Why Everyone on TikTok Is Talking About Chinese Medicine
From gua sha to herbal teas, here’s how ancient healing is trending again…
TikTok’s latest wellness wave is all about slowing down, tuning in, and going back to ancient roots. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), once considered niche in the Western world, is now everywhere…from your algorithm to your group chat. But as gua sha, acupressure, and herbal teas go viral, it’s worth asking: what are we really embracing, and are we doing it with respect?
Why Chinese Medicine Is Trending Now
Traditional Chinese medicine isn’t new, it dates back thousands of years and is rooted in practices that emphasize balance, energy (qi), and preventative care. But Gen Z and Millennials are rediscovering it with fresh eyes. The digital burnout, overstimulation, and chronic stress that define modern life have left many craving slower, more mindful healing practices.
Enter TikTok. Videos about TCM routines, like tongue scraping, dry brushing, and facial reflexology, are racking up millions of views. Creators are swapping pharmaceutical quick fixes for herbal remedies, acupuncture, and slow rituals. The trend reflects a larger shift: people want wellness that feels intuitive, personalized, and rooted in something deeper than just aesthetics.
Popular TCM-Inspired Practices on TikTok
Many of the most shared practices on the app are adapted from traditional Chinese healing, sometimes with little explanation of their origins. Here are a few currently trending:
Gua Sha and Facial Tools: The practice of using a smooth stone to scrape and stimulate lymphatic flow has become a viral beauty essential. While many creators use gua sha solely for contouring or skin glow, its origins lie in treating stagnation and promoting qi flow across the body.
Herbal Teas and Tonic Waters: From chrysanthemum to goji berry infusions, traditional herbs are making their way into Western pantries. TikTok creators often share recipes for stress relief, hormonal balance, and better sleep—though few include the cultural context behind them.
Cupping Therapy: Once reserved for professional treatment rooms, cupping now appears in TikToks where users show off round purple marks on their backs. The treatment is used in TCM to remove stagnation and increase blood flow.
Tongue Diagnosis: A long-practiced diagnostic tool in Chinese medicine, tongue analysis has gone viral with creators filming daily tongue checks to assess digestion, sleep, and stress levels.
Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation
With any trend rooted in cultural tradition, there’s a line between embracing and exploiting. While some users and brands have taken time to honor the depth and philosophy of TCM, others have rebranded ancient practices with vague names like “detox sculpting” or “face yoga.”
Several creators of East Asian descent have spoken out about the erasure of cultural roots. Their message: if you love the benefits of these practices, respect where they come from. That means crediting the lineage, learning from qualified practitioners, and understanding the philosophy behind the tools, not just their cosmetic results.
What to Keep in Mind Before You Try It
Before trying any traditional practice, especially one that involves herbal medicine or physical tools, it’s smart to consult a licensed TCM practitioner. Just because it looks soothing in a TikTok doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for everyone.
Chinese medicine takes a full-body, individualized approach. What works for one person might be out of balance for another. The best results come from personalized care, not a one-size-fits-all tutorial.
It’s exciting to see traditional healing practices gaining popularity, especially among younger generations. But with that popularity comes responsibility. Chinese medicine offers more than just an aesthetic moment, it offers a worldview rooted in harmony, mindfulness, and deep respect for the body. Let’s make sure we treat it with the reverence it deserves.