Top 5 Chinese Medicine Clinics in Shanghai for International Patients (English Comparison Guide 2026)

Shanghai's Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic offers specialized services for patients. Through public and private hospitals across the country, Shanghai's clinic offers acupuncture, herbal prescriptions, therapeutic massage, cupping, and moxibustion therapies. The clinical options available to patients will vary greatly; therefore, patients must consider all available clinical options before making a final decision.

This analysis of 5 Shanghai Chinese medicine clinics will help you choose the best clinic based on your insurance company, prices, and credentials. You will learn how to determine which clinic is best for your health conditions, understand the price differences between public and private clinics, and understand how to directly bill international insurance companies when receiving TCM treatment.

Top 5 English-speaking Chinese medicine clinics in Shanghai (quick comparison)

Note: All clinics above operate legally with proper medical licenses (《医疗机构执业许可证》). Selecting a shanghai tcm clinic from public hospitals or international facilities is covered by diverse insurance options with no advance payment needed.

NO. 1 Shanghai Municipal Hospital of TCM — Widest Insurance Coverage & Affordable Expert Care

The Shanghai Hospital of TCM

Shanghai Municipal Hospital of TCM

The Shanghai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The Shanghai Hospital of TCM

Shanghai Municipal Hospital of TCM

Clinic Overview: National Level-III Grade-A TCM Hospital | 70-Year Heritage | Foreigner-Friendly

As a Level-III Grade-A TCM hospital, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of TCM (👇 Click name for more info) possesses 3 National Key Clinical Specialties and 6 State Administration of TCM Key Specialties, serving as the lead institution for Shanghai Western Chinese Medicine Alliance. The hospital houses Shanghai Famous Veteran TCM Practitioners' Clinic with over 70 renowned physicians, including 11 Shanghai Famous TCM Practitioners and 5 National Veteran TCM Academic Successor Mentors.

Hospital has specialties such as Pediatrics (e.g., ADHD, Anorexia, Asthma) via Five Elements Music Therapy; Neurology (Acupuncture + TMS Therapy) for Parkinson's, Epileptic Seizures, and Stroke sequelae; and Oncology (e.g., herbal formulas for increased immunity/reduced side effects of chemotherapy). The hospital has the highest rate of herbal decoction use in the city and has a complete traceability program for all herbs used. Patients who wish to utilize their insurance (including Bupa, Cigna, etc.) may do so because the hospital supports direct billing through 38 international insurance companies. The hospital has an English-speaking staff member available to assist with communication.

📍 Location, Booking & Patient Review:

• Address: No. 1, Lane 67, Shimen Yi Road, Jing'an District (near Metro Line 2 Nanjing West Road Station); additional branches at Zhijiang Road (274 Zhijiang Middle Road) and Jiading (68 Ronglian Road)
• Booking: Call 021-62588203 (Shimen Road Clinic); book via WeChat official account "上海市中医医院互联网医院" or "Shanghai Internet General Hospital" platform; note "English service needed" when booking
• Pricing: Initial consultation ¥890 (including diagnosis + acupuncture/prescription), follow-up ¥710; herbal decoctions charged by prescription (typically ¥150-400/week)

NO. 2 Shanghai United Family Hospital TCM Center — Complete English Environment from Check-in to Checkout

Clinic Overview: Premium Private Clinic | Full English Service | Family-Friendly

Located in the New Frontier Healthcare United Family Medical Network, the Shanghai United Family Hospital TCM Center is an accredited TCM medical facility that offers TCM services meeting JCI standards through a Medical Institution Practice License. The Shanghai United Family TCM Center offers postpartum recovery (using herbal medicine and moxibustion to treat Qi and Blood imbalances) and pelvic floor rehabilitation, Pediatric Tuina (treating conditions such as childhood anorexia, night crying, and adenoid hypertrophy), and Integrated Pain Management (acupuncture to treat neck, shoulder, back, and leg pain).

