BEIJING — Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has proved to be effective in treating convalescent COVID-19 patients in their rehabilitation, a health official said on April 14.

Quite a few of the COVID-19 patients who have tested negative for the coronavirus still need continued medical interventions and psychological rehabilitation to make a full recovery, Li Yu, an official with the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said at a press conference.

Related expert teams have been tasked with guiding rehabilitation treatments featuring TCM, and the combination of TCM and Western medicine across the country, Li said, adding that Wuhan is taking the lead in setting up rehabilitation clinics and centers by pooling together the strengths across disciplines.

Chinese health authorities also issued a guideline on the use of TCM for convalescent individuals in February, including TCM prescriptions, diet guidance, moxibustion, cupping, acupuncture and music therapies, as well as traditional exercises such as tai chi.