A tourist from Thailand and her Brazilian boyfriend lodged a police report in Singapore after visiting Hwealth TCM Care at Citylink mall on Aug 7, alleging they were upsold traditional Chinese medicine treatments and that the male partner underwent bloodletting without his consent, according to Shin Min Daily News.
The visiting couple incurred a total bill of $954 for what was initially sought as simple relief for a stiff neck. Ms Zhang stated that staff recommended a one-hour massage and a one-hour moxibustion treatment for her, alongside a one-hour back massage for her 27-year-old boyfriend, Lincoln.
Once inside separate treatment rooms, Ms Zhang was told by her therapist that her condition was too severe for moxibustion alone. The therapist recommended an electrotherapy treatment called “Santong” priced at $198 for an hour. Ms Zhang agreed to the charge, believing the price was acceptable to secure relief for her neck pain.
Did You Know? Hwealth TCM Care at Citylink mall holds a 4.8-star rating based on 200 Google reviews, according to a check by Stomp.
Consent Concerns Over Bloodletting and Additional Bills
After finishing her own session, Ms Zhang entered her boyfriend’s room and discovered the therapist performing cupping and gua sha. Lincoln, who does not speak Chinese, told Shin Min that he merely pointed to his neck when asked where he felt uncomfortable during the massage, thinking the therapist was asking which area to focus on. Instead, the therapist initiated bloodletting.
“When I saw the blood, I was shocked,” Lincoln said, adding that he endured the remainder of the session because he worried complaining would lead to further sales pitches. Photographs shared with Shin Min showed red marks and blisters on his neck following the procedure.
At the cashier, the couple received an initial bill of $866 listed simply as “treatment charges.” Lincoln subsequently paid an additional $88 for an extended 30-minute massage that Ms Zhang had agreed to after her therapist informed her that her boyfriend had requested it. Unfamiliar with local pricing during their first trip to Singapore, the couple initially paid the total sum of $954 before deciding to report the matter to the police.
Clinic Response and Public Fallout
Following the incident, Ms Zhang detailed her experience across a series of posts on Xiaohongshu, drawing widespread online attention. The clinic subsequently contacted the couple to apologise for the poor experience, offering a 15 per cent refund and stating they would assess the involved therapist and improve communication with foreign customers.
Ms Zhang rejected the 15 per cent offer and counter-requested a 50 per cent refund, arguing that while services were provided, half the amount would be a reasonable resolution. The clinic declined the counter-offer, stating the company would not agree to it. When Shin Min visited the clinic on Aug 8 and Aug 9, staff stated the owner was in China, and a manager who later called the reporter declined to have her comments published.
Frequently Asked Questions
What clinic did the couple visit?
The couple visited Hwealth TCM Care located at Citylink mall on Aug 7.
Why did the couple contact the police?
They lodged a police report alleging they were upsold treatments and that Lincoln underwent bloodletting without his consent, ultimately paying a total of $954.
How did the clinic respond to the complaint?
The clinic apologized for the poor experience, offered a 15 per cent refund, and promised to assess the therapist and improve communication with foreign customers, though they declined Ms Zhang’s request for a 50 per cent refund.
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