TCM in Singapore — Complete Guide (2026)

In This Guide

1. What to Look For When Hiring
2. Typical Price Ranges
3. HDB vs Condo vs Landed
4. Red Flags to Watch Out For
5. All 159 Verified Providers
6. TCM by Location
7. FAQ

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Singapore is MOH-regulated under the TCM Practitioners Board (TCMPB). Services include acupuncture, tuina (therapeutic massage), herbal prescriptions, and cupping. Rates run S$35-85 per consultation at HDB neighbourhood clinics, S$80-180 at mid-tier clinics, and S$150-320 at premium TCM practices. Herbal prescriptions add S$30-200 per prescription depending on formula complexity. This guide covers TCMPB registration checks, what TCM is clinically useful for, and what you should pay.

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Every registered TCM practitioner in Singapore is listed on the TCM Practitioners Board (TCMPB) directory. Verify the practitioner's TCMPB registration number. Unregistered practitioners are illegal and often lack proper training.

Check qualifications. Most registered TCM practitioners hold Bachelor's degrees in TCM from Singapore College of TCM, NTU's biomedical sciences programme, or established mainland Chinese universities. Senior practitioners may hold Master's or PhD credentials.

Understand TCM's clinical range. TCM has evidence-based value for chronic pain, menstrual issues, some digestive complaints, and stroke rehabilitation. It should not replace medical treatment for acute cardiac, cancer, diabetes management, or serious infection. Quality practitioners refer patients to western medicine when appropriate.

Ask about herb sourcing. Singapore TCM herbs are regulated under the HSA's Chinese Proprietary Medicine (CPM) framework. Legitimate clinics source from registered suppliers with documented origin. Herbs sourced from unverified mainland suppliers can contain heavy metals or undeclared pharmaceuticals.

For acupuncture, verify single-use sterile needles. Needle reuse is a hepatitis B/C transmission risk and violates standards. Legitimate clinics open new sterile packets in front of patients.

Contact providers directly for pricing.

Prices are estimates as of 2026 and may vary based on scope, urgency, and property type. Get exact quotes for free.

HDB-neighbourhood clinics: community TCM clinics, traditional neighbourhood practitioners, Eu Yan Sang and Hock Hua branches. Consultation S$35-85; acupuncture session S$40-90; herbal prescription S$30-120.

Condo / mall clinics: mid-tier TCM practices with combined acupuncture, tuina, and herbal services. Consultation S$80-180; specialised treatments S$120-280.

Landed / premium TCM practices: specialist and hospital-affiliated TCM (Raffles TCM, Parkway East TCM, private specialist clinics). Initial consultation S$180-350; follow-ups S$120-250; specialised herbal decoctions S$150-500 per course.

No TCMPB registration number: Illegal. All practising TCM physicians must be registered.

Claims to 'cure cancer' or 'cure diabetes': TCM doesn't replace oncology or endocrine care. Practitioners marketing these outcomes are dangerous.

Reusing acupuncture needles: Infection transmission risk. Watch the needle handling — sterile packets should open fresh for you.

Undeclared ingredients in herbs: Some grey-market herbs contain undisclosed steroids or NSAIDs producing fast 'relief' but long-term harm. Ask for printed formula documentation.

Pushes expensive herbal courses after one visit: A reputable practitioner assesses and prescribes appropriately. Those pushing S$500-2,000 herbal courses before treatment shows response are selling, not treating.

How many TCM providers are on KakiList?

We currently list 159 verified TCM providers serving Singapore. New providers are added regularly after verification.

Is KakiList free to use?

Yes, KakiList is completely free for homeowners. There are no platform fees, no middleman charges, and no hidden costs. You contact providers directly via WhatsApp or phone.

How are TCM providers verified?

Providers with a verified badge have submitted their ACRA business registration number. All providers also display their real Google reviews and ratings for transparency.

How do I get TCM quotes?

Use our free quote tool to describe your job. We'll match you with up to 5 verified providers who will contact you directly on WhatsApp with their quotes. No obligation.

What is the average rating of TCM providers on KakiList?

Our providers display their real Google ratings. We prioritize quality and regularly review provider performance.