Chinese medicine stretches back millennia, with systematic records dating to the second century BC. Over the centuries, countless physicians have refined a body of knowledge that today we know as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In this roundup we explore 10 really weird Chinese medical treatments and the effects they’re claimed to have, from the familiar to the downright bizarre.
10 Cupping
Why This Is One of the 10 Really Weird Remedies
If you look beyond the infamous bruised arms of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, cupping opens a portal to a therapy that promises more than a fleeting placebo. While it’s often touted as a performance‑boosting hack, practitioners actually employ it to tackle chronic aches, from nagging back pain to stubborn joint stiffness.
Recent investigations reveal that the suction created by the cups encourages vasodilation and ramps up blood flow, helping the body flush out metabolic waste and toxins more efficiently. Though the evidence isn’t strong enough to claim a cure for heart disease, the technique does appear to ease a wide array of discomforts with very few side‑effects.
Once the bruises fade, you’ll be ready to dive back into the pool—or any activity you fancy—just remember to keep your shirt on, unlike Mr. Phelps.
9 Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a time‑honored practice that’s gaining global acceptance, was originally believed to stir the body’s vital energy and heal a spectrum of illnesses. Today, it’s most commonly deployed to relieve chronic pain, and in China it even doubles as a form of anesthesia during certain surgeries.
Clinical trials have shown that patients often experience significant relief from conditions like chronic back pain and fibromyalgia after a course of needle therapy. The growing body of evidence is nudging the medical community to view acupuncture as a valuable adjunct to conventional treatments.
While the idea of being punctured in multiple spots might make the faint‑hearted wince, the actual sensation is surprisingly mild, and many find the modest discomfort well worth the therapeutic payoff.
8 Ginseng
Ginseng, often dubbed the “person plant root” because its shape mirrors a tiny human figure, has long been a symbol of vitality in Chinese folklore. Beyond its mystical aura, modern research points to a suite of health‑boosting properties that can enhance overall wellbeing.
Thanks to potent antioxidant activity, ginseng helps curb inflammation and oxidative stress, two culprits behind many chronic diseases. Studies suggest it may support brain health, improve erectile function, and even play a role in cancer prevention.
Whether you sip it as a tea or chew it as a supplement, ginseng remains a staple in many TCM formulas aimed at promoting longevity and resilience.
7 Seahorses
Seahorses, those charming marine dwellers famed for male pregnancy, have found their way into the apothecary shelves of TCM. Across the globe they’re kept as aquarium pets, but in Chinese medicine they’re prized for a host of purported health benefits.
Practitioners claim that seahorse extracts fortify the kidneys, elevate sexual vigor, and boost overall vitality. The tiny creatures are believed to stimulate nerve activity and enhance reproductive health, making them a popular ingredient in tonics aimed at vigor and stamina.
While the scientific backing is still emerging, the cultural reverence for seahorses continues to drive their inclusion in traditional formulas.
6 Softshell Turtles
Soft‑shell turtles are a high‑priced component in many TCM recipes, celebrated for their purported cooling qualities. Traditional texts suggest the soft shell can hydrate the skin, nourish the blood, alleviate diarrhea, and give the immune system a much‑needed boost.
Scientific inquiries have identified that extracts from the turtle shell may stimulate the production of immune globulins, thereby extending the lifespan of certain antibodies and reinforcing the body’s defense mechanisms.
Beyond their medicinal role, the meat and shells of soft‑shell turtles are also considered delicacies in select Chinese regions, prized for their rich mineral and collagen content.
5 Cockroaches
In recent years, cockroaches have surged in popularity within TCM circles. Massive farms across China raise billions of these resilient insects, and a 2013 mishap saw millions of them escape, underscoring the scale of the industry.
These critters are believed to aid in burn recovery and are incorporated into a variety of cosmetic products throughout China and South Korea, where they’re valued for skin‑repairing properties.
Additionally, traditional formulas claim cockroach extracts can combat gastroenteritis, duodenal ulcers, and even pulmonary tuberculosis. A pharmaceutical company in Sichuan is currently developing a medicinal syrup based on these claims.
4 Deer Sinew
Deer sinew, a staple in many Chinese households, is prized for its capacity to reinforce bones and tendons, ease muscle spasms, and provide temporary respite from arthritis pain. The high concentration of collagen peptides and proteins is thought to drive these benefits.
Animal studies have demonstrated that deer sinew can mitigate bone loss and slow the progression of osteoporosis, suggesting a promising role in skeletal health. However, consumers should verify authenticity, as counterfeit products sometimes substitute cattle tendons for the genuine article.
When sourced responsibly, deer sinew remains a cherished ingredient in tonics designed to promote structural strength and flexibility.
3 Sea Stars
Sea stars, better known as starfish, have earned a reputation in TCM for their robust anti‑inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a common thread linking ailments such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, IBS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, allergies, asthma, and even various cancers.
Research is now exploring the slimy secretion of certain starfish species as a potential therapeutic agent for inflammation‑related conditions, bridging traditional wisdom with modern biomedical inquiry.
The growing interest underscores the sea star’s place as a valuable, though unconventional, component of herbal formulations aimed at calming the body’s fire.
2 Caterpillar Fungus
Known colloquially as “worm grass,” the caterpillar fungus, or Cordyceps, begins life as a microscopic spore that infects high‑altitude moth caterpillars. After the host perishes, the fungus erupts from the corpse in a striking, finger‑like formation.
Despite its macabre origins, Cordyceps is harmless to humans and is celebrated for supporting kidney and liver health. Athletes also turn to it for performance enhancement, and emerging studies suggest it may inhibit the growth of certain lung and skin cancer cells.
The fungus’s unique life cycle and potent bioactive compounds have cemented its status as a prized, albeit pricey, ingredient in many modern TCM preparations.
1 Gecko
Geckos are employed in TCM to quell coughs and colds, thanks to their alleged ability to nurture the lungs and kidneys—organs directly linked to respiratory health in Chinese theory. A pinch of dried lizard is thought to soothe the throat, while also being prescribed for impotence and premature ejaculation.
If you’ve ever spotted a dried gecko hanging ominously in a Chinese pharmacy window, you now know the logic behind its placement: practitioners believe its magical properties can restore vitality and respiratory function.
These tiny reptiles, despite their creepy reputation, continue to play a curious role in the vast tapestry of Chinese medicinal practices.