All herbal granules come from GMP-certified pharmaceutical factories without heavy metal residues. The center offers seamless referral with Western medicine departments, making it suitable for patients with complex chronic conditions. The fully English-speaking environment from registration to prescription pickup makes it the most hassle-free option for international patients.

📍 Location, Booking & Patient Review:

• Address: 1299 Gongping Road, Yangpu District (Shanghai United Family Hospital Main Building, 3rd Floor)
• Booking: Call +86 21 5587 6688; book via "United Family Healthcare" app or official website with full English interface
• Pricing: Initial consultation ¥1,200, follow-up ¥900; herbal granules ¥300-600/week

NO. 3 Longhua Hospital International Clinic — Evidence-Based Academic Medicine & Research Innovation

Clinic Overview: National TCM Clinical Research Base | Academic Authority

Longhua Hospital is part of Shanghai University for TCM, one of the first designated National Clinical Research Centers for TCM in China. It has 6 National Key Clinical Specialties and 2 National TCM Masters. The International Clinic Department is dedicated to serving only international patients as well as patients from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Specialties include Oncology Support (Fuzheng Jiedu formulas to improve quality of life for lung and gastric cancer patients), Bone Injury & Tuina (non-surgical intervention for scoliosis and knee osteoarthritis), and Winter Tonic Pastes (personalized constitutional conditioning, with over 10,000 formulas prepared annually). The hospital integrates research with clinical practice, with multiple proprietary TCM preparations entering national new drug development pipelines. English medical record summaries are provided, making it ideal for international patients seeking evidence-based TCM treatment with strong academic credentials.

📍 Location, Booking & Patient Review:

• Address: 725 Wanping South Road, Xuhui District (near Metro Lines 11/12 Longhua Station)
• Booking: Call 021-6438 6666 extension for International Medical Department; requires 3-day advance phone booking with translation arrangement available
• Pricing: Initial consultation ¥600-900, acupuncture session ¥400; custom tonic paste ¥2,000-5,000 per formula

NO. 4 ParkwayHealth TCM Service — Premium Downtown Location & Preventive Wellness Focus

Clinic Overview: Singapore Brand | Hotel-Style Experience | Business Travelers' First Choice

Shanghai ParkwayHealth hospital is a ParkwayHealth brand (IHH Healthcare) that provides acupuncture-related services along with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Specialists cover many areas of care, including Suboptimal Health Conditioning (using acupuncture and herbs to treat symptoms of stress, fatigue and poor sleep), Sports Injury Rehab (using acupuncture and cupping techniques for the treatment of sports-related injuries), and Cosmetic Acupuncture (non-invasive techniques to improve skin tone or reduce acne scars).

The environment is private with emphasis on "prevention over treatment," focusing on mild to moderate functional disorders rather than acute emergencies. The hotel-style service experience and convenient city center location make it particularly suitable for business travelers and first-time TCM users. With consistent treatment protocols across locations and multilingual support, patients receive comparable care quality regardless of which branch they visit.

📍 Location, Booking & Patient Review:

• Address: Tomorrow Square, Nanjing West Road, Huangpu District (ParkwayHealth Hospital Clinic)
• Booking: Call 021-6445 5999; book via ParkwayHealth official website or WeChat official account with English customer service support
• Pricing: Initial consultation ¥980, acupuncture/tuina session ¥650-1,100

NO. 5 You Xiaofang TCM Clinic — Authentic Classical Formulas for Complex Conditions

Clinic Overview: Classical Jingfang School | Serious Condition Treatment | Niche but Highly Reputed

You Xiaofang TCM Clinic is a properly registered TCM facility (with branches in Putuo District Jiangning Road and Qingpu District). Dr. You Xiaofang is a renowned classical prescription school practitioner in Shanghai, skilled in using potent herbs like aconite and pinellia for differential diagnosis. Specialties include Difficult Miscellaneous Diseases (stubborn eczema, autoimmune disorders, post-surgical deficiency), Classical Prescription Therapy (based on Shanghan Lun and Jingui Yaolue formulas with modifications), and Severe Case Recovery (late-stage cancer support, heart failure edema conditioning).

