A bowl of freshly prepared Chinese herbal decoction, showcases traditional herbs used in natural remedies, emphasizing their healing properties

Fancy an Acupuncture GP Referral? – A New Chapter for Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)

TCM Wave

For centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been trusted to address various health concerns, including chronic pain, digestive issues, respiratory conditions, and skin ailments.

In recent years, Western governments have increasingly recognized the effectiveness of these long-established practices as viable solutions for today’s healthcare challenges.

Acupuncture, rooted in TCM, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body for therapeutic or preventive benefits. This technique is widely utilized in numerous NHS GP practices nowadays. (You may find an accredited acupuncturist from the link provided at the end of this article.)

This article explores how TCM’s enduring wisdom is being re-evaluated and embraced in contemporary medical systems, marking a significant shift towards integrating traditional practices with modern health solutions.

Curious how TCM is shaping modern health and beauty practices? Explore more in our article – Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Making Waves Worldwide

Chinese hot cupping method practiced on a patient at a Chinese health clinic

Immunity and Prevention: How Chinese Herbs Helps You Stay Healthy

This recognition became particularly pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where TCM played a crucial role in strengthening immune systems in order to prevent illness and supporting patients’ recovery.
Herbal formulas were used alongside conventional treatments to help reduce symptoms, improve lung function, and accelerate recovery.

Herbs such as honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua) and forsythia (Lian Qiao) were included in formulas designed to clear heat and toxins from the body, supporting the body’s natural defences against the virus.

Moreover, many people turned to drinking Chinese herbal teas and using acupuncture, to strengthen their immune systems and reduce the likelihood of contracting the virus. These practices, rooted in centuries-old wisdom, have shown their value in both preventing illness and supporting recovery during challenging times.

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Acupuncture's Rising Influence in UK Healthcare

Acupuncture, a foundational element of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has made notable strides in Western healthcare. In 2018, the British Acupuncture Council was urging UK clinicians to incorporate acupuncture more widely, especially as the NHS faced mounting pressures. At that time, acupuncture was gaining ground but had not yet become a staple of mainstream medical practice.

Since then, the landscape has shifted significantly. The UK has seen a formalization of acupuncture within its educational framework, with institutions like the University of Westminster offering advanced degree programs such as the MSc in Chinese Herbal Medicine and MSc in Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture.

These programs reflect a growing institutional acknowledgment of acupuncture’s efficacy and its integration into professional training.

Moreover, acupuncture is increasingly becoming part of the NHS system, with more British GPs referring patients for acupuncture treatments. (You may find an accredited acupuncturist from the link provided at the end of this article.)

This trend is consistent with broader European developments, where acupuncture has been integrated into national healthcare systems. Germany, for instance, established its first Chinese medicine hospital in 1990, and France has widely embraced acupuncture as a standard healthcare practice.

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Traditional Chinese Medicine Takes Centre Stage: Hong Kong’s First TCM Hospital to open in 2025

TCM has been a cornerstone of life in the Eastern world for centuries, deeply integrated into daily routines. As TCM continues to gain traction in the medical community, governments are beginning to take a more serious approach to its potential.

Hong Kong is set to open its first TCM hospital in 2025—a significant milestone.
While TCM has long enjoyed steady local support, it has never quite rivalled the dominance of Western medicine in the former British colony.

Misconceptions, lack of governmental support, and financial barriers have all played a role in limiting TCM’s reach, with previous efforts to establish a TCM hospital faltering due to disagreements.

However, a renewed government initiative during the Covid-19 pandemic has sparked a resurgence of interest, bringing new advocates to the forefront.

This development marks a significant step in integrating TCM into Hong Kong’s healthcare system.

A nice pot of freshly prepared Chinese herbal decoction, highlighting traditional ingredients used in natural remedies and wellness

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Relevant link: Acupuncture – NHS

You may Find a practitioner Acupuncturist – Accredited Registers | PSA 

Reference article: UK clinicians urged to prescribe acupuncture to help ease NHS pressures

Reference article: Hong Kong’s first Chinese medicine hospital to showcase Western and TCM collaboration, city’s health minister says in advance of late 2025 opening | South China Morning Post 

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