Editor's notes:

[Health Byte] is your insider guide to navigating Shanghai's health maze. From the labyrinth of public and private healthcare options to the pulse of cutting-edge medical services, we've got you covered. Each bite-sized article ends with a health tip, making wellness in the city more accessible than ever. Wondering about hospital features, where to find bilingual medics or the scoop on insurance coverage? Health Byte breaks it down, offering clear, actionable insights.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a unique therapy. Though there is always doubt about its effects and there are always discussions on its lack of evidence-based research, local TCM doctors and hospitals are showing the specialties of the therapy and the benefits they can bring to patients.

TCM for skin disease

Dr Li Xin, the director running the dermatology show over at Shanghai Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, has a story. Picture this: a Serbian woman, skin ulcerated and riddled with rashes, exhausted every trick in the Western medicine playbook. Nada. She walks into Li's office as a last resort. What happens next? Herbal soup. A little TCM magic. Problem solved. Ulcers and rashes were gone, and her skin was back under control.

"This case," says Li, "is textbook TCM doing its thing, proving why it still matters in a clinical setting. The funny thing is, a lot of foreign patients swear by it – they call it 'alternative and complementary therapy' back home. A buddy of mine, who heads dermatology at a fancy local hospital, told me he gets foreign patients all the time asking if the hospital offers 'needle.' That's acupuncture, by the way, in foreigner-speak."

When TCM Steps In Where Western Medicine Stops

"In the US and Europe, there are also professional acupuncturists or oriental medicine professionals, who have received strict training and certification. Data said over 36 percent of patients in the US have received such alternative and complementary treatment," he said. "Many foreigners living in China have interest and confidence in TCM and will look for TCM treatment on their own, especially pure Western medicine can't solve their problems."

For skin diseases, most of them are chronic diseases. They are ideal for combined therapy of Western medicine and TCM, which has a very special advantage in disease management. TCM also plays a special role in skin care plus the Western cosmetic formats, he said.

"We hope more people can have access to TCM treatment and experience its unique effects," he added.

Acupuncture anesthesia

A Minimally Invasive Breakthrough: Acupuncture Anesthesia at Work

Acupuncture anesthesia has become a defining feature at Shanghai's Yueyang Hospital, the nation's largest clinical training center for TCM. Widely applied to nearly 70 percent of minimally invasive lung cancer surgeries, the method has now expanded its reach. This week, the hospital achieved a milestone by using acupuncture anesthesia during a transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedure – a minimally invasive treatment for severe aortic valve narrowing. It marked the first time acupuncture anesthesia was applied in a TAVI surgery.

Dr Zhou Jia, president of Yueyang Hospital, emphasized the benefits of this innovative approach. "Acupuncture anesthesia is a good measure to help patients better endure surgery, suffer less trauma and potential complications of anesthesia, and enjoy a quicker recovery," he explained.

How It Works: A Modern Take on Ancient Techniques

The process begins before surgery, with an acupuncturist inserting needles into specific acupoints. These needles are then connected to an electro-acupuncture device that adjusts the strength and frequency of stimulation according to the surgical procedure's requirements.

This method significantly reduces the need for traditional anesthesia. By avoiding intubation, the dosage of anesthesia drops by 70 to 80 percent. Additionally, it eliminates the need for muscle relaxants, a key component of general anesthesia. The result? A shorter surgical process, quicker recovery times, and smoother resuscitation for patients.

A New Era in Surgery and Recovery

"As many operations have become minimally invasive, our anesthesia approach should also evolve to be minimally invasive for the benefit of patients," said Zhou. He highlighted the role of TCM in enhancing recovery after surgery (ERAS), a method designed to improve patient outcomes.

"Proper use of TCM allows patients to wake up quickly, eat and drink soon after surgery, and enjoy shorter hospital stays with lower medical costs. We are conducting more evidence-based research to further validate TCM's effects in ERAS and promote its wider use," Zhou added.

This innovative fusion of ancient practice and modern medicine underscores how acupuncture anesthesia is paving the way for safer, faster, and more efficient surgical procedures.

TCM in Emergency Care

TCM Shines in Emergency Care...Believe it or Not!

