Traditional Chinese Medicine in Femtech in Asia

Introduction

In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has become more present in femtech and women's health across Asia. From herbal remedies to tai chi to acupuncture to cupping and more, TCM offers holistic approaches to menstrual health, fertility, menopause and a range of other women’s health issues. As femtech startups increasingly incorporate TCM principles into their solutions, a fusion of tradition and tech is emerging, with the potential for enhanced wellbeing and personalised, natural and integrative care options.

TCM is a comprehensive system for the prevention, assessment and treatment of acute and chronic disorders. The practice theory is extremely complex and originated thousands of years ago through observation of nature, the cosmos, and the human body.(1) Clinical diagnosis and treatment in TCM are mainly based on the Yin-yang, the Five Elements and Zang-fu organ theories, which apply the phenomena and laws of nature to the study of the physiological activities and pathological changes of the human body. Chinese Traditional Practitioner Samantha Mak in Hong Kong shares that she checks patients using four pillars of diagnosis: look & observation, hear & smell, asking (about symptoms, lifestyle, emotional state, diet, sleep, etc.), and palpitate & pulse. TCM for Mak is for prevention more than cure, focusing on the importance of balance and harmony within the body. The combination of Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHM) and tea treatments act on Zang-fu organs internally, and acupuncture, cupping, tui-na massage, foot therapy stimulate certain areas of the external body, noting tai chi (or other practices) are often included to centre the mind and move energy.

“According to Euromonitor’s Voice of the Consumer: Health and Nutrition Survey, 37% of Chinese female consumers choose natural or traditional remedies for women’s health issues, while in Europe, response rates stand at 27% and 12% for these respective options.”(2) TCM is considered as a complementary or alternative medical system in most of the western countries, though it remains a primary form of care throughout many Asian countries.

Use Cases for TCM in Women's Health

“Dysmenorrhea was first documented in the Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber by Zhongjing Zhang of Donghan Dynasty (A.D.196). As early as in 1237 A.D., the first book devoted solely to gynaecology and obstetrics of Chinese Medicine, The Complete Book of Effective Prescriptions for Diseases of Women, was published.”(3) Despite ancient origins, recent research has shown TCM to be effective in addressing several women’s healthcare issues.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) in the USA funded research that confirmed acupuncture as a palliative treatment, easing joint pain caused by medical treatments for breast cancer(4), with herbs, such as astragalus and turmeric reducing inflammation of breast tissues.(5) Modern therapies like Electroacupuncture (EA) and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) are derived from traditional acupuncture, which has been used in treating gynaecological and reproductive disorders for thousands of years.(6) A study funded by the China Scholarship Council scholarship, Zhejiang National Science Foundation and National Natural Science Foundation of China showed that three unhealthy TCM patterns during the preconception period signal risk for low fecundity or poor pregnancy outcomes. The TCM preconception pattern identification may provide a convenient and effective way to screen for potential pregnancy risks beyond the National Free Prepregnancy Checkups (NFPC).(7)

TCM believes menstrual disorders are caused by imbalances in the body’s vital energy, known as Qi, and the flow of blood. These imbalances can be caused by factors such as emotional stress, improper diet, excessive physical strain, and environmental influences. To restore balance, acupuncture is commonly used to stimulate the body’s energy pathways and promote smooth flow of Qi and blood. The restoration of energy circulation and blood flow circulation is said to effectively regulate hormones and reduce inflammation. Acupuncture often is paired with moxibustion and CHM such as Dang Gui (also known as female ginseng) and ginger, to nourish specific organ systems and correct imbalances.?

According to TCM practitioner Master Ruth Lee, TCM therapies can also be used for for menstrual cycle regulation rather than using oral hormones,(8) including herbal ingredients like ginger, safflower, and motherwort to help relieve pain.(9) CHM and acupuncture have shown curative effects in treating endometriosis.(10)

During fertility treatment and IVF, acupuncture could play a role by helping to enhance blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulate hormone levels, reduce stress, enhance egg quality, and support implantation, all of which are believed to improve the chances of conceiving. CHM like Dang Gu, ginseng, red clover and cinnamon can also help to regulate menstrual cycles and support the ovarian function to enhance fertility. Although no individual Chinese herb is considered especially useful for promoting fertility, more than 100 different herbs, usually given in complex formulas consisting of 12 or more ingredients, are used in the treatment of infertility.(11) The focus for IVF and IUI starts with Liver Qi, controlling emotion and detox, and Kidney Chi, the body’s energy reserves. According to Mak, the TCM patients she sees for fertility are often younger couples, who want to approach pregnancy naturally, or alternatively patients over 35 who are combining TCM practices with Western medicine. TCM is implemented to help follicle growth and at the embryo transfer stage.

During pregnancy, TCM is said to help alleviate early symptoms of miscarriage, lower back pain, and general discomfort. Post-pregnancy, TCM provides support with practices like confinement rituals, lactation support, and treatments such as acupuncture to strengthen the body’s recovery and alleviate discomfort from conditions like mum’s wrist or backache that arise from caring for their newborns.(12) And for menopause, acupuncture could help balance hormones and improve energy circulation in the body, complemented by black cohosh, Dang Gui, and Bai Shao, to relieve menopausal symptoms.(13) (Facial acupuncture has even been referred to as “Chinese Botox”, promoting collagen production, skin quality, diminishing eye puffiness, and decreasing fine lines and wrinkles.)

