A Traditional Chinese Medicine help line in English was launched in Beijing on Wednesday by the State-owned Guang'anmen Hospital affiliated with the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and local TCM authority.

The number for the help line is 88001800, and the calls are completely confidential. No extra service fees are required, except for the cost of the call.

The hot line is the first non-profit TCM information and referral service in Beijing, if not China, committed to promoting the safe and effective use of TCM for overseas patients.

It also ensures that those seeking TCM solutions for their health problems have the opportunity to talk with Chinese experts.

Questions regarding short-term training for professionals, a one-day educational tour at a local TCM hospital as well as internship programs for overseas medical students can be answered through the help line.