinson's disease. Tai chi may help people cope with fibromyalgia and back pain. It may also improve mood in people with heart failure. Chinese herbal products have been studied for stroke, heart disease, and mental disorders.

How to prepare

These steps may help you get ready.

  • Talk with your providers if you are thinking about TCM.
  • Ask about the training and experience of the TCM practitioner you are considering.
  • If you have a health condition, talk with your provider before you use TCM herbal products.
  • If you are pregnant or nursing, or thinking of using TCM for a child, be especially sure to talk with the health care provider first.
  • Tell all your providers about any complementary health approaches you use.
  • Do not use TCM to replace or delay seeking conventional care.

What happens during it

Acupuncture uses thin needles that go through the skin. They stimulate specific points on the body. The needles may be moved by hand or stimulated with small electrical currents. Chinese herbal products are also used in TCM for a range of medical conditions.

Recovery

Few problems from acupuncture have been reported. Problems have come from nonsterile needles. The FDA requires that acupuncture needles be sterile and labeled for single use only. Tai chi and a similar technique called qigong appear to be safe practices. Tai chi may be linked to minor aches and pains. Pregnant women should talk with their providers before they start tai chi or qigong.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.

What the research shows and safety concerns

Some TCM approaches, such as acupuncture and tai chi, may help improve quality of life and some pain. In some trials, real and fake acupuncture worked equally well. Sham acupuncture is a fake treatment. Studies of Chinese herbal products have had mixed results. Many herb studies were of poor quality, so no firm conclusions can be made about how well they work.

Some Chinese herbal products have been contaminated with toxic compounds, heavy metals, and pesticides. They may have serious side effects. Sometimes one herb is replaced by another by mistake. This has caused serious problems. Acupuncture that is not given properly can cause serious problems. These include infections, punctured organs, collapsed lungs, and nervous system injury.

Who performs it

TCM practitioners offer TCM. Acupuncturists offer acupuncture.

Common questions

Does TCM work?

Some approaches, such as acupuncture and tai chi, may help with certain pain conditions. Studies of Chinese herbal products have had mixed results.

Are Chinese herbal products safe?

Some Chinese herbal products may have serious side effects. If you have a health condition, talk with your provider before you use TCM herbal products.

Should I use TCM instead of regular medical care?

No, do not use TCM to replace or delay seeking conventional care.

How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.

Sources

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health - Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know
  2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health - Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.