Femtech Startups in Asia Integrating TCM

First sold in the USA and now based in Hong Kong, Nooci, meaning “women energy” in Mandarin Chinese,(14) offers science-backed supplements inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine. The product is dissolvable supplements that address: 1) gut & skin health - helping to ease bloating, regulate bowel movements, support healthy intestinal and gut mobility, and glowing skin from healthy blood circulation; 2) nasal congestion through a combination of reishi mushroom (support the immune system and reduce fatigue), mint, and perilla leaves (helps with colds and chest congestion);(15) and 3) general women’s wellness in a plant-based, single-serving pack with green tea as a key ingredient for menstrual support, boosting energy levels and immunity, lowering sugar cravings, protecting against free radicals, combating bloating, aiding digestion and maintaining healthy skin.

TCM has been a cornerstone of women’s health in Asia for centuries. Today’s health-conscious consumers seek transparency and evidence. By merging TCM’s wisdom with scientific rigor, we can create accessible, data-driven solutions, empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their healthcare. I believe it's the collaboration between practitioners, doctors, scientists, researchers that will solidify TCM’s role in modern healthcare and empower women to make informed choices today. - Stephanie Tan, Founder, Nooci

Scarlet in Singapore has developed a 100% natural tonic to overcome symptoms of premenstrual syndrome including hormone imbalances and pain from menstrual cramps. Ingredients include chasteberry (Supports the production of progesterone and reduces heavy/irregular periods), acai berry (reduces inflammation and supports hormone production), wild yam (provides relief from menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings), and pink guava (alleviates menstrual cramps). With just 70ml per day, Scarlet’s tonic modulates the neuroendocrine system, controlling secretion of progesterone, estrogen, and prolactin. This not only fosters the production of neurochemicals associated with well-being but also leads to a reduction in menstrual discomfort.

As a femtech founder who believes in natural is best, when more research can be invested to validate the efficacy of TCM solutions and integrating these findings into Femtech innovations, Femtech will be able to offer more practical, honest and positive solutions for the longevity of women through nature. - Laurel Lua, Founder, Scarlet

Rhea Fertility is a modern, comprehensive reproductive health company with its GenPrime clinic network across Asia powered by Rhea Labs - its platform for leading technology integrated along the value chain. Its clinics are centered in Asia including Malaysia and Thailand, and with the Philippines, Singapore, and the United States launching in the coming year. With a holistic approach to reproductive wellness, Rhea Fertility has onboarded TCM experts into its network based on shared values, quality of care, and depth of experience. Two of the partners supporting treatment plans are Madam Partum in Singapore and Elix Healing in the USA, alongside Rhea’s in-house TCM company, Yeh’s Health Management Centre.

We envision a closer collaboration between Western medicine and TCM in the future of fertility health. TCM’s holistic and preventative approach allows us to offer intended parents experiencing subfertility a more comprehensive and effective care plan.” - Nicole Lim, Head of Partnerships, Rhea Fertility?

Outside of the startup scene, TCM is also starting to be offered in hospitals as part of holistic care, with an example of Singapore’s Thomson Medical TCM Department offering: fertility services and broader women’s health care - e.g. pregnancy care, confinement care, menstrual disorders, and menopause.

What's Next?

With the market shifting towards more natural healthcare options, especially post-pandemic, one challenge for these businesses is to demystify TCM(16) and make it more approachable. Branding is a key element to attract consumers with relatable, modern design aesthetics, along with strategic brand partnerships. Secondly, with the complexity of TCM, consumers need to trust the provider. This can be addressed by onboarding and promoting expert? TCM practitioners, integrative doctors and scientists to develop products and oversee R&D. A final challenge is the lack of any one measure or standard for TCM, so quality control is unregulated and not all TCM offerings have clinical research supporting efficacy.

The integration of TCM into the femtech sector in Asia represents an interesting convergence of ancient wisdom and modern innovation. As startups continue to innovate and consumer demands change, more companies will look to integrate TCM as an available and accessible option for a new generation of consumers, however, further research must be conducted support this practice to scale.

FemTech Association Asia is the gateway to the FemTech industry in Asia. Launched in October 2021, we are the region’s first and largest specialist advisory and industry network for Femtech founders, professionals and investors uniting with the core focus on improving women’s health through technology solutions.

https://www.femtechassociation.com

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2816470/
2. https://retailasia.com/commentary/womens-health-in-apac-achieving-optimal-wellness-through-nutrition
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2816470/
4. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/traditional-chinese-medicine-what-you-need-to-know
5. https://www.raffleshealth.com/health-articles/tcm-a-holistic-approach-to-womens-health/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2816470/
7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2095496420300078?via%3Dihub
8. https://www.tatlerasia.com/power-purpose/front-female/in-conversation-ruth-lee-zara-chan-womens-health
9. https://www.euromonitor.com/article/womens-health-in-asia-pacific-adapting-solutions-to-local-consumer-needs-and-lifestyles
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2816470/
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2816470/
12. https://www.orientalremediesgroup.com/supporting-womens-health-with-tcm/
13. https://www.raffleshealth.com/health-articles/tcm-a-holistic-approach-to-womens-health/
14. https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3216750/traditional-chinese-medicine-made-easy-and-tasty-entrepreneur-develops-tcm-based-supplements-women
15. https://www.tatlerasia.com/style/beauty/stephanie-tan-nooci-tcm-women-wellness
16. https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3216750/traditional-chinese-medicine-made-easy-and-tasty-entrepreneur-develops-tcm-based-supplements-women