The clinic approaches treatment differently than other "Wellness Light" therapies, using a more traditional method that looks at the body as a whole. Rather than just treating symptoms and making quick fixes, the clinic's goal is to match symptoms with herbal formulas. This will help create a long-term relationship between the herbal formula and the patient, allowing patients to continue their treatment longer and work closely with the practitioner.

📍 Location, Booking & Patient Review:

• Address: 1377 Jiangning Road, Putuo District (near Metro Line 13 Jiangning Road Station); 8300 Yinggang East Road, Qingpu District
• Booking: Search "游小方中医" on WeChat for booking; basic English communication possible (translation recommended for complex cases)
• Pricing: Initial consultation ¥700, follow-up ¥500; herbal decoctions ¥200-500/week

Popular 5 Types of TCM Treatment: Comprehensive Guide to Traditional Therapies

1. Acupuncture: Pain Management & Neurological Modulation

Core Advantages:

• 85% effectiveness for chronic low back pain and migraines (10-session course, Yueyang Hospital 2024 data)
• Combined electroacupuncture accelerates nerve recovery by 40% for facial paralysis and stroke sequelae
• WHO-recognized non-pharmacological pain relief, suitable for patients with long-term medication restrictions

Clinical Value: Precise Neuro-Endocrine Network Regulation

Acupuncture treats chronic pain by inserting needles on energy paths to help regulate the nervous and endocrine systems. 85% of chronic low back pain patients and migraine sufferers respond to 10 sessions of acupuncture. 40% faster recovery for neurological disorders such as after-effects from a stroke or facial paralysis when treated with electroacupuncture.

Treatment Protocol & Safety Guidelines (30-60 minutes per session)

Practitioners perform pulse and tongue diagnosis to determine acupoint selection, commonly utilizing points such as Zusanli (ST36), Hegu (LI4), and Dazhui (GV14). Treatment uses single-use 0.25mm needles inserted to achieve "de qi" sensation, followed by 20-30 minute retention periods, with optional electroacupuncture or warming needle techniques.

Shanghai Service Cost Reference:

Tip: Shanghai Yueyang Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Hospital — National Key Acupuncture Discipline, recognized as the authoritative acupuncture clinic Shanghai.

2. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Internal Regulation & Personalized Treatment

Core Advantages:

• Personalized formulas targeting liver-kidney deficiency and low immunity reduce fatigue by 60% after 4-week courses
• Combined with lifestyle interventions, achieves 70% menstrual cycle regulation for PCOS and menstrual disorders
• Reduces chemotherapy side effects and improves quality of life (KPS score improvement) for cancer support

Therapeutic Logic: One Person, One Formula, Dynamic Correction

Chinese herbal medicine creates individualized herbal prescriptions based on the constitution of each person using a complete assessment using a four-way diagnosis. The use of Chinese herbal remedies in people with liver/kidney deficiency leading to reduced immunity for an extended period of 4 weeks results in a 60% reduction in fatigue-related symptoms. The success of combination therapy with herbal medicine plus lifestyle changes is 70% for regulating the menstrual cycles in women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome or any form of menstrual disorder.

Prescription & Administration Standards

Practitioners prescribe classical formula modifications following four-method diagnosis (inspection, auscultation, inquiry, palpation), such as variations of Guipi Tang or Liuwei Dihuang Wan. Patients can choose traditional decoction pieces requiring home preparation or convenient instant granules ideal for international patients.

Shanghai Service Cost Reference:

Tip: Shanghai Municipal Hospital of TCM and Longhua Hospital — Complete herb traceability, English prescription summaries provided, representing high-trust Shanghai TCM clinic options.

