"Three fingers on the pulse and the doctor knows everything about your body. It's amazing!" This is a common exclamation heard daily at Guoyantang Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Clinic, located in the bustling Nanjing East Road shopping area in Shanghai. With China’s expanded visa-free policy, more and more foreign tourists are choosing Shanghai as their entry point for travel, and this TCM clinic, tucked away in the city's commercial district, has unexpectedly become the "first stop" for many foreign visitors to experience Chinese traditional medicine. Some come seeking treatment for sudden discomfort during their travels, while others visit specifically after hearing about the clinic's reputation.

Through acupuncture, tuina (traditional Chinese therapeutic massage), and herbal remedies, TCM has proven to be effective in providing immediate relief and in promoting long-term health benefits. Many foreign visitors, starting out curious, eventually become convinced of its benefits, making it a vibrant bridge for cross-cultural exchange.

Instant Healing for Foreign Tourists at the TCM Clinic

In late November, a female tourist from Brisbane, Australia, arrived in Shanghai feeling unwell and with a poor appetite. During her visit, she happened to walk into Guoyantang TCM Clinic. After a consultation, the doctor learned that she had long been desk-bound at work and was suffering from neck and lower back tension, likely exacerbated by the fatigue of travel. The doctor used a combination of rolling, pressing, kneading, and pushing techniques to treat her. Within half an hour, the visitor felt a welcome sense of relief.

After three consecutive days of treatment, including tuina therapy and herbal medicine, her symptoms had virtually disappeared. “I feel so much better now, with no pain whatsoever,” she said after her final treatment session, expressing genuine admiration for the doctor.

A similar case involved Anna, a young woman from Spain, who had been suffering from right shoulder pain for more than six months. Everyday tasks like dressing and brushing her hair had become difficult. After trying multiple treatments in Spain with no success, she was introduced to the clinic. Initially hesitant about acupuncture, Anna was soon reassured when the doctor, after carefully reviewing her medical history and pressing relevant acupoints, applied needles with light, controlled movements. Contrary to her fears, she felt no sharp pain but only a mild, spreading soreness along her shoulder and neck. After the session, Anna was able to raise her arm above her head with ease, and the long-standing stiffness vanished. She recorded the treatment process on her phone and later shared her experience with her friends in Spain, saying, "I want to tell my friends in Spain all about this amazing experience!"

A Growing Interest in Learning TCM

The appeal of TCM has not only attracted regular tourists but also many foreign medical professionals and enthusiasts who come to learn about this ancient practice and bring it back to their home countries.

Sabrina, an Argentine woman who studied TCM at the National University of Rosario, was awarded a scholarship to pursue further studies at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine in 2019. Last year, she visited Shanghai to see friends and was recommended to visit the TCM clinic for observation. She was able to touch the herbs like Angelica and Astragalus, learn pulse diagnosis, acupuncture, and other therapeutic techniques, and witness firsthand how acupuncture and herbal formulas relieve pain. Her experience in Shanghai deepened her understanding of TCM.

Upon returning to Argentina, Sabrina became a doctor and a TCM instructor at the National University of Rosario. She incorporated her experiences and case studies from Shanghai into her medical practice and teachings, sharing the unique value of TCM with more people in her community.

Meghdad, an Iranian who first developed an interest in Chinese culture through Chinese films, started practicing Tai Chi in 2008. He later pursued a degree at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and, after obtaining his master's degree, became a sixth-generation heir of Yang-style Tai Chi. He now works at the International Medical Department of Yueyang Hospital. "To carry on this cultural tradition in an authentic TCM hospital is a dream come true for me!" he said.

Promoting TCM Abroad

Systematic TCM education and training programs continue to spread the knowledge of TCM around the world. The Shanghai Shenzhou Hospital, in collaboration with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, runs a high-end TCM training program for medical professionals from Belt and Road countries. More than a hundred foreign trainees have completed the program, and in 2025, the first "West Learns TCM" high-end program was launched in Shanghai, attracting over 50 medical professionals from 11 countries.

Mohammad Khalil, President of the Morocco-China Friendship Association and a participant in the program, shared his personal story: "In the late 1970s, I was influenced by a Chinese medical team in Morocco and came to China to learn TCM. After returning, I opened a clinic to serve the public. Today, my daughter is also using acupuncture in Morocco, continuing both the medical and friendship legacy."

From Africa to Southeast Asia, and from the Americas to Europe, TCM is increasingly becoming a global phenomenon. According to the National Health Commission, TCM has spread to 196 countries and regions, becoming the world’s most complete and influential traditional medicine system. It not only provides a model for the development of traditional medicine in other countries but also offers valuable Chinese wisdom to address global health challenges.

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