Physician Tan Boon Han is a registered TCM physician at Oriental Remedies Group in Singapore, registered with the TCM Practitioners Board under the Ministry of Health.
He holds a Bachelor of Medicine in Chinese Medicine from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and an Advanced Diploma in TCM from the Singapore College of TCM, and is a member of the Singapore Chinese Physicians’ Association.
His listed clinical focus is pain management, in which he combines acupuncture and tuina, alongside general wellness and chronic conditions.
Clinical focus
Acupuncture (pain).
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
Bachelor of Medicine in Chinese Medicine (Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine); Advanced Diploma in TCM (Singapore College of TCM); registered TCM physician.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Oriental Remedies Group
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): TCM Practitioners Board-registered TCM physician
Getting to the clinic
Physician Tan Boon Han practises with Oriental Remedies Group in Singapore. The group operates more than one outlet across the island, so the most important step is to confirm which branch your appointment is at before you set off. In general, the group’s clinics are located within accessible parts of Singapore that are served by nearby MRT stations and bus routes, with taxi and ride-hailing drop-off available, and most buildings that house such clinics provide paid visitor parking if you are driving. Because branch locations and their nearest stations differ, it is best to ask the clinic for the exact address, the closest MRT and bus stops, and the most convenient drop-off and parking when you book, rather than assuming a particular station.
If you have a choice of outlets, you may wish to pick the branch that is easiest for you to reach and that offers appointment times suited to your schedule. Allowing a little extra time on your first visit is sensible, as registration and an initial assessment usually take longer than a follow-up. Confirm the branch, unit and opening hours directly with Oriental Remedies Group when you book.
What acupuncture and pain management covers
Physician Tan Boon Han’s listed clinical focus is pain management, in which he combines acupuncture and tuina, alongside general wellness and chronic conditions. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles at selected points, and is commonly used within TCM for musculoskeletal and pain-related complaints such as back, neck, shoulder and joint pain. Tuina is a form of therapeutic Chinese massage that works on the muscles and soft tissues and is often used alongside acupuncture for pain and tension. His listed work also extends to general wellness and chronic conditions, where the same tools are applied according to a person’s overall TCM picture rather than a single painful area.
In TCM terms, pain is assessed and managed according to a TCM diagnosis rather than a purely structural one, and the physician selects treatment accordingly, often combining several sessions over a course of care. People commonly seek acupuncture and tuina for long-standing muscular tension, recurrent back and neck pain, and the stiffness that builds up from posture, work or activity. This kind of care is complementary to, not a replacement for, conventional medical care. Where pain may have a serious underlying cause — for example pain that follows a significant injury, that is severe or unrelenting, or that comes with weakness or numbness — a medical assessment is the priority and you should see a doctor first.
What to expect at a consultation
A first consultation usually begins with a detailed discussion of your pain — where it is, how it started, what makes it better or worse — together with your general health and history. The physician then carries out a TCM assessment, which commonly includes observing the tongue and feeling the pulse, and forms a TCM diagnosis. Treatment may involve acupuncture, tuina or both, depending on the assessment, and you should feel free to ask what each technique involves before it is used. Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted at selected points and is usually well tolerated; tuina works the muscles and soft tissues by hand. The physician may also offer lifestyle and self-care advice, such as movement, posture or activity guidance, to support the treatment between visits.
Preparing for your appointment
To make the most of the visit, it helps to bring:
- Photo identification.
- Any relevant medical records, scans or imaging of the painful area.
- A current list of all medications and supplements, including prescription medicines.
- A written list of your symptoms and questions.
- For pain complaints, a brief note of when the pain occurs and what aggravates or eases it — a short symptom diary, including how the pain changes through the day and with activity, can be useful in building a clear picture.
Wearing or bringing comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being treated makes the session easier.
Wearing comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being treated is sensible.
After your consultation and follow-up
After the session you may be given a course of acupuncture or tuina, with review visits to assess progress, and self-care advice. Pain-related complaints often improve over a series of treatments. Keep your medical doctor informed if you are also under their care, and see a doctor for any red-flag or worsening symptoms. Seek urgent medical attention for severe pain after injury, significant weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or fever with back pain, which are matters for conventional medical care rather than TCM.
Booking, referrals and fees
You can usually book directly with the clinic without a referral. TCM consultations and treatments such as acupuncture and tuina are generally a private, out-of-pocket cost and are not covered by MediSave or MediShield Life, which apply to defined medical procedures. As fees vary by clinic and treatment, confirm current charges directly with Oriental Remedies Group when you book.
Common questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture uses fine needles and most people tolerate it well, often feeling only a mild sensation. Tell the physician if you are anxious or have a needle phobia.
Is a TCM physician a medical doctor?
No. A TCM physician is a TCMPB-registered practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, not a medical doctor, and TCM complements rather than replaces conventional care.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the complaint and how it responds, and is reviewed over a course of treatment.
Can I combine TCM with my usual painkillers?
Many people do, but keep both your TCM physician and your doctor informed of everything you are taking, especially prescription medicines.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of TCM physicians & acupuncturists in Singapore and our shortlist of acupuncture & TCM clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Registered TCM physicians in Singapore are regulated by the TCM Practitioners Board (TCMPB); always verify current registration there and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. A TCM physician is not a medical doctor. This page is general information, not medical advice. See our editorial policy.
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