Longhua Hospital's Hangtou branch in Pudong New Area has established itself as a leader in combining TCM with Western medicine for emergency care. After a year in operation, officials highlight the effectiveness of this integrated approach, especially in critical and perioperative treatment scenarios.

"We've demonstrated the strong advantage of TCM's non-pharmaceutical interventions during the perioperative period and in managing critical patients," said Dr Chen Xinlin, president of Longhua Hospital.

A Life-Saving Example: Innovation in Action

In April, the Hangtou branch faced a severe case: a 35-year-old patient with Crohn's disease, intestinal perforation, serious infection, and abdominal bleeding. The complications led to multiple organ failure, putting the patient's life in grave danger.

Over a 50-day rescue effort, doctors employed a combination of Western medicine and TCM therapies, including surgery, medication, herbal soup, and acupuncture. Acupoints were carefully selected based on the patient's evolving symptoms, and specific acupuncture techniques were applied to protect intestinal and kidney functions.

Through this integrated approach, the patient made a remarkable recovery and was discharged in stable condition.

TCM's Role in Modern Emergency Medicine

The Hangtou branch's success reflects TCM's growing role in modern healthcare. By complementing Western surgical and pharmacological methods, TCM adds a layer of personalized, holistic care that can improve patient outcomes in critical situations.

This milestone reinforces the potential of integrated medicine to redefine emergency care, offering patients a better chance of recovery through the synergy of ancient wisdom and contemporary practice.

"As the only TCM hospital included in the city's international medical tourism scheme, we've made significant upgrades," Chen said. "At our Xuhui branch, the international medical department has been renovated, and in our new Hangzhou branch, we've introduced commercial insurance and direct billing services."

Chen outlined streamlined processes aimed at improving the patient experience: "We've reworked the treatment process for commercial insurance customers to make it more efficient and overhauled the hospitalization and discharge procedures for patients at the international medical department and high-traffic inpatient departments, creating a one-stop experience."

The hospital is also tapping into TCM's cultural appeal. "We've rolled out programs that blend TCM culture with healthcare, which have been warmly received by international patients," Chen said. "More TCM-featured products are on the way as we aim to broaden access and introduce more people to the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine."

Health Byte Tips:

Sex, Art, and Awareness: How Shanghai is Fighting HIV with Creativity

Shanghai's health authorities are stepping up their game in the fight against HIV/AIDS, swapping out the usual clinical flyers for something with a bit more flair: art. From drama to flash mobs to installation art, the city is getting creative in spreading the word about prevention – especially to younger audiences.

This year alone, the city has reported 1,282 new HIV cases as of November 20, with 547 patients diagnosed with AIDS and 181 AIDS-related deaths. The numbers are stark, and with 96.3 percent of infections traced back to sexual transmission – 52.1 percent of those involving male-to-male contact – there's no time for boring lectures. Shanghai's Health Commission knows it's all about making the message stick, and they're doing it in bold, unexpected ways.

Across the city, grassroots health centers and disease prevention teams are putting their own spin on AIDS awareness. Think performances, flash mobs, and plays – not exactly what you'd expect from your local CDC. Doctors are even taking center stage (literally) in these artistic campaigns, proving that health education doesn't have to feel like homework.

Take Minhang District, for example. Dr Yang Ying from the local CDC has been leading the charge with collaborations between museums and art associations. This year, they pulled off an AIDS-themed drama that mashed up public health messaging with Journey to the West. The result? Students and young people getting a dose of health education alongside their dose of culture – and loving it.

"We wanted people to enjoy the art and take in the message at the same time," said Yang. Judging by the response, it's working. Turns out, creativity might just be the prescription we need in the fight against HIV.

Upcoming Topics

In the upcoming [Health Byte], we'll give basic knowledge about commercial medical insurance, please stay tuned. There will be many tips and practical information.

About the Author

Cai Wenjun is a seasoned health reporter with Shanghai Daily. With extensive experience covering the local medical system, hospitals, health officials and leading medical experts, Cai has reported on major pandemics including SARS, swine flu and COVID-19, as well as developments in the local health industry.