Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Singapore
Modern medicine has taken the lead in Singapore’s healthcare system, but Traditional Chinese Medicine also plays an important role. A recent survey by the Ministry of Health showed that 53% of Singaporeans have visited a TCM practitioner in the past year. The benefits of TCM are widely acknowledged, and the popularity of the practice is rising.
acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the many alternative medical treatments that are popular in Singapore. The treatment has many benefits, including organ balance and pain management. It complements other forms of medicine, such as western medicine. There are several types of acupuncture, and your TCM physician will recommend the right treatment for you based on your specific health needs.
The PULSE TCM clinic has been established with a modern approach and traditional TCM knowledge. It has seven clinics in Singapore, including a dedicated pain management center and foot reflex center. Most of its physicians are local, bilingual, and have advanced training in Biomedical Sciences. They are also registered with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB), a statutory board under the Ministry of Health. Their sincere approach has earned them a reputation with the public.
Consultation
Consultation with TCM Singapore focuses on identifying and treating physical imbalances through the treatment of the whole body. TCM treatments include herbal prescriptions, acupuncture, cupping, Chinese massage, and dietary therapy. They can also help with stress management, sleep disorders, and boosting the immune system.
A typical TCM consultation involves four main components, including history-taking and clinical examination. This information helps a TCM physician determine the imbalances in the qi, blood, and pathogenic factors in the body. The physician will then prescribe a treatment tailored to the patient’s condition.
A consultation with a TCM practitioner is free. According to a survey conducted by the National Health Survey 2010, 39.6% of Singaporeans visited a TCMP for general well-being, acute minor injuries, and chronic aches and pains. However, 17.5% of Singaporeans visited a TCMP for a more specific condition.
Treatments
Treatments for TCM in Singapore use a holistic approach to help you manage your health. They can improve your digestive system and help you lose weight. Various types of TCM are practiced in Singapore, including acupuncture. Certain methods involve using tiny needles to stimulate your body’s acupoints. Other methods include herbal medicines.
Consultations with a TCM practitioner may be expensive, but the costs vary depending on the condition being treated and the type of medication prescribed. Fertility medicine is typically more expensive than general medicine. Fertility tonics, like ginseng and velvet antler, are usually prescribed based on the patient’s needs.
In Singapore, TCM practitioners must be certified by the TCM Practitioners Board and have attended classes. The Singapore College of Traditional Medicine provides training and awards official diplomas and certificates. While TCM is still considered an alternative medicine, it has gained popularity and is widely practiced.
Ethics
Singapore is internationally recognised for the development of TCM and its effective policies on regulation. The TCM Practitioners Board (SCTPB) has published a set of ethical guidelines for practitioners. These guidelines are mapped to P-MEX domains. While conventional medicine has stricter standards and regulations, TCM practitioners are likely to have more discretion over the health resources available to them.
In Singapore, TCM practitioners are regulated by the Ministry of Health. This government agency regulates both proprietary medicines and conduct of practitioners. It also accredits TCM schools. TCM practitioners may treat patients from any ethnic background, including non-Ethnic Chinese.