TCM Treatments For Sleep Disorders Now Available For Female Expats

The Shanghai International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital has announced that it will be providing a TCM-based clinic on sleep disorders for women at any life stage. This includes whole-life medical support from puberty to old age.

The clinic is available to expats, as the hospital is in touch with major commercial medical insurance companies, as well as having medical staff with bilingual abilities. This Pacific Prime article will shed more light on how expats can receive TCM solutions for sleep problems.

First Sleep Clinic For Pregnant Women

In 2023, Shanghai International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital opened Shanghai’s first clinic for pregnant women with sleeping disorders, covering their sleep problems before, during, and after pregnancy, as well as covering babies with sleep problems.

Since its opening, the prenatal sleep disorder clinic has offered medical assistance and guidance to almost 10,000 pregnant women. The clinic has then expanded their services to cover perinatal medicine, child care, and psychological medicine.

Now, the hospital further expanded their service by introducing traditional Chinese medicine for sleep disorders.

Dr. Jin Furui, director of the hospital’s TCM gynecology, said “TCM has a different theory from Western medicine, as we believe sleep disorder is a symptom of an imbalance of organ function.”

Difference Between Western Medicine and TCM

Western medicine usually prescribes medication to inhibit the central nervous system that will help with sleep. This, however, could cause dependency and drug resistance in the long term. Stopping the medication can result in serious symptoms arising, causing more health problems for the individual.

On the other hand, traditional Chinese medicine uses herbal medicine, teas, and different techniques to improve organ function and energy. With this kind of treatment, there is no risk of drug dependency or resistance, and it can treat sleep disorders from the source.

Sleep Disorders Are More Common In Women Than In Men

According to a study by the China Sleep Research Society, around 48.5% of 10,000 Chinese adults have sleeping problems. Of this number, 51.1% are female, and 73.7% of which are women aged 65 and above.

Sleep disorders can impact a woman’s quality of life and could cause diseases such as ovary function failure and immunity disorders. Women are more prone to sleep disorders due to hormonal changes in different life stages such as puberty, pregnancy, and old age.

How Expats Can Get TCM For Sleep Problems

According to the hospital, they are currently creating an English version of their online medical service reservation through its public WeChat account, allowing expats to consult for TCM solutions for sleep problems.

The hospital also stated that they are connected with major commercial medical insurance companies, and they employ bilingual medical staff to cater to expats. You can check with your medical insurance provider whether TCM is included in your coverage.

If you do not have an insurance plan, consider securing a plan that has TCM for a more comprehensive coverage as Western medicine may not be as accessible in China for expats

Here are the clinic information for both the TCM and perinatal clinics

TCM Sleep Disorder Clinic

Clinic hours: Tuesday afternoons, Thursday afternoons, and Saturdays

Xuhui Branch (Address: 1961 Huashan Rd 华山路1961号)

Perinatal Sleep Disorder Clinic

Clinic hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and Wednesday mornings

Fengxian Branch (Address: (168 Wanghe Rd 望河路168号)

Both branches offer bilingual reservation and consultation, and you can contact them at 6447-0399, 6407-4887 and 6426-5988.

Have Pacific Prime Help You Secure Your Health Insurance In China

To have better coverage and protection in China, consider looking for health insurance plans that include TCM benefits.

Pacific Prime China has 25 years of experience working in the health insurance industry. We partner with reputable insurers to find you attractive plans, such as maternity and family insurance, that fit your needs and budget.

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