A framework of standards for Traditional Chinese Medicine has been drafted to help improve the quality of products and services, while boosting the international trade in TCM, according to the discipline’s official body.

Wang Lian, spokesman of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, announced the development at a press conference on Tuesday.

To date, nearly 500 standards have been set and published under the framework to govern various aspects of TCM, including administration and clinical practice.

“The establishment and implementation of standards helps with the development of the industry, as well as the international trade in TCM drugs and services,” said Wang.

More than 38,000 TCM doctors have been trained in applying the clinical standards to their own practices, said Wang, adding that the standards have also been integrated into the curriculum of TCM education.

Popular TCM procedures like acupuncture are included in the standardization process, and Wang said this should help improve the quality of service provided to patients.

It is also hoped that the implementation of the framework will help to promote TCM globally.

“We are working closely to get our standards recognized abroad, as well to facilitating the spread of TCM internationally,” he said.