3. Tuina (Chinese Medical Massage): First Choice for Musculoskeletal Issues

Tuina (Chinese Medical Massage)

Core Advantages:

• Single session improves range of motion by 75% for cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, and lumbar strain
• Gentle techniques regulate visceral qi for pediatric torticollis and digestive issues
• Promotes local circulation and accelerates tissue repair for sports injury rehabilitation

Functional Recovery Focus: Release Adhesions, Rebuild Biomechanical Balance

Tuina employs specialized manual techniques to release myofascial adhesions and restore proper biomechanical alignment for musculoskeletal disorders. Single treatment sessions demonstrate 75% improvement in range of motion for conditions including cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder syndrome, and lumbar muscle strain. For pediatric applications, gentle manipulation techniques regulate visceral qi function to address conditions like infantile torticollis and digestive dysfunction.

Treatment Standards & Contraindications (45-60 minutes per session)

Treatment begins with muscle relaxation using rolling and kneading techniques, followed by manipulation and traction methods for structural correction. Therapy can be enhanced with heat application or Chinese herbal fumigation to increase therapeutic penetration.

Shanghai Service Cost Reference:

Tip: Body & Soul Medical Clinics — Provides complete English-language communication, the preferred English-speaking TCM tuina service for expatriates.

4. Cupping & Gua Sha: Circulation Promotion & Metabolic Detoxification

Cupping

Core Advantages:

• Gua sha during early-stage cold onset induces sweating and fever reduction, faster than oral medications
• Post-cupping increases local blood flow by 30% for shoulder-back soreness and post-exercise lactic acid accumulation
• Addresses dampness retention (heaviness, limb fatigue) with immediate clarity after sha appearance

Mechanism of Action: Negative Pressure Stimulation & Subcutaneous Microcirculation Activation

Cupping and gua sha therapies create localized negative pressure stimulation and activate subcutaneous microcirculatory systems to promote blood flow and metabolic waste elimination. For early-stage wind-cold invasions, gua sha induces therapeutic sweating and rapid fever reduction, often more rapidly than oral pharmaceutical interventions. In cases of shoulder-back muscle soreness and post-exercise lactic acid accumulation, cupping increases local blood flow by approximately 30%.

Treatment Technique & Post-Care (30-60 minutes)

The cupping procedure uses the flash-fire hold method or suction cups that are held in place for 5-15 minutes, while the gua sha procedure uses the bladder meridian and the scraping method (unidirectional); the patterns in sha when viewed indicates that the procedure worked normally and how much stagnation was present by the colour intensity.

Shanghai Service Cost Reference:

Tip: ParkwayHealth and Longhua Hospital Preventive Medicine Center — Standardized procedures with clear explanations.

5. Moxibustion: Yang Warming & Constitutional Strengthening

Moxibustion

Core Advantages:

• Three consecutive menstrual cycle treatments reduce dysmenorrhea pain scores by 65% for period pain and cold-pattern infertility
• Moxibustion at Guanyuan and Shenque enhances spleen-kidney yang for chronic diarrhea and frequent night urination
• Promotes lochia discharge and improves lactation for postpartum constitutional deficiency

Warming & Penetrating Effects: Dual Action of Infrared & Herbal Properties

Moxibustion combines infrared thermal radiation with herbal medicinal properties through moxa combustion to warm meridians, dispel cold, and strengthen constitutional yang. For gynecological conditions including dysmenorrhea and cold-pattern infertility, three consecutive menstrual cycle treatment courses demonstrate 65% reduction in pain assessment scores. For digestive and urinary weakness patterns including chronic diarrhea and frequent night urination, moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV4) and Shenque (CV8) enhances spleen-kidney yang qi.

Treatment Methods & Safety (20-40 minutes)

In addition to mild moxibustion (for example, with 2-3 cm between moxa and skin), ginger-separated moxibustion (moxibustion with ginger as a barrier) and smokeless moxibustion devices make ideal moxibustion devices for both the office and home. Moxibustion has several contraindications, including not applying moxibustion for excess-heat patterns (for example, high fever, constipation, and mouth ulcers) to the face and major blood vessels. Precaution must be exercised when using moxibustion in these areas.

