Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
One of the typical treatments still widely used is acupuncture. This uses long, fine
needles to stimulate particular points in your body, aiming to adjust the flow of energy
through and the functioning of a given organ. In many clinics, to ensure sterile conditions,
you can purchase your own sets of acupuncture needles for the practitioner to use on you.
While acupuncture is said to be able to treat a wide range of conditions, it's most popular
for chronic pain, and even weight loss.
Cupping is another popular choice. In this practice, the practitioner uses a glass cup on
a part of your body, often in similar positions to those for acupuncture. Suction is created
either by heat or a pump. This is said to help blood circulation, and it leaves distinctive deep
purple round bruises on your skin for all to see.
Beyond these, other treatment forms include scraping ( gu ā sh ā , 刮痧 ), acupressure,
moxibustion ( ji ǔ , ), massage ( ànmó, 按摩 ), and traditional herbal medicine.
Some of the more popular TCM clinics and hospitals include the very busy Beijing Hos-
pital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Tongrentang Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hospital in Dongcheng district, Beijing Hong Yi Tang Yiyuan near Sanlitun in Chaoyang
district, Beijing Massage Hospital in Xicheng district, and the slightly more stylish Meridi-
an Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic near Lido. For a more Western-friendly option,
there is Straight Bamboo TCM Clinic, which operates out of The Hutong.
Environmental Factors
One aspect of Beijing life that expats struggle to deal with most is the environmental issues.
Pollution is a serious problem in all areas—air, water, and, in many parts of the city, noise
and visual pollution. Food hygiene and food safety are likewise an ongoing concern for the
public.
There are ways to get around the pollution problems, or at least reduce your exposure to
them, but this usually means increasing your expenses by buying imported goods or gad-
gets, and perhaps curtailing your outdoor activities from time to time. Ultimately the envir-
onmental issues will be something you will need to accept or add to your list of cons when
deciding to leave or stay.
AIR QUALITY
Air quality is a serious issue in Beijing. While there are definitely more “blue sky days”
than there were 10 years ago, pollution readings are often at levels that rate as “very un-
 
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