Chongqing - Fu’s subcutaneous needling (FSN), an innovative therapy rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is gaining international traction for its efficacy in treating chronic musculoskeletal pain through a scientific and replicable approach.

Imagine a needle inserted just beneath the skin, offering minimal discomfort while delivering maximum therapeutic benefits. This is the essence of FSN, a technique grounded in myology that aligns closely with Western anatomical principles. 

"Unlike traditional acupuncture, which focuses on meridian-based acupoints," said Ma Kunlong, Deputy Director of Orthopedics (Trauma) at Chongqing Medical University Affiliated Yongchuan Hospital, in an exclusive interview with Bridging News on March 14. “FSN makes it easier for international practitioners to grasp and incorporate into their practice."

Director Ma uses the Fu’s subcutaneous needling technique to treat a patient. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)

Ma believes the key to internationalizing traditional Chinese medicine lies in “science as a bridge, demand as an anchor, and people as the connection.”

By incorporating real-time feedback on treatment effectiveness and visualized processes, FSN turns TCM's concepts of 'qi and blood' into measurable biomechanical improvements, making it easier to understand and incorporate into modern medical practices, said Ma.

Rather than relying solely on cultural acceptance, he argued that TCM should focus on addressing universal health challenges and leveraging its irreplaceable therapeutic value to enter international markets—only then can its cultural essence be gradually introduced.

In recent years, Ma’s team has introduced FSN to countries like Bulgaria, Thailand, and Germany, engaging in medical exchanges and treatments. “These successful cases serve as more than just medical achievements—they are opportunities for cross-cultural exchange,” he said.

Ma’s team also plans to collaborate with the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) to push for global certification of FSN’s clinical protocols and efficacy assessment standards. They are developing AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment systems to support overseas hospitals remotely.

Additionally, the team will establish Fu’s subcutaneous needling regional centers in partner countries, such as using Thailand as a hub for Southeast Asia and Germany for the EU. Experienced local physicians will lead the centers to conduct targeted research based on regional disease profiles, ensuring the technique is adapted to different populations' needs.

“The global expansion of FSN is part of humanity’s collective effort to combat pain,” Ma said. “We look forward to working with international partners to make this Chinese therapy a ‘universal key’ to pain relief.”

Director Ma demonstrates the Fu’s subcutaneous needling technique to overseas doctors. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)

To further TCM’s international reach, Ma advocates creating “consensus points” between Eastern and Western medicine by designing integrative treatment packages that address gaps in conventional therapies. By breaking down complex TCM concepts into verifiable medical modules, practitioners worldwide can better understand its principles.

He suggests an experiential approach modeled after Confucius Institutes—establishing TCM Health Experience Centers abroad, where hands-on participation can help bridge cognitive divides.

“Globalizing TCM isn’t about imposing the East onto the West—it’s a dialogue between diverse medical traditions,” Ma concluded. “By staying rooted in tradition while embracing innovation, TCM can redefine its role in solving global health challenges and reaffirm the value of Eastern wisdom in modern medicine.”