TRADITIONAL Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners have urged the public to consult only licensed practitioners as more people are turning to them for Covid-19 remedies and post-infection treatments.

Traditional medicines must be prescribed by qualified practitioners, after assessment of the patient’s condition, they said.

Practitioners noted that videos showing purported TCM cures have been circulating on social media, with some claiming to be anti-Covid-19 remedies.

Federation of Chinese Physician and Medicine Dealers Associations of Malaysia’s (FCPMDAM) president Boon Yip Heng said while some TCM products can boost energy and enhance immunity, they should only be consumed after consultation.

However, he observed that many people are going to Chinese medicine shops to buy products without seeking professional advice from TCM practitioners. 

“When TCM pharmacists ask customers where they got their prescription from, customers reply that they simply got it from YouTube,” Boon said.

He said many come seeking medicines to treat cough and congested lungs, which can be symptoms of Covid-19.

Some who have recovered from Covid-19 continue to experience the same symptoms and they seek out traditional Chinese medicine to deal with the after-effects of the virus.

“TCM pharmacists will remind customers that people with certain physical conditions may not be suited for certain types of medication.

“Not all prescriptions are suitable for everyone,” Boon said, stressing that people must consult a physician before taking TCM products.

TCM is not used to treat confirmed Covid-19 infections and patients at severe stages of the virus must go to hospital for treatment, Boon added.

However, some TCM products can complement western medical treatments, he said.

Malaysian Chinese Medical Association President Dr Yong Wee Seong noted an increase in people turning to the internet to buy TCM medicines as preventive measures against Covid-19.

He, too, stressed that people must consult a qualified TCM practitioner before doing so. 

“Only a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner who can do a proper assessment, can recommend the right medication,” Yong said.

He added that TCM can help strengthen the body’s immune system so that if infected, the symptoms will not be so severe.

“For example, western medicine will encourage those with low immune systems to take vitamin C and drink plenty of water. TCM can improve the immune system and regulate the body’s other physical functions and fight illness caused by external factors.

“So, Chinese medicine can be a complement to the western-based medical system,” Yong said, adding that TCM has the potential to help the public healthcare system in terms of patient recovery.
 
TCM shops were allowed to reopen from August 1, 2021 under a revised set of standard operating procedure (SOP). Previously, Chinese medicine shops were not listed as an essential service under the movement control order that started on June 1.

This has caused problems for patients who rely on TCM prescriptions for their treatments, including acupuncture and massage services. 

The Federation of Chinese Physicians & Acupuncturists Association of Malaysia president Prof Dr Ng Po Kok welcomed the revised SOP, as it is helpful in relieving some pressure from Covid-19 hospitals.

Those who require surgeries have also had their operations postponed due to a lack of beds as hospitals are stretched to the limit with Covid-19 cases.

“Now with the reopening of Chinese medicine treatments, we can reduce people’s risk of contracting Covid-19 in crowded hospitals and we can also help with minor rehabilitation treatments,” Ng said.

TCM practitioners providing acupuncture and other close body contact services have set procedures which include limiting patient diagnosis and treatment time to not more than one hour.

Walk-ins to see a TCM physician are no longer allowed and all services are by way of appointment only to limit the crowd at TCM clinics.

Practitioners are also beginning to adopt online consultations where possible, he added.

Ng also said that basic SOP such as wearing gloves, masks and face shields, and other protective equipment, are always a must.

“The SOPs have certainly increased operational costs. However, in consideration of life and safety, TCM practitioners will not be passing on these costs to patients,” he said

As working-from-home has slowly become the norm for many people now, Ng noted that spinal and posture issues have become a bigger health concern. 

He reminded consumers not to blindly believe medicines advertised online.

“If you want to strengthen your health and immunity, traditional medicines can help in this regard.

“But if you are looking to prevent Covid-19 infection, beware products advertised that claim they are able to do this, as in truth, they are actually just flu treatments,” he said. – August 8, 2021.