Program overview
Orthopedics and Traumatology of Traditional Chinese Medicine is a very hands-on specialty within TCM. It focuses on treating fractures, dislocations, soft tissue injuries, and spinal disorders using non-surgical methods. You'll study basic TCM theories, herbal formulas, meridians and acupoints, but the core courses are bone-setting techniques, small splint fixation, tuina massage, and functional exercises. Chinese universities have unique advantages in this field—for example, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine have dedicated orthopedic clinical teaching bases where students can directly shadow senior TCM practitioners and learn ancestral techniques. This major suits students who enjoy hands-on work, are interested in anatomy and mechanics, and are willing to spend time studying the human body structure. If you are patient, meticulous, and want to master a tangible skill, TCM orthopedics is a great fit.