Traditional Chinese medicine: what the research says

Acupuncture, part of TCM, may help prevent frequent headaches and some long-term pain. Chinese herbal products lack firm evidence.

What a session is

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a health system developed in China over thousands of years. A session may include acupuncture, Chinese herbal products or movement practices such as tai chi.

What the research says

• Headaches and migraine (acupuncture): UK guidelines say consider a course of acupuncture to prevent frequent tension headaches or migraine. Some trials found fake needling worked almost as well. Good evidence it helps · NICE, 2025 · NHS, 2026 · NCCIH, 2019
• Back, neck and long-term pain: Guidelines disagree: NICE says don't offer acupuncture for low back pain, but consider one course for some long-term pain. Tai chi may help too. Some evidence it may help · NICE, 2026 · NICE, 2021 · NCCIH, 2019
• Worry, anxiety and stress: A few low-quality studies suggest acupuncture may ease anxiety. Tai chi and qigong may help too, but bigger, better studies are needed. Limited evidence · NCCIH, 2024
• Low mood: Studies found acupuncture eased low mood somewhat compared with usual care, but most were low quality. See a GP if low mood lasts. Limited evidence · NCCIH, 2022
• Sleep: Small, low-quality studies suggest acupuncture may help sleep. Chinese herbs for sleep are not covered in the sources we use. Limited evidence · NCCIH, 2024
• Menopause: Acupuncture eased hot flushes compared with none, but not compared with fake needling. A review found no clear benefit from Chinese herbs. Limited evidence · NCCIH, 2022 · Cochrane, 2016
• Chinese herbal products (any need) and grief: Chinese herbal products: studies are mostly poor quality, so there are no firm answers. Grief has not been studied in our sources. No good evidence yet · NCCIH, 2019

More on each need: A relaxed body · Feel calmer · Lift your mood · Sleep better · Menopause wellbeing

Is it safe?

Some Chinese herbal products have contained heavy metals, hidden medicines or the wrong herbs, so avoid unlicensed products bought online; in the UK, look for the THR mark. Acupuncture is rarely harmful with sterile needles, but check with your doctor first if you take blood thinners. The NHS advises against herbal medicines if you're expecting a baby or breastfeeding; tell your doctor what you take and don't stop prescribed medicine. NCCIH, 2019 · NHS, 2026

Sessions on Sissoo complement medical care and never replace it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.

Checked 22 October 2026. Next check by April 2027. How we rate the evidence.