Shanghai Service Cost Reference:

Tip: Shanghai Municipal Hospital of TCM Gynecology Department — Provides standardized "Warming Uterus Moxibustion" packages, highly trusted by women preparing for pregnancy.

Cost Breakdown: What You'll Pay for TCM Treatments in Shanghai

Shanghai TCM Treatment Price Comparison between Public Hospitals and Private Clinics (RMB)

Understanding TCM treatment costs helps international patients plan their healthcare budget effectively. Shanghai offers diverse pricing across public hospitals and international clinics, with transparent fee structures and multiple insurance options available.

Public Hospital Prices: Best Value for Authentic Treatment

Public Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic facilities deliver authentic TCM treatment at highly accessible prices. Total first-visit costs typically range ¥400-900 including consultation, initial treatment, and basic herbal prescription. Expert consultations and specialized departments command premium fees but significantly reduce waiting times while providing access to nationally recognized TCM masters.

International Clinic Prices: Premium Service & Comprehensive Support

Premium Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic facilities charge 2-4 times public hospital rates. These prices include comprehensive English support, significantly shorter waiting times, comfortable private treatment environments, and seamless integration with Western medicine departments. Direct insurance billing capabilities often offset higher costs for patients with international health coverage.

Major High-End Insurance Direct Billing Status

Understanding which hospitals accept direct billing from your insurance provider eliminates upfront payment requirements and simplifies reimbursement processes.

Direct Billing Process:

1. Verify coverage details with your insurance provider before first appointment
2. Bring insurance card and policy number to registration
3. Hospital verifies eligibility and processes pre-authorization if required
4. Receive treatment without upfront payment
5. Hospital submits claims directly to insurer

Insurance Coverage Guidelines

Major international insurers including Cigna, Bupa, MSH China, AXA, Allianz, and Aetna cover TCM treatments at approved Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic networks. Coverage specifics vary significantly by policy tier and provider:

Typical Coverage Parameters:

• Acupuncture: 10-30 sessions annually for qualifying conditions (chronic pain, rehabilitation, fertility support)
• Herbal medicine: Limited coverage or excluded; some policies reimburse up to ¥3,000-5,000 annually
• Tuina/Massage: Often categorized under physical therapy benefits (8-20 sessions)
• Consultations: Generally covered at 70-100% after deductible

Your First Visit: What to Expect from Check-in to Checkout

Check-In: Passport & Payment Setup

Arrive 15-30 minutes early for registration at any Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic. Bring your passport for identity verification at reception. Complete medical history forms covering current medications, allergies, and past conditions.

Set up mobile payment before visiting. WeChat Pay and Alipay accept international credit cards including Visa and Mastercard. International clinics verify insurance coverage during check-in. Bring your insurance card and policy number for direct billing setup.

TCM Diagnosis: Pulse-Taking & Tongue Inspection

TCM diagnosis differs fundamentally from Western examinations. Practitioners place three fingers on each wrist to assess pulse quality, rhythm, and strength. Tongue examination follows pulse-taking at any Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic. Expect detailed questions about sleep patterns, digestion, stress levels, and emotional state.

Payment Structure: Consultation Plus Treatment Fees

Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic fees split into separate charges for consultation and treatment. Public hospital consultations cost ¥50-500 while VIP services reach ¥1,500. International clinic consultations range from ¥800-2,800 depending on specialist level.

Treatment fees add on top of consultation charges. Acupuncture runs ¥150-400 at public hospitals and ¥500-800 at private clinics. Cupping and Gua Sha cost ¥80-300 at public facilities. Herbal prescriptions generate additional pharmacy charges.

FAQs: 10 essential questions about TCM safety, effectiveness, and booking

Q: Is acupuncture safe for first-time patients?

Acupuncture maintains an excellent safety record when performed by licensed practitioners at any reputable Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic. Research involving over four million treatments found serious adverse events in only 0.003% of cases. Common minor effects include temporary soreness or small bruises at needle sites. Practitioners use sterile single-use needles, eliminating infection risks. Always disclose medical conditions and medications before treatment begins.

Q: How many sessions does acupuncture require?

Most Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic practitioners recommend 4-8 acupuncture sessions over 3-4 weeks for initial assessment. Acute conditions like recent muscle strains may resolve in 1-3 sessions. Chronic issues such as long-term back pain require weekly treatments for 2-3 months. Many patients notice improvement within the first four sessions. Maintenance treatments every 2-4 weeks help sustain benefits long-term after initial improvement.

Q: Do cupping marks indicate treatment effectiveness?

Cupping marks reveal increased blood flow rather than measuring treatment effectiveness directly. Darker marks typically appear in areas with more stagnation or tension according to TCM theory. A Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic practitioner interprets mark patterns alongside symptom improvement. Circular bruises fade within 3-7 days depending on individual healing rates. Mark intensity decreases with repeated sessions as circulation improves in treated areas.

Q: Can I combine Western medicine with TCM treatments?

Combining Western medicine and TCM proves common and generally safe with proper communication between providers. Always inform your Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic practitioner about current medications and supplements. Some herbs interact with pharmaceuticals including blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and diabetes medications. TCM treatments complement chemotherapy side effect management according to recent research. Coordinate care between all healthcare providers for optimal safety.

Q: Which conditions respond best to TCM treatment?

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture effectiveness for 28 conditions including chronic pain, migraines, and nausea. A Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic commonly treats back pain, stress, insomnia, digestive issues, and women's health concerns. Fertility support, menstrual disorders, and menopausal symptoms show promising responses to combined acupuncture and herbs. Sports injuries, allergies, and post-surgical rehabilitation also benefit from integrated TCM approaches.

Q: What credentials should TCM practitioners have?

Licensed TCM practitioners in China complete five-year university programs plus clinical training. Look for credentials from Shanghai University of TCM or equivalent institutions. A reputable Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic employs doctors registered with local health authorities. International clinics verify JCI accreditation or equivalent quality standards. Ask about specific practitioner experience with your condition before beginning treatment.

Q: How do I pay at Shanghai TCM clinics?

Mobile payment via WeChat Pay or Alipay works at all Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic locations. Link your international Visa or Mastercard to these apps before visiting. Public hospitals may not accept foreign credit cards directly at payment counters. Cash works as backup at most facilities. International clinics process credit cards and handle direct insurance billing during checkout.

Q: How long do individual treatments take?

Initial consultations at any Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic last 45-60 minutes including diagnosis and first treatment. Follow-up sessions typically run 30-45 minutes. Acupuncture needle retention lasts 20-30 minutes per session. Cupping treatments require 10-20 minutes depending on areas covered. Complete visits including waiting and payment average 60-90 minutes at busy public hospitals.

Q: Can pregnant women receive TCM treatments?

Certain TCM treatments support pregnancy safely when performed by experienced practitioners. A qualified Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic practitioner avoids contraindicated acupuncture points during pregnancy. Acupuncture helps manage morning sickness, back pain, and breech positioning. Many herbs are unsafe during pregnancy—always disclose pregnancy status. Cupping and Gua Sha require careful evaluation of individual circumstances before treatment.

Q: Do international insurers cover TCM treatments?

Major international insurers including Cigna, Bupa, AXA, and Aetna cover TCM at approved facilities. Most policies reimburse acupuncture for qualifying conditions like chronic pain and rehabilitation. Coverage limits typically cap at 10-30 sessions annually. A Shanghai Chinese medicine clinic with direct billing handles claims automatically with participating insurers. Verify specific policy benefits and pre-authorization requirements before scheduling expensive